Greek Theologian Condemns Removal of Metropolitan of Paphos, Compares It to Trial of Christ
Dr. Elpidophoros Sotiropoulos calls the vote against Metropolitan Tychikos a violation of Church canons.
NICOSIA—Dr. Elpidophoros Sotiropoulos, Doctor of Theology, gave an in-depth interview to the Union of Orthodox Journalists (UOJ) in Greece regarding the controversial decision by the Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus to remove Metropolitan Tychikos of Paphos from office. He described the event as both a church schism and a violation of canonical law.
Violation of Church Canons
According to the theologian, his initial reaction to the news was one of "indescribable bitterness and sadness." Sotiropoulos drew a symbolic parallel, saying he saw “six Orthodox hierarchs voting for Metropolitan Tychikos of Paphos, and ten cardinals voting against”—an allusion to an unjust trial.
Criticizing the decision-making process, the expert pointed out a blatant breach of the Church of Cyprus’s statutes. “To impose a disciplinary sanction on a bishop, a three-quarters majority of Synod hierarchs is required—at least 12 votes. But the decision was made with only 10 votes, and they later declared it a 'trial' to justify what is, in fact, unjustifiable,” he stressed.
Sotiropoulos drew a direct parallel with the events of the Gospel: “The entire scene reminded me of Christ’s trial by the high priests and Pharisees, which was unjust because the legal principles of the time were violated. They did the same here—breaking not only divine law, but human law as well.”
Assessment of Metropolitan Tychikos
The theologian offered high praise for the deposed hierarch’s character and ministry. While he noted he had no special personal relationship with Metropolitan Tychikos, he said he had heard “very good things from many people” about the bishop.
Sotiropoulos was particularly moved by a personal meeting with the metropolitan in the summer of 2024, when he was invited to the Metropolis of Paphos to give a lecture on the coronavirus. “That brief encounter left an indelible impression on me, marked by his sincere humility and the Orthodox spirit he radiated,” the theologian remarked.
He called Metropolitan Tychikos “a diamond shining in the firmament of the Church, guiding the faithful,” and emphasized that “no matter what they do, they cannot use darkness to extinguish the Light, because darkness has no substance.”
True Causes of the Conflict
In Sotiropoulos’s view, the real cause of the conflict lies in Metropolitan Tychikos’s principled stance on ecumenical issues. “There are increasing signs that this was part of a coordinated campaign against the Metropolitan of Paphos. The Archbishop [of Cyprus] clearly cannot accept that Metropolitan Tychikos steadfastly refuses to allow representatives of heterodox confessions into his diocese, despite the Archbishop’s efforts to promote dialogue with them,” he said.
The theologian recalled previous controversies, when Archbishop Georgios—then Metropolitan of Paphos—“welcomed papists into the Metropolis of Paphos, eventually clashing with priests and monks inside the holy temple, who protested against the presence of heretics on Cyprus’s sacred soil.”
Strong Letter to the Archbishop
Sotiropoulos also spoke of “inexplicable aggression” from Archbishop Georgios toward Metropolitan Tychikos.
“When an extraordinary session of the Synod was announced a week ago, my concern reached its peak. That is why, two days before the Synod, I sent a very strong letter to His Beatitude the Archbishop of Cyprus, and also forwarded it to all Synod members, pleading with them not to take any schismatic action.”
In the published letter, Sotiropoulos accused Archbishop Georgios of conducting a “witch hunt” and attempting to create a crisis in the Church. “We DO NOT want the Pope of Rome on Cyprus. He is a heretic. He does not belong to the Church,” the letter emphatically declared.
Call for Peaceful Protest
Despite his sharp criticism, the theologian called on the faithful to respond peacefully yet firmly. “I believe there must be a well-organized, nationwide, unifying protest at the Archbishopric, so that the people can reaffirm their faith in the Orthodox Tradition,” he said.
At the same time, Sotiropoulos stressed the need to follow Christ’s example: “We are obliged to follow the example of the Lord, who remained silent before His accusers. We possess the most powerful weapons—humility and prayer.”
Spiritual Perspective on Events
Paradoxically, the theologian expressed “great joy” over what had occurred, explaining that it revealed the true nature of various church figures. “I am convinced that time will bring to light the necessary elements to vindicate the purity of Metropolitan Tychikos of Paphos and expose the motives of each individual involved,” he said.
“The weeds have been separated from the wheat, and this new landscape points us toward the true path we must follow in the difficult years ahead,” Dr. Sotiropoulos concluded, urging Orthodox Christians to pray and repent—both for the deposed metropolitan and for the bishops who made the controversial decision.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that on May 25, 2025, a large demonstration of faithful took place in Paphos in protest against the removal of Metropolitan Tychikos.
