Legal Team of Metr. Tychikos Alleges Economic and Political Conspiracy Behind Removal
Claims center on $9.3 million municipal debt, disputed financial audits, and alleged political pressure involving Church and local officials.
PAPHOS, CYPRUS — The removal of Metr. Tychikos of Paphos is developing into a broader institutional and legal dispute, with his legal team alleging that his dethronement was driven not by ecclesiastical misconduct, but by an economic and political conspiracy involving senior Church and municipal figures. This was reported by UOJ-Greece.
According to statements by his legal counsel, Eirenaios Antonios Giakoumakis, the case now extends beyond ecclesiastical jurisdiction and may fall within the scope of criminal investigation. He claims that the Metropolitan’s removal was linked to efforts to expose financial irregularities and recover significant debts owed to the Metropolis of Paphos.
A key element in the allegations is the written testimony of the Acting Mayor of Paphos to police, which reportedly describes what the legal team calls an “orchestrated operation” beginning in the summer of 2024. According to the claims, Abp. Georgios of Cyprus allegedly instructed then-Mayor Phaedon Phaedonos to make public accusations against Metr. Tychikos in order to portray him as ineffective and facilitate his eventual removal by the Holy Synod in May 2025.
The Metropolitan’s legal team also points to a final court ruling requiring the Municipality of Paphos to pay €8 million to the Metropolis for land use. Tychikos had reportedly pressed for repayment, creating tensions with municipal authorities.
In addition, the Metropolitan had ordered a detailed financial audit of major agreements involving companies such as Pafilia, Minthis Hills, and the St. George Hotel. His legal counsel alleges that he faced pressure to halt the audit because it could expose financial dealings involving both Church officials and the Archbishop.
The allegations also include a political dimension, with claims of a “common interest” between Abp. Georgios and the former mayor. According to the legal team, support for the mayor’s presidential ambitions was allegedly tied to efforts to politically remove the Metropolitan.
The legal team says it intends to pursue the matter through the civil courts, citing conspiracy to commit criminal offenses, defamation, abuse of power, and the concealment of financial scandals.
“The only way out is justice,” Giakoumakis said, arguing that accusations of ecclesiastical wrongdoing were used as a pretext to conceal financial misconduct.
Metr. Tychikos remains in Paphos and, according to his representatives, continues to stand with the faithful while awaiting legal vindication and a full review of the circumstances surrounding his removal.
Previously, the UOJ reported that the Church of Cyprus said the case of Metr. Tychikos is closed.
