Metropolitan Tychikos issues statement following appeal in Constantinople

Metropolitan Tychikos of Paphos. Photo: UOJ

Metropolitan Tychikos of Paphos, who was removed from his see in May 2025 by decision of the Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus, has made his first public statement following the hearing of his appeal at the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople, UOJ in Greece reports.

According to the source, a decision from the Ecumenical Patriarchate on the appeal is expected in the coming days.

In his video message, Metropolitan Tychikos said:

“I thank my Patriarch and father, His All-Holiness Bartholomew, and the Holy Synod under him, who listened to me with great love, patience, and fairness. I must once again make clear that I condemn schism.”

As previously reported, on May 22, 2025, the Synod of the Church of Cyprus voted (10 to 6) to remove Metropolitan Tychikos from the Paphos See. One of the key points of conflict was the bishop’s refusal to receive in his eparchy the relics of the Apostle Paul, which had been brought to Cyprus under an agreement with the Vatican, since the ceremony was to include the participation of a Catholic cardinal.

Under Article 81 of the Charter of the Church of Cyprus, any hierarch who has been deposed or deprived of his rank may appeal to the Ecumenical Patriarch. Once an appeal is submitted, enforcement of the synodal decision is suspended until the case is reviewed by the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Metropolitan Tychikos maintains that serious procedural violations were committed in the process of his removal: no investigative commission was convened, no charges were presented to him in advance, he was not given access to the case materials, and he was denied the opportunity to defend himself.

The final decision of the Ecumenical Patriarchate will determine the future of the Paphos See and of Metropolitan Tychikos himself.

As the UOJ previously reported, Metropolitan Tychikos of Paphos had earlier submitted an appeal to the Ecumenical Patriarch.

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