Following his recent hearing at the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul, and amid ongoing disputes over his profession of faith, Bishop Tychikos is reportedly being treated in a hospital in Athens, according to a social media post by a group of his friends and supporters. They said he faced a health issue, underwent several medical tests, and was subsequently admitted for treatment.
The group added that, in a letter sent to the Archbishop of Cyprus, Bishop Tychikos informed him that “coming from Constantinople, he was not feeling well and remained in Athens for medical examinations.” They noted that any members of the Holy Synod who were concerned or doubted the situation could contact the doctors directly for information.
However, the group criticised the lack of contact from the Church hierarchy, saying that “for months, no one has looked for him or even called him. If they had, they would have known about his health condition.”
In a related video shared by his supporters, Bishop Tychikos asked for prayers from the faithful, saying he was also praying for Paphos, Cyprus, and for all Christians. “Pray that I may overcome this trial and that better days may come for our Church,” he said, thanking and glorifying God.
Archbishopric: no official notification received
The Archbishopric of Cyprus said it had not received any official notification about Bishop Tychikos’ illness. Speaking to CNA, the Archbishopric’s spokesperson, Christos Efstathiou, said neither the Holy Synod nor Archbishop Georgios himself had been informed.
“If the Holy Synod or the Archbishop had known about his health problem, they would have contributed to his recovery,” Efstathiou said, noting that, as a matter of duty, Bishop Tychikos should have informed them.
He added that the Church would wait about a week to see how his health develops before deciding how to proceed. Following the decision of the ecumenical patriarchate, Bishop Tychikos’ future in the church remains uncertain, with decisions to be made by the Archbishop.
Dispute over profession of faith
Efstathiou also commented on the profession of faith issue, saying that the letter Bishop Tychikos submitted on 18 June 2025 did not meet the requirements set by the Holy Synod.
According to the Archbishopric, the Holy Synod has requested a new profession of faith that must explicitly affirm the decisions of all Ecumenical Councils- from the first Apostolic Council in 48 AD to the Pan-Orthodox Council of Crete in 2016- and include a written renunciation of the apotichism (schism).
“The Archbishop of Cyprus is not asking for anything beyond what the Synod’s own decision requires- the signing of the profession of faith as it has been defined,” Efstathiou said.
The Archbishopric continues to await a clear profession of faith from Bishop Tychikos, a requirement following the Patriarchate’s decision. His future in the Church therefore remains uncertain until this issue is settled.
Supporters of Bishop Tychikos maintain that he already fulfilled this obligation when his lawyer delivered the signed document to the Synod’s office in June, stating his acceptance of all Ecumenical Council decisions.
Background to the health issue
Sources indicate that Bishop Tychikos’ health problems began before his departure for the Ecumenical Patriarchate. His supporters say he considers his June declaration sufficient to meet the Synod’s requirements and believes no further signature is necessary.
Also read: Ecumenical Patriarchate upholds synod decision on Tychikos
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