bishop tychikos — Supporters of suspended former Paphos bishop Tychikos gathered outside the archbishop’s palace in old Nicosia on Saturday, demanding the Holy Synod reverse its decision and reinstate him to his church duties.
- As tensions continue, the church is preparing for the election of a new bishop of Paphos later this month, with synod meetings scheduled between May 18 and 20.
The protest saw demonstrators carrying banners, religious icons, and signs that expressed solidarity with Tychikos, while they chanted slogans advocating for his return. Many attendees voiced their belief that the church authorities had acted unfairly in suspending the cleric.
One protester, echoing the sentiments of the crowd, declared, “We ask the synod to withdraw its decision regarding his suspension.” This call for action followed a recent incident at St Paul’s church in Paphos, where Tychikos was barred from participating in a liturgy by the officiating priest, who cited the synod’s suspension order as the reason.
Tychikos, through his lawyer, has sought the church’s retraction of its decisions, or alternatively, to have the matter annulled in the Supreme Court. He asserts that the restrictions placed on suspended clerics pertain mainly to leading liturgies, not attending services or commemorations.
Adding to the tension, Tychikos has alleged he was “violently” removed from the church during the Paphos incident, a claim that has contributed to the ongoing dispute. Both sides have made complaints that remain under police investigation.
Outside the archbishop’s palace, supporters described Tychikos as “unjustly targeted” and called for a fair process. One protester emphasised the need for church leaders to prioritise unity among the faithful instead of division.
Earlier in the week, Archbishop George publicly stated that the synod had thoroughly examined Tychikos’s case multiple times, with decisions ratified twice by the Ecumenical Patriarchate. He remarked, “I do not think there is any more room for this situation to continue.”
The controversy surrounding Tychikos began last May when he was removed from the Paphos bishopric during an emergency synod session, following disputes with Archbishop George over church protocol and administrative matters.
As tensions continue, the church is preparing for the election of a new bishop of Paphos later this month, with synod meetings scheduled between May 18 and 20.
