Patriarchate of Constantinople again rejects Metropolitan Tychikos's appeal

Metropolitan Tychikos. Photo: Cyprus-mail

On March 18, 2026, the Ecumenical Patriarchate has informed the Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus that a second appeal lodged by Bishop Tychikos against his suspension has been rejected, reports Cyprus Mail.

According to Archbishopric spokesman Christakis Efstathiou, the Holy Synod would now focus on completing amendments to its constitutional framework and advancing procedures for the election of a new Metropolitan of Paphos. He added that it is now up to Bishop Tychikos to decide how he will proceed.

The bishop had filed a new appeal at the end of January, challenging the Synod’s earlier decision to place him on suspension. At the time, Efstathiou said the move was contradictory, noting that Tychikos had not accepted the initial ruling of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and had also attempted to contest it through civil courts.

The Archbishopric spokesman also stated that the Holy Synod did not intend to engage further with the bishop’s actions, expressing the view that third parties may be influencing him towards misguided decisions.

It should be noted that on March 4, 2026, the Supreme Court of Cyprus for the second time refused Metropolitan Tychikos' petition to annul the decisions of the Synods of the Cyprus Orthodox Church and the Patriarchate of Constantinople, which removed him from the Paphos bishopric.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that residents of Paphos declare their disagreement with the change of the head of the diocese and demand the restoration of canonical order and the return of Metropolitan Tychikos to his see.

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