Archbishop George will seek to meet with the defrocked Metropolitan Tychikos in the coming days, in an effort to clarify whether or not he was involved in the recent sending of a letter to priests in the Paphos metropolitan district, in which the possibility of establishing a new ecclesiastical structure in Cyprus is explored. The issue was raised during today’s meeting of the Holy Synod, to which Bishop Tychikos himself was invited; however, he did not attend, even though he retains the right to participate.
Journalist Giorgos Chrysanthou reported on the “Alpha News” program that the signing of the “letter of faith” by Tychikos, and that he has been asked to provide explanations regarding his recent ecclesiastical activities.
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He had sent a letter to the Holy Synod, requesting clarification on the reasons for his summons to the meeting. At the same time, he had expressed reservations about the handling of his case and dissatisfaction with the way he was treated during his previous appearance before the Synod.
What the Holy Synod Is Examining
The issue, which was highlighted in an article by the newspaper “Fileleftheros,” is of concern to the Church of Cyprus, which is investigating the extent to which specific procedures have been carried out to create a new ecclesiastical structure that would oppose the decisions of the Holy Synod. The investigation concerns both the possibility that specific steps have been taken in this direction and the extent to which Tychikos is linked to these developments.
The Letter in Question
About three months ago, a letter was sent to priests in Paphos, asking for their signatures to establish a new Church in Cyprus, in response to the decisions of the Holy Synod.
As he noted, based on the information available so far, there is no indication that Tychikos has a direct connection to these specific individuals. However, the matter remains under investigation, as the Holy Synod is attempting to determine whether the case is limited to the sending of the letter or whether further actions have been taken to advance the endeavor.
The possibility of a priest from a Slavic country being involved was also raised during the discussion, though the nature, organizational structure, or current stage of the effort have not yet been clarified.
He wants to hold memorial services for relatives
According to what was reported on the program, Tychikos is once again requesting permission to officiate at a location approved by the Holy Synod, as well as to perform sacraments for his relatives and friends.
His case continues to spark ecclesiastical controversy, despite the fact that a significant amount of time has passed since the decisions that led to his defrocking. As noted on the program, he has appealed to the civil courts, with the result that the issue remains unresolved at the judicial level as well.
Attention is now focused on the decisions and clarifications expected to emerge from today’s meeting of the Holy Synod, both regarding the pending issues concerning Tychikos and the reports about the creation of a new ecclesiastical structure in Paphos.
