Metr. Tychikos Leaves Office After Archbishop’s Ultimatum
Under threat of police action, Metropolitan Tychikos left the Paphos diocesan premises, leaving the keys in the doors amid an escalating church dispute.
PAPHOS, CYPRUS — Metr. Tychikos of Paphos was forced to vacate the diocesan office and residence after an ultimatum from Abp. Georgios warned of police intervention if the keys were not surrendered.
According to reports, the Archbishop demanded that Metr. Tychikos hand over the keys by the morning of January 29, threatening police entry to inventory the premises. Met. Tychikos responded that the keys were already in the doors and said he had never kept personal belongings in the office or apartment. Metr. Tychikos stated that any forced entry without a court order would constitute an “arbitrary action," but his decision to leave the keys was taken “in order to protect ecclesiastical institutions from untimely and inappropriate actions."
The confrontation follows the Holy Synod’s May decision to remove Tychikos as Metropolitan of Paphos on accusations he denies, including alleged support for schismatic clergy. He appealed the decision to the Patriarchate of Constantinople, which acknowledged procedural violations but upheld the ruling.
Supporters say the hierarch is being punished for traditional theological positions. His indefinite suspension, imposed in January, is also under appeal, which his lawyers say freezes its effect.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Metr. Tychikos challenged the Synod while Cyprus plans for a new Metropolitan.
