Archbishop of Cyprus Georgios has given former Paphos Metropolitan Tychikos a one-week deadline to sign a formal declaration of faith explicitly rejecting schismatics.
Speaking on Friday (30/05) after a meeting with Tychikos, the Archbishop said the declaration is a requirement set by the Holy Synod, and that failure to comply will lead to a review of the case.
The meeting took place at the Paphos Metropolis, where Archbishop Georgios is currently serving as custodian. He expressed hope that Tychikos would comply with the Synod’s expectations and sign the declaration.
What the declaration requires
The Archbishop said he reminded Tychikos of the Synod’s “compassionate proposal” that he sign a declaration recognising:
- The authority of the Ecumenical Councils and Local Synods accepted by the Orthodox Church,
- The decisions of the 2016 Pan-Orthodox Council in Crete,
- And the rulings of the Holy Synod of Cyprus.
Tychikos reportedly replied that he is preparing the document. The Archbishop said he offered guidelines, and Tychikos agreed to study them.
The Archbishop emphasised that Tychikos is free to choose: “As a free man, he can choose freely and do what he wants. The options are clear- either he signs or he does not.” If he signs, the matter will move to its next stage, he added, encouraging a gradual process.
If he refuses, the Archbishop confirmed the Holy Synod will revisit the issue in light of the new developments.
Supporters call for forgiveness and transparency
Earlier that day, a new protest took place outside the Paphos Metropolis. A group of faithful gathered to express support for the former bishop, as Archbishop Georgios arrived for his meetings.
A delegation from the Pro-Tychikos Initiative Group met with the Archbishop. Group spokesperson Andreas Siikkis said the meeting lasted an hour and was emotionally charged. They urged the Archbishop to allow the Synod to reconsider its decision, grant Tychikos an opportunity to respond to the accusations, and offer him forgiveness, as the Church teaches.
Siikkis criticised the punishment as excessive, arguing that the alleged offences were not criminally punishable. He added that the Archbishop told them the decision of the Holy Synod is final, emphasising the Church’s duty to safeguard its interests.
Siikkis expressed concern about what would happen if Tychikos does not sign, saying, “We cannot see him end up in caves.” He also declared that “the struggle for Tychikos will continue.”
Public voices and calls for mercy
Kyriakos Kyriakou, another member of the delegation, said supporters of Tychikos come from all backgrounds- some who voted for him, some who didn’t- but all are known and respected members of the Paphos community. He called for an end to misinformation being passed to the Archbishop.
“Our goal is to see the Archbishop’s name written in golden letters in history- as the most merciful father, as the Gospel commands,” he added.
He also called for the publication of the Ecumenical Patriarch’s letter, so the public can understand what prompted the controversy.
Marios Neophytou, another supporter, said the group opposes what they view as a pre-planned move by the Synod to remove Tychikos. He claimed this was long in the making, alleging that circles close to the Archbishop had been spreading rumours for months about plans to “decapitate” Tychikos because of his opposition to the arrival of relics of St Paul accompanied by Vatican delegates.
Also read: Archbishop visits Paphos as Tychikos remains elusive
