Cyprus Archbishop Gives Metr. Tychikos Ten Days to Meet

NICOSIA, CYPRUS — Abp. Georgios of Cyprus has given suspended Metr. Tychikos approximately ten days to arrange a meeting with him, warning that the Holy Synod will reconvene to consider the matter if no progress is made.

Speaking after a memorial service for the late Abp. Chrysostomos II on Sunday, November 1, Abp. Georgios said the Church of Cyprus could not remain indefinitely in a state of uncertainty. He explained that Metr. Tychikos had requested a meeting through intermediaries before the Synod’s recent session, and that he had agreed. However, according to the Archbishop, Metr. Tychikos did not follow up after returning to Cyprus.

“The Church cannot continue living with this uncertainty,” Abp. Georgios said. The Archbishop also outlined conditions under which Metr. Tychikos could be offered a position within the Holy Archdiocese. These include formally withdrawing positions questioning the orthodoxy of the Ecumenical Patriarch and rejecting the Holy and Great Council of Crete. He further said Metr. Tychikos must retract allegations of financial irregularities within the Metropolis and clarify his position through an ecclesiastical declaration.

Addressing Metr. Tychikos’ health, Abp. Georgios said the Synod had received a fax reporting that he was unable to travel to Cyprus because of illness and medical advice to avoid emotionally distressing situations. He questioned how Metr. Tychikos had subsequently been able to return to the island.

Abp. Georgios said the Church would await a concrete response before deciding its next steps, with the Synod prepared to reconvene if the meeting does not take place.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the Church of Cyprus Synod addressed the Metr. Tychikos case.