Cyprus to Resume Plans for Apostle Paul's Relic to Visit Paphos

NICOSIA — Plans to bring the head of the Apostle Paul to Cyprus are expected to move forward this October, ending a years-long delay caused by opposition from the former Metropolitan of Paphos, Tychikos. This was reported by Philenews.

The initiative is expected to be revived during an upcoming visit by Abp. Georgios of Cyprus to the Vatican. Accompanying the Archbishop will be the newly elected Metr. Gregory of Paphos, who previously completed postgraduate studies in Eastern ecclesiastical sciences at the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome and now oversees the Church of Cyprus' participation in inter-Christian dialogue.

The proposal to bring the Apostle Paul's relic to Paphos—where, according to the Book of Acts, the Apostle first preached the Gospel on the island—was originally launched by the late Abp. Chrysostomos II with the support of then-Metr. Georgios of Paphos, now Archbishop of Cyprus.

The plan was later suspended after Metr. Tychikos refused to receive the relic, arguing that it originated from the Vatican and objecting on the grounds that the Pope was a heretic. The disagreement became one of the most significant points of contention between Tychikos and Abp. Georgios.

Speaking previously to "Phileleftheros," Abp. Georgios said the relic itself—not the Pope—was to be welcomed in Cyprus, noting that the head of the Apostle Paul had never before left the Vatican.

"We thought that since Paphos was the place where the Apostle Paul preached, it would be a worldwide event for the Apostle to return to the place where he proclaimed the Gospel," the Archbishop said, adding that Pope Francis had agreed to the transfer following appeals from both the late Abp. Chrysostomos II and Georgios himself while serving as Metropolitan of Paphos.

Addressing Tychikos' objections, Abp. Georgios said it had been made "completely clear" that the Pope would not accompany the relic. He further remarked that even if the Pope were to visit Cyprus, he would be welcomed.

"If he visits Cyprus, I will welcome him—even in Paphos, at the place where the Apostle Paul preached," the Archbishop said.

With Metropolitan Gregory now leading the Diocese of Paphos, Church officials expect preparations for the historic transfer to proceed in the coming months.

Last month, the legal team of former Metr. Tychikos laid out a different version of events from Abp. Georgios. As the UOJ's previous reporting states:

"The legal office also repeated a claim that Abp. Georgios allegedly tied financial assistance to Tychikos' acceptance of the relic of the skull of the Apostle Paul.

"This is in reference to an early 2025 dispute in which then-Metr. Tychikos rejected the reception of a relic of St. Paul that was to visit Paphos from the Vatican in honor of the Apostle's ministry in the region. Tychikos reportedly rejected this visit with the explanation of not wanting to pray with Catholics and thereby confuse the faithful, as well as not to allow the gifting of relics to be used as a condition for ecumenical reproachment. 

"As the visit had been arranged by the late Abp. Chrysostomos and Pope Francis years prior and also hoped for by Abp. Georgios, this caused a rift between the two. Tychikos' legal team alleges that Abp. Georgios told Tychikos: 'If you want me to pay the loan, you will accept the skull relic and do what I tell you.'"

Previously, the UOJ reported that the Supreme Court of Cyprus had partially accepted the appeal of former Metr. Tychikos of Paphos, allowing him to proceed with legal action concerning the decision of the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate that confirmed his deposition, while rejecting his challenge regarding the decision of the Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus.