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Metropolitan Tychikos Threatens Legal Action Against the Holy Synod

Published January 8, 2026, 08:14
Metropolitan Tychikos Threatens Legal Action Against the Holy Synod

Metropolitan Tychikos is threatening to take the Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus and the European Court of Human Rights to court in order to challenge the Synod's decision to depose him from the throne of Paphos. In his letter to Synod members, he demands the postponement of the process to fill the throne, implying that he is not in a normal state. He also requests the right to participate in the Synod's work until a decision is issued by the Supreme Court. The Holy Synod had asked Metropolitan Tychikos to submit a statement of repentance, recognizing the decisions of the Great Synod of Crete in 2016. However, the statement submitted by Metropolitan Tychikos avoids specific reference to the Synod of Crete, making its acceptance unlikely. The Holy Synod insists on the full acceptance of the decisions of the Synod of Crete as a prerequisite for the restoration of the Metropolitan. The dispute centers on the recognition of the Synod of Crete, which is not accepted by the schismatics, with whom Metropolitan Tychikos is said to be connected. The lack of a clear reference to the Synod of Crete creates ambiguities and doubts about the sincerity of his repentance. The Holy Synod appears determined to uphold its initial decision, making the conviction of Metropolitan Tychikos almost certain. This case highlights the internal conflicts within the Church of Cyprus and the consequences of not accepting the decisions of Ecumenical and Local Synods. The resort to legal action and the threat to the European Court of Human Rights underscore the seriousness of the situation and the need for dialogue and a solution that respects the canonical order of the Church.