An official letter was sent by the Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus to the former Metropolitan of Paphos, Mr. Tychikos. The letter, signed by Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus acting as Locum Tenens of the Metropolis of Paphos, explicitly states that Mr. Tychikos is not permitted to perform liturgical services in Paphos, with the sole exception of a permission granted to celebrate the Divine Liturgy at his mother’s memorial service.
The letter clearly states: “In the decision of the Holy Synod dated May 22, 2025, regarding your person, it is explicitly mentioned that you are defrocked and placed at the disposal of the Church, which will employ you where deemed appropriate, provided that you first submit a confession of faith acceptable to the Synod.”
However, as pointed out, “this has not happened, and mainly due to the petition you submitted to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Thus, the assignment of a specific role by the Holy Synod cannot be made now but only after the decision of the Ecumenical Patriarchate regarding the petition.”
Consequently, “until then you are not allowed to perform liturgical services in Paphos. As an act of economy, you are granted permission to celebrate the Divine Liturgy on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at the Church of St. George of Mesana for the annual memorial of your mother.”
The Archbishop and Locum Tenens of the Metropolis of Paphos adds that “the Holy Synod accepted my proposal that, if you wish, you may be hosted meantime at the Holy Archdiocese of Cyprus. The Holy Synod calls your attention to the strict adherence to its decisions.”
The letter concludes by emphasizing the necessity for Mr. Tychikos to comply with the decisions of the Holy Synod.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas