Met. Tychikos Submits Confession of Faith to Holy Synod of Cyprus

PAPHOS — Metropolitan Tychikos submitted a Confession of Faith to the Secretariat of the Holy Synod, in response to a request made during the Synod’s May 22, 2025 session. The document reiterates the declarations he made at his episcopal consecration, including the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed and his adherence to the decisions, canons, and teachings of the Ecumenical Councils, as well as the broader tradition of the Orthodox Church.

The Confession also reaffirms that he remains a member of the Orthodox Church and addresses the matter of schism. The Confession cites the 15th canon of the Council of Constantinople (861), which permits cessation of commemoration of a bishop who publicly preaches heresy. While the statement acknowledges the canon’s provisions, it also warns against misuse of the canon. It states that those who act out of personal motivations or without the necessary conditions may contribute to division within the Church.

The Metropolitan affirms that he has “never harbored or encouraged the faithful to break communion,” and references occasions during his tenure as Metropolitan of Paphos when he took action against those initiating separation without canonical grounds.

The submission follows an appeal (ekkliton) made by the Metropolitan to the Patriarch of Constantinople regarding recent disciplinary measures. With the Confession now formally submitted, observers note that one of the key requirements set forth by the Synod has been met.

In parallel with his submission, Metropolitan Tychikos has once again formally requested access to the official documents related to the Synodal decision against him—specifically the ruling itself, trial transcripts, the list of charges, and supporting materials cited by the Archbishop. These documents, he states, have not yet been provided.

A parishioner from the Metropolis of Paphos, commenting on the matter, expressed concern over the lack of access: “It is astonishing that the Archbishop, in violation of any reasonable standard of good governance, refuses to provide the documents Tychikos has repeatedly requested. As a faithful Orthodox Christian, I ask: what is the Archbishop hiding?”

The situation has reportedly prompted reflection among several hierarchs who had previously endorsed the disciplinary action. Many now await further developments from the Ecumenical Patriarchate, where the appeal is under review.

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