Faithful send letter to Cyprus Archbishop in defense of Metropolitan Tychikos
The Orthodox flock of Paphos has called on the head of the Church of Cyprus to abandon pressure on the hierarch and avert the threat of a church schism.
The faithful of the Metropolis of Paphos have addressed an open letter to Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus. In the document, they express deep concern over the developments surrounding Metropolitan Tychikos and call for dialogue and canonical justice, UOJ in Greece reports.
The authors of the appeal stress that the Church is the living Body of Christ, not merely an administrative organization. In their view, the voice of the faithful people has historically been an important criterion of truth and ecclesial canonicity.
The faithful state that a large-scale campaign of discreditation has been unleashed against their hierarch, including public defamation, threats of suspension, and threats of deposition from the priesthood. “We are witnessing a path that seems predetermined from the outset: first there was an attempt at public humiliation, then suspension, and now there are threats of defrocking,” the letter says.
In their appeal to Archbishop Georgios, the faithful cite the historical examples of St Athanasius the Great, St John Chrysostom, and St Maximus the Confessor, all of whom were unjustly persecuted by the church administration of their time, yet continued to be recognized by the faithful as their true pastors.
The letter also points to the need for strict observance of Canon 6 of the Second Ecumenical Council and Canon 15 of the First-Second Council, which guarantee a bishop the right to transparent proceedings and protect the Church from arbitrary actions by its leadership.
The faithful describe Metropolitan Tychikos as their spiritual father, whose simplicity and devotion to ministry have united thousands of people throughout the region. “Metropolitan Tychikos remains in our hearts our shepherd, whatever administrative acts may be adopted. The love of the people for their bishop cannot be imposed or abolished by decrees,” the authors conclude.
The faithful call on Archbishop Georgios to refrain from extreme disciplinary measures that could lead to a deep division among the believers of Cyprus.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Patriarchate of Constantinople had once again rejected Metropolitan Tychikos’ appeal.
