A lawyer representing former Bishop Tychikos of Paphos has launched a fierce attack on the Archbishop of Cyprus, accusing church authorities of personal persecution and attempting to silence her client.
Speaking on live television, Evangelia Poulla Makarouna called the Archbishop’s decision to bar Tychikos from leading the memorial service for his mother “an insult to the Church itself” and likened it to “denying him the right to breathe.” The Tychikos church row has escalated rapidly, drawing public attention and stirring unrest among the faithful.
Makarouna claims there is no official synodal decision justifying the bishop’s exclusion from ecclesiastical duties, insisting that Tychikos remains fully ordained and has not been suspended or defrocked. “He was enthroned by the people,” she said. “He can only be removed for health reasons or serious misconduct — neither of which applies.”
She also rejected allegations that she is directing Tychikos’ actions behind the scenes, stating, “I am his legal counsel, not a puppet master. We have done nothing improper. We are invoking rights granted by the Church Charter and Holy Canons.”
Addressing broader accusations- including supposed links to the controversial “apothychism” movement- Makarouna dismissed them as baseless and unfamiliar to the local clergy in Paphos.
The case has been referred to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, with no timeline yet for a decision. Makarouna urged restraint within the Church and warned of possible fallout: “The people are rising. They want their shepherd back.”
Also read: Tychikos appeal to Ecumenical Patriarch suspends Synod ruling
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