Cyprus Archdiocese Confirms Planned Meeting With Metr. Tychikos

NICOSIA, CYPRUS — Abp. Georgios of Cyprus is expected to meet with Metr. Tychikos of Paphos in the coming days as efforts continue to resolve their prolonged ecclesiastical dispute. The proposed meeting follows a mediation initiative that was reported to the Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus.

Speaking on SIGMA television, Archdiocese spokesperson Christakis Efstathiou confirmed that the Synod had been informed of plans for a private meeting between the two hierarchs. During the Synod’s recent session, a letter from Metr. Tychikos was read aloud in which he expressed reservations about his situation and maintained that he had been treated unfairly.

Efstathiou described the meeting as a potentially significant step, saying that “the further course of events will depend on this meeting.” He expressed hope for a positive outcome, noting that the prolonged conflict has worn down the faithful and that restoring calm within the Church is essential.

However, the spokesperson cautioned that previous reconciliation efforts had failed despite commitments made before the Holy Synod. A central question in the upcoming discussions, he said, will be whether Metr. Tychikos accepts his status as a bishop and the responsibilities associated with it, including recognition of the Synod’s authority and the principle of synodality.

No date has yet been announced for the meeting. If an agreement is reached, Efstathiou suggested that Metr. Tychikos could be assigned episcopal duties acceptable to both sides. He is then expected to appear before the Holy Synod to report on the outcome of his meeting with Abp. Georgios.

The proposed talks represent a new attempt to resolve the dispute and restore stability within the Church of Cyprus, although the outcome remains uncertain.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Cyprus resumed plans for the relic of the Apostle Paul to visit Paphos.