Archbishop of Cyprus prohibits Metropolitan Tychikos from celebrating services

Metropolitan Tychikos and Archbishop Georgios. Photo: alphanews.live

On July 26, 2025, Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus, in a letter addressed to Metropolitan Tychikos, prohibited him from celebrating services within the Paphos eparchy.

The letter states: “In the decision of the Holy Synod dated May 22, 2025, regarding your person, it is clearly indicated that you were placed at the disposal of the Church, which may make use of you where necessary, after you first submit a confession of faith that will be accepted by the Synod.”

“Since this has not happened, and primarily because of the appeal you submitted to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, it is not possible at this time for the Holy Synod to appoint you to any specific position – only after a decision of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and in agreement with it,” Archbishop Georgios writes.

He continued that until then Metropolitan Tychikos “may not celebrate services in Paphos.”

“As an exception, you are granted permission to celebrate the Divine Liturgy on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at the Church of St. George in Mesana on the anniversary of your mother’s death.”

The Archbishop also wrote that:

“The Holy Synod accepted my proposal that, if you wish, you may temporarily reside in the Archdiocese of Cyprus.”

“The Holy Synod draws your attention to the strict observance of its decisions,” he concluded, signing as “Locum Tenens of the Metropolis of Paphos.”

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Holy Synod of Cyprus had removed Metropolitan Tychikos from the administration of the Paphos Eparchy, but the bishop later stated that he remains the bishop of Paphos until his case is finally decided by the court of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Read also

Zoria: "Russian world" prevents us from settling in Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra

The spokesperson for the OCU lamented that he cannot gain full access to the temples and caves of the monastery. 

Clerics of Sumy Eparchy evacuate 78 residents of frontline villages in 2025

The Spiritual Rehabilitation Center at the Sumy Eparchy of the UOC in 2025 combined pastoral service with humanitarian aid and evacuation of civilians.

Sandu attends Synod meeting of Moldovan Orthodox Church

The President of Moldova attended the Synod meeting chaired by Metropolitan Vladimir of Chișinău.

Odesa Eparchy provides assistance to Kherson churches damaged by shelling

Financial support is aimed at restoring churches damaged by shelling.

Khmelnytskyi Eparchy raises over UAH 4 million for charity in 2025

The Khmelnytskyi Eparchy has summed up its charitable financial assistance for 2025.

UOC Chancellor comments on possible papal visit to Ukraine

Metropolitan Anthony recalled that the UOC rejects unionism in principle as a path to unity with the Roman Catholic Church.