Paphos, Cyprus, April 28, 2026
Photo: ekklisiaonline.gr
Hundreds gathered in Paphos on Saturday in support of His Eminence Metropolitan Tychikos, carrying banners declaring “The reason for Tychikos’ persecution is that he fights Ecumenism” and demanding his restoration to the Paphos cathedra, even as Church authorities move closer to imposing the penalty of defrocking.
The demonstration at Paphos Town Hall Square concluded with a march to the Metropolis building, coming just one day before an incident at the Church of the Holy Apostles Paul and Barnabas that has deepened the conflict between the suspended Metropolitan and Archdiocesan authorities.
On Sunday morning, Met. Tychikos reportedly appeared at the church wearing liturgical vestments and attempted to commemorate names at the table of oblation during the Divine Liturgy. According to his legal representative, the Protosyncellus of the Metropolis, Archimandrite Ioannis Theocharis, physically pulled him by the arm, demanding he leave, reports Ekklisia Online.
“The Protosyncellus had no right to do this,” Giakoumakis stated, adding that Met. Tychikos “did not exercise any physical violence.”
The Protosyncellus visited a hospital following the incident for treatment of injuries he said he sustained. Both sides filed police complaints.
Photo: eeod.gr
The Archdiocese of Cyprus firmly rejected Met. Tychikos’ account. It issued a statement emphasizing that clergy under suspension are forbidden from wearing the distinctive vestments of their rank or from commemorating at the table of oblation. “In a remark by the priest in charge of the church that such a thing is not permitted, the former Metropolitan struck him and pushed him at the same time,” the Archdiocese stated, citing the testimony of the church’s second priest.
According to reporting from Ekklisia Online, members of the Holy Synod now consider the situation to have reached a breaking point, with at least two Synod members reportedly calling for immediate defrocking. However, the Synod has decided it will instead issue a final warning that continued defiance will result in deposition from the clergy.
Met. Tychikos’ legal team maintains that commemorating names does not constitute performing a Sacrament and that witnesses confirm no violence occurred on the Metropolitan’s part.
The supporters who gathered Saturday are demanding Met. Tychikos’ restoration, adherence to sacred canons, and preservation of lay participation in episcopal elections. Amendments to the Church’s charter that would pave the way for electing a new Metropolitan of Paphos are expected to be approved by the Holy Synod in June.
Met. Tychikos’ legal team has previously alleged that his removal was driven by financial motives, claiming he was pushing for collection of an €8 million municipal debt and had ordered audits that could expose financial irregularities. The Archdiocese dismissed these claims as “false and baseless,” noting that the case against Met. Tychikos was based on ecclesiological charges, not financial accusations.
For background on the deposition of His Eminence Metropolitan Tychikos, see here.
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