Nicosia, Cyprus. The Ecumenical Patriarchate has informed the Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus that a second appeal by Bishop Tychikos against his suspension has been rejected, Archbishopric spokesman Christakis Efstathiou said. The Holy Synod is now expected to proceed with constitutional amendments and steps toward electing a new Metropolitan of Paphos.
Second appeal rejected
Efstathiou said the Holy Synod would now focus on completing amendments to its constitutional framework and advancing procedures for the election of a new Metropolitan of Paphos.
He added that it is now up to Bishop Tychikos to decide how he will proceed.
Background to the appeal
The bishop filed a new appeal at the end of January, challenging the Synod’s earlier decision to place him on suspension. At the time, Efstathiou said the move was contradictory, noting that Tychikos had not accepted the initial ruling of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and had also attempted to contest it through civil courts.
Efstathiou also said the Holy Synod did not intend to engage further with the bishop’s actions, expressing the view that third parties may be influencing him towards misguided decisions.
Removal from Paphos bishopric
Tychikos was removed from the Paphos bishopric at an emergency synod session in May 2025, following disputes with Archbishop Georgios over matters of church protocol.
How do you think the Holy Synod’s next steps will affect the process of choosing a new Metropolitan of Paphos?