The Tychikos appeal has formally reached the Ecumenical Patriarchate, challenging the Church of Cyprus’s decision to dethrone him as Metropolitan of Paphos.
According to exclusive reports from the Orthodox News Network (EOD), Metropolitan Tychikos submitted a multi-page petition on Thursday to the Secretariat of the Holy Synod. The appeal contests the Synod’s 22 May 2025 ruling, which resulted in his removal by a 10–6 vote.
What is the Tychikos appeal?
This legal recourse, formally known as an ekklito, is the highest form of canonical appeal in Orthodox Church law. The Tychikos appeal invokes Article 81 of the Charter of the Church of Cyprus, which allows any bishop who has been deposed or removed to seek recourse directly through the Ecumenical Patriarch in Constantinople. Similar provisions exist in other Orthodox churches, including that of Greece.
Once submitted, the appeal automatically suspends the execution of the Synod’s ruling until the Ecumenical Patriarchate reaches a decision.
Who is the Ecumenical Patriarch?
The Ecumenical Patriarch- currently Bartholomew I- is not part of the Cypriot Church or its Synod. He is the Archbishop of Constantinople and the highest-ranking bishop in the Eastern Orthodox Church, serving as its symbolic and canonical head.
Although the Church of Cyprus is autocephalous (self-governing), the Ecumenical Patriarch has long held authority in hearing appeals from bishops in Orthodox jurisdictions worldwide.
This means the Tychikos appeal is being heard by a neutral and external authority- not someone within the same body that removed him.
What are the consequences?
While the Tychikos appeal is active, Metropolitan Tychikos remains the legitimate Bishop of Paphos. The Synod is barred from electing a replacement (this means the upcomign election in Tsada cannot be held), and the Archbishop of Cyprus must cease serving as caretaker (locum tenens) of the Paphos Metropolis.
What will happen next?
The Ecumenical Patriarchate will examine the legal and canonical basis of the Synod’s actions. While both the Patriarch and the Church of Cyprus were aligned in past events- including their support for the 2016 Pan-Orthodox Council- Patriarch Bartholomew is known for his rigorous application of Canon Law.
If the Synod’s decision is found to have procedural flaws, the appeal could be upheld, restoring Tychikos fully to his position.
Also read: Church committee elections in Tsada after removal of Tychikos
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