Procedures for the smooth handover of the Holy Metropolis of Paphos to the newly elected Metropolitan of Paphos, Archimandrite Grigorios Ioannidis, are currently underway, with ecclesiastical sources telling the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) that a message has been sent to former Metropolitan Tychikos in order to settle the remaining outstanding matters.
According to the same sources, the aim is to complete all necessary procedures by June 3, 2026, ensuring a seamless transition to the new ecclesiastical administration of Paphos. The new Metropolitan, who until now served as Protosyngellos of the Metropolis of Trimythous and Dean of the Theological School of the Church of Cyprus, is expected to officially assume his duties following his enthronement.
Sources indicate that a letter of a purely procedural and administrative nature was drafted and addressed to Tychikos. The letter is intended to facilitate the handover of the Metropolis rather than to remove him from the premises. It concerns the practical steps required for the smooth transfer of authority to the new Metropolitan.
The same ecclesiastical sources stated that the written letter was delivered to the former Metropolitan but was not accepted by him. Nevertheless, he was informed of the need for all outstanding matters to be resolved before the enthronement ceremony, which is scheduled for June 11, 2026, at 18:00, at the Metropolitan Church of Saint Theodore in Paphos.
The Church of Cyprus is seeking to ensure that the transition takes place in a calm atmosphere and in a spirit of cooperation. In this context, Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus, acting as caretaker of the Holy Metropolis of Paphos, is reportedly promoting solutions that will allow all pending issues to be resolved before the new Metropolitan formally assumes office.
Sources further indicate that several options regarding Tychikos’ future residence have been presented to him. Among them is the possibility of residing at the Archbishopric of Cyprus in Nicosia in his capacity as a bishop, a proposal reportedly being advanced following consultations between the Archbishop and members of the Holy Synod.
At the same time, he has been informed that he may reside in a privately owned property he possesses in Paphos. As an alternative, the rental of another residence has also been discussed, with the associated costs to be covered through deductions from his remuneration.
One of the issues that remains unresolved concerns the residence currently occupied by the former Metropolitan, which is located within the Metropolis of Paphos complex. According to ecclesiastical sources, the premises may be intended for use by the new bishop, making it necessary for the matter to be settled before the official assumption of duties.
The schedule of ceremonies for the appointment and installation of the new Metropolitan has already been determined. The Message of Election will be read on June 10, 2026, at 18:00, at the Cathedral of Apostle Barnabas in Nicosia, prior to the festive vespers service.
The episcopal ordination will take place the following day, June 11, the feast day of Apostle Barnabas, at the same cathedral. Later that day, at 18:00, the official enthronement of the new Metropolitan of Paphos will be held at the Metropolitan Church of Saint Theodore, in the presence of ecclesiastical, political, and local authorities, as well as a large number of faithful.
Source: Cyprus News Agency (CNA).
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