Locks changed at Paphos Diocese adminstration with police present

A locksmith changing the locks at the entrances to the diocesan administration of Paphos. Photo: Omega

At the diocesan administration of the Paphos Metropolis of the Cyprus Orthodox Church, premises were opened and locks were replaced in the presence of police. As reported by Cypriot media, this occurred on January 29, 2026, after the former ruling hierarch, Metropolitan Tychikos, allegedly failed to hand over the keys to the metropolitan residence and chancery by the deadline set by Archbishop Georgios.

The day before, Archbishop Georgios sent Metropolitan Tychikos a written demand to voluntarily surrender the keys by the morning of January 29, warning that otherwise access to the building would be ensured by force – in the presence of police and with an inventory of property. Despite statements by the hierarch's legal representatives about handing over the premises, the Primate of the Cyprus Church declared that this did not correspond to reality and ordered more decisive action to be taken.

At noon on January 29, Paphos police officers arrived at the metropolis building. A locksmith was called in and replaced the locks at the entrances to the diocesan administration so that, as noted, outside working hours access would be limited exclusively to authorized persons and staff. Metropolitan Tychikos was invited to be present during the opening of the premises and to collect any personal belongings he might have.

Against the backdrop of these events, supporters of the hierarch gathered at the Paphos Metropolis building. As Cypriot media write, about 30 people came to support Metropolitan Tychikos. Some of them went inside, expressing verbal protest against the actions of the church leadership. According to media reports, the conflict did not escalate into physical confrontation. Police were present at the scene, but intervention was not required.

Archbishop George's actions became another stage in the protracted conflict related to the removal of Metropolitan Tychikos, the consideration of his appeals in church and secular instances, and attempts to challenge the decisions of the Holy Synod of the Cyprus Orthodox Church.

As the UOJ wrote, the Archbishop of Cyprus demanded that Metropolitan Tychikos leave the diocesan building.

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