Supporters of deposed Paphos bishop plan protests at Gregorios ordination and enthronement

Nicosia, Cyprus. Supporters of deposed Paphos bishop Tychikos are planning to protest and boo new bishop Gregorios during his ordination on Thursday at St Barnabas church in Nicosia and later at his enthronement in Paphos. The planned actions follow earlier demonstrations calling for Tychikos to remain bishop.

Planned protests in Nicosia and Paphos

Supporters said on social media they would stage a protest during the morning liturgy at St Barnabas church in Nicosia, where Gregorios is to be ordained.

They also called on people to join a second protest scheduled for 6pm outside the Paphos bishopric during the new bishop’s enthronement.

Supporters contest the appointment

Tychikos supporters said the community is entitled to have a say in the matter, particularly when it disagrees with the choice of bishop.

They said it was necessary to give a “proper welcome” to the bishop, whom they claimed “snatched the throne” from Tychikos.

Tychikos vacated residence

Last week, Tychikos vacated his residence at the Paphos bishopric ahead of the enthronement of his successor.

Church officials discovered on Thursday morning that the apartment had been emptied and that the keys had been left in the door.

Removal from office

Tychikos was removed from the Paphos bishopric during an emergency synod session in May last year following disputes with Archbishop George over matters relating to church protocol and administration.

His supporters have previously held protests in Nicosia and Paphos demanding that Tychikos remain bishop.