In Paphos, faithful ready to protest in support of Metropolitan Tychikos

Metropolitan Tychikos with faithful outside the Paphos Metropolis. Photo: omegalive.com.cy

On Sunday, May 25, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., a peaceful rally will take place in the main square of Paphos in support of Metropolitan Tychikos, who was removed from office by a decision of the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus.

The event is being organized by parishioners of the Paphos Metropolis, according to Sigma TV correspondent Marios Ignatiou.

According to the organizers, the rally is intended to show support for Metropolitan Tychikos, who was elected by the people and officially installed on the episcopal throne in 2023. They call on all believers – especially residents of Paphos city and diocese – “not to remain silent in the face of obvious injustice” and “to be the voice of those who are being silenced.”

The decision to remove the metropolitan was made on May 22 at an extraordinary meeting of the Synod. A statement circulated by supporters declared that this day “will forever remain in the history of the Cypriot Church and society as a day of shame and disappointment.”

Andreas Siikkis, a prominent defender of the bishop, member of the committee of the Holy Metropolis of Paphos, and deputy mayor of Geroskipou, stated that the decision was rushed and lacked the basic procedures of ecclesiastical due process and the right to defense.

According to him, the 38-page indictment was never even handed over to the metropolitan for a written response.

“We’re not talking about crimes or scandals. We’re talking about church matters, administrative decisions, disagreements, and interpretations that could and should have been resolved in a spirit of love, brotherhood, and dialogue,” Siikkis emphasized.

He described the decision as a “silent execution” aimed at elimination, rather than correction.

According to Tychikos’s defenders, the true reason for his removal lies in his character: a straightforward, hardworking, and approachable hierarch who embodied the hope for a Church that is close to the people.

“If the Church now encourages silence and punishes the voice of truth, it is abandoning its own mission,” Siikkis added.

He also stressed that the Church is not a military tribunal: “If it loses its role as a source of consolation and becomes a mechanism for punishment without justice, it will lose its very meaning.”

Metropolitan Tychikos himself has expressed deep disappointment: “No one has told me where to go or what to do. I’m waiting for the Archbishop himself to contact me and explain.”

He also admitted he would like to go to Mount Athos, but this possibility is blocked due to diplomatic and inter-church complications stemming from his alleged ties with members of a “breakaway” community in Thessaloniki.

The Synod cited “serious deficiencies in governance and pastoral care” in the Paphos Metropolis as the reason for the dismissal.

To retain his episcopal rank and remain a member of the Synod, Metropolitan Tychikos must submit a written confession of faith and agree to accept a new, honorary but non-administrative position.

Nevertheless, the metropolitan continues to receive broad support from church and public figures. Among his supporters are Metropolitans of Morphou and Limassol, Bishop Pancratios of Arsinoe, and the abbot of the Monastery of Chrysorrogiatissa.

In addition, the political movement “Changing Course” stated that the Synod’s decision was a “betrayal of the Truth and of faith in Christ.”

After 15 years of service in the Paphos Metropolis, Metropolitan Tychikos left his position with sorrow. However, he later returned to the Metropolis building to personally thank the faithful who had gathered for a spontaneous show of solidarity.

New elections for the metropolitan of Paphos are scheduled for July 6, 2025. The candidates are expected to include the same individuals who participated in the previous vote.

Metropolitan Tychikos was elected by the faithful of the Paphos Metropolis on February 19, 2023, and confirmed by the Synod on February 23. He was consecrated and enthroned on March 12 of the same year. The hierarch holds a degree in theology, is the author of several scholarly works, and is originally from the villages of Salamiou and Mesana. He is the youngest of six children in his family.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Holy Synod of Cyprus removed Metropolitan Tychikos from his leadership of the Paphos Diocese.

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