Nicosia, Cyprus. Archbishop Georgios defended the synod’s handling of former Paphos bishop Tychikos and warned that further disciplinary action could be taken in the Avakoum monastery case if public interventions continue. He said measures could include excommunication of defrocked monks linked to the case.
Archbishop’s comments on Tychikos appointment
Speaking to CyBC, Archbishop Georgios said he personally regretted appointing Tychikos as bishop of Paphos, stating that he blamed himself for not correctly measuring Tychikos’ capabilities and strengths. He said he had believed guidance from the synod and the experience of senior clergy around Tychikos would have prevented later difficulties.
Alleged links in Greece and church authority
Archbishop Georgios alleged that Tychikos had maintained undisclosed links with groups in Greece opposed to positions adopted by the Orthodox Church following the Council of Crete. He said Tychikos appeared to have secret connections with some groups of excommunicated people in Thessaloniki and that he believed Tychikos had become a useful prey to some people encouraging disobedience within the Church.
He questioned what he described as selective rejection of ecclesiastical authority, asking whether he should not trust the Ecumenical Patriarch and other Orthodox churches and only trust himself.
Status of the case and potential future duties
Asked whether the matter of Tychikos was now closed, Archbishop Georgios said it was and added that the former bishop could eventually undertake other duties within the archdiocese.
Concerns about division and charter amendments
The Archbishop dismissed concerns that tensions surrounding the case could lead to division within the church, saying those supporting such positions in Cyprus were very few and lacked capabilities and seriousness.
His remarks came days after the synod began examining proposed amendments to the Church charter linked to the future election of a new bishop of Paphos following Tychikos’ removal. Proposed changes under discussion would allow vacant sees to be filled directly by the synod rather than through wider voting procedures.
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