Archbishop Issues Ultimatum in Paphos Church Standoff

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PAPHOS, CYPRUS — Abp. Georgios has issued a formal ultimatum to Metr. Tychikos of Paphos, demanding that he hand over the keys to the metropolitan offices and residence by 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2026. The warning, delivered in a written notice dated January 28, signals a sharp escalation in an already tense ecclesiastical dispute.

According to the Holy Archbishopric of Cyprus, the Archbishop rejected claims by Tychikos’s legal advisers that the premises had already been surrendered. He warned that failure to comply by the deadline would trigger police involvement later that day.

If the keys are not returned voluntarily, police are scheduled to enter the Metropolis of Paphos at noon to forcibly open the offices and apartment, conduct an official inventory of their contents, and allow Metr. Tychikos to retrieve personal belongings if he chooses to attend. The move marks the latest chapter in a prolonged conflict involving deposition, appeals to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and ongoing legal challenges.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Metr. Tychikos of Paphos filed a new appeal challenging the Church of Cyprus Synod’s decision to suspend him indefinitely.

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