Two confessions submitted to Church authorities
Former Metropolitan of Paphos Tychikos has submitted two confessions of faith so far to the Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus and the Ecumenical Patriarchate, in an effort, as he states, to dispel any doubt regarding his doctrinal stance and his relationship with the canonical order of the Orthodox Church.
In a letter dated 8 December 2025, addressed to Archbishop of Cyprus Georgios and the members of the Holy Synod, Tychikos revisits both the spiritual and canonical dimensions of the decisions concerning him, following the Synod’s ruling of 22 May 2025 that declared him deposed from the Metropolis of Paphos.
Explicit acceptance of the Holy Canons
In his letter, Tychikos states unequivocally that he fully accepts the Apostolic Canons, the Holy Canons of the Ecumenical and Local Councils, as well as the dogmas of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. He stresses that he has never questioned the commemoration of the Archbishop of Cyprus nor the synodal function of the Church, firmly rejecting any association with heretical or schismatic practices.
He further notes that matters of faith and ecclesiastical unity are judged exclusively through synodal processes and never unilaterally.
Objections to the deposition procedure
Regarding the decision of 22 May 2025, Tychikos raises serious objections to the procedure followed, describing it as lacking proper canonical foundation and as a violation of the Charter of the Church of Cyprus.
According to his claims, the Holy Synod did not address a key element of the decision issued by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which, he argues, identifies substantial procedural omissions in the way his case was examined, rendering the decision subject to annulment.
Legal action announced
Tychikos also announces his intention to seek recourse before the Supreme Court of Cyprus and, if necessary, before the European Court of Human Rights. He clarifies that his legal challenge does not concern theological matters, but strictly the legality of the procedure that was followed.
Request to suspend election of new Metropolitan
Among other points, Tychikos requests the suspension of any process to elect a new Metropolitan of Paphos until a final court ruling is issued. He argues that proceeding with an election under the current circumstances would be based on a procedure that remains under legal dispute.
He also states that until a final decision is reached, he will abstain from relevant sessions of the Holy Synod, while remaining in Paphos and continuing his pastoral work wherever this is permitted.
Statement on the next day
Finally, Tychikos notes that in the event of a re-examination and revocation of the decision of 22 May 2025, he does not intend to exercise his right to stand as a candidate for the Archiepiscopal Throne in the next electoral process, citing the need to safeguard unity and peace within the Church.
His letter concludes with an appeal for the restoration of justice, respect for the Holy Canons, and the preservation of unity within the Church of Cyprus.
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