Met. Tychikos of Paphos Appeals to Ecumenical Patriarch Over Dismissal
The full content of the appeal submitted by Metropolitan Tychikos of Paphos to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has been revealed. The appeal outlines serious procedural violations during his removal and calls for the annulment of the Synod’s decision.
NICOSIA — The Union of Orthodox Journalists has obtained the full text of Metropolitan Tychikos of Paphos’ appeal to the Ecumenical Patriarch, detailing his objections to the legality and canonical validity of his removal by the Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus.
The 28-page document outlines in detail various procedural violations and formally requests reinstatement to his episcopal position.
In his appeal addressed to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Metropolitan Tychikos does not contest the substance of the accusations leveled against him. Instead, he focuses exclusively on the grave procedural violations during the trial process. He affirms his readiness to address the accusations themselves—but only if a lawful and canonical trial is convened.
Key Procedural Violations
According to Metropolitan Tychikos, serious breaches of both canon law and fundamental principles of due process occurred, including:
Pre-Trial Violations:
- No investigation was conducted as mandated by the Statute of the Church of Cyprus
- No investigative commission was established
- No investigator was appointed
- No formal indictment was drawn up
- No ecclesiastical prosecutor was designated
Trial Violations:
- The Metropolitan was never formally assigned the status of “accused”; he was merely invited to an “ordinary Synod meeting”
- He was not given time to prepare a defense
- Case materials and documents supporting the accusations were never presented
- He was denied legal counsel
- No witnesses were examined—neither for the prosecution nor for the defense
- Archbishop Georgios simultaneously acted as presiding judge, prosecutor, and witness
Timeline and Additional Details
According to Metropolitan Tychikos, on May 22, 2025, he was invited to an “extraordinary Synod meeting” without any indication that it would serve as a trial. At this session, Archbishop Georgios read aloud 38 pages of “testimonies” allegedly based on 20 documents—none of which were made available to the Synod members or the accused.
Following a 30-minute deliberation in his absence, the Synod voted 10 to 6 in favor of his deposition.
Violation of International Standards
The appeal invokes Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which guarantees the right to a fair trial. Under the Charter of the Church of Cyprus, ecclesiastical court proceedings must adhere to both the criminal procedure laws of the Republic of Cyprus and internationally recognized legal standards.
Public Opinion and Reaction
Metropolitan Tychikos highlights strong public opposition in Cyprus to the Synod’s decision:
- Annul the decision of the Holy Synod of Cyprus dated May 22, 2025
- Declare the entire procedure unlawful and uncanonical
- Reinstate him as Metropolitan of Paphos
The document references claims by Archbishop Georgios that Tychikos had spoken “disrespectfully” about the Ecumenical Throne, citing a letter from Patriarch Bartholomew himself. Tychikos categorically denies these accusations, stating that they were never formally included in the charges.
Canonical and Legal Framework
According to Article 81 of the Charter of the Church of Cyprus, a hierarch sentenced to deposition has the right to appeal to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Metropolitan Tychikos exercised this right within the 15-day period following the announcement of his removal.
Tychikos was elected Metropolitan of Paphos in March 2023, receiving 50.01% support from the diocesan clergy. His conflict with Archbishop Georgios began in 2024 and revolved around issues of church policy and administrative decisions.
Concluding Statement
In conclusion, Metropolitan Tychikos writes:
“Since in both the preliminary procedure and the main trial before the Holy Synod-Court practically all provisions of the ecclesiastical process of the Church of Cyprus were violated—namely Articles 7, 14, and 79 of the Charter and Articles 2, 3, 6, 7, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 21, 26, 31, 33, and 40 of Appendix B, Section II of the Charter;
Since Article 6 of the ECHR and Article 10 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, both guaranteeing the right to a fair trial in a legal society—and all the more so in the Church of Christ—were trampled upon in a judicial conspiracy and intrigue against me;
Since the entire procedure up to this point constitutes a disgrace to the Apostolic Church of Cyprus in the eyes of the Orthodox Churches and the legal community in Cyprus, Greece, and abroad;
Since the ruling is a direct offense to the dignity and ministry of the episcopacy;
Since this scandal has gravely wounded the faithful people of God in Cyprus and Greece, and is gradually affecting the entire Orthodox world;
Since this procedure has shaken public trust and respect for the episcopacy, with unpredictable consequences for the unity of the Church of Cyprus;
Since I have filed this appeal in a timely manner in accordance with Article 81 of the Charter;
I hereby appeal to the Ecumenical Throne against the Synod that convened as a court on May 22, 2025, and its decision, and I request that the entire procedure and condemning ruling be annulled—on the grounds that the Charter and principles of fair trial and defense of my rights as the accused were not upheld, neither in the preliminary phase nor in the main trial before the Holy Synod-Court, which led to my unlawful and uncanonical removal from the Throne of the Holy Metropolis of Paphos.
I further request that, as a consequence of the annulment of the aforementioned procedure and judgment, I be restored as the rightful Metropolitan of the Holy Metropolis of Paphos.”
Previously, UOJ-USA reported that Metropolitan Tychikos had officially appealed to the Patriarch of Constantinople.
