The former Metropolitan of Paphos, Tychikos, is on leave—not “suspended”—and is receiving 50% of his salary. This was explained on the Alpha News program by Yiannis Antoniadis, a theologian and associate of the Holy Archdiocese, following the latest meeting of the Holy Synod, to which the Archbishop was summoned, among other things, to address the issue of excommunicated priests ministering in the city and district of Paphos.
Why He Did Not Attend the Holy Synod
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As Mr. Antoniadis stated, Bishop Tychikos was summoned to appear before the Holy Synod so that its members could be informed of his activities and intentions. However, Tychikos sent a letter explaining that he would not be attending, while he reportedly stated verbally that he was in Athens for medical examinations.
According to Mr. Antoniadis, the invitation was also related to information that has come to light regarding schismatic circles, with which the Church is seeking to determine whether there is any connection.
He clarified that, despite his removal from the metropolitan see of Paphos, Tychikos retains the third degree of the priesthood and the title of former Metropolitan of Paphos, though he remains on administrative leave. To have his suspension lifted, as he explained, he is expected to sign the Confession of Faith, by which he will accept the decisions of the Ecumenical Councils and theological dialogue with the heterodox Churches, under the auspices of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
SEE ALSO: Unbearable pressure, humiliation, and ridicule: Here is Tychikos’s letter explaining why he did not attend the Holy Synod
Concern over the schismatics
At the center of the discussion during the Holy Synod meeting were the letters sent to priests of the Metropolis of Paphos and subsequently shared with clergy from othermetropolises. As reported, the letters call on the recipients to cease commemorating the respective Metropolitan, Archbishop, or even the Ecumenical Patriarch—a practice associated with excommunication.
This development had caused concern among clergy, prompting church authorities to provide information and pastoral guidance so that they would not be misled by these actions. According to a spokesperson for the Archdiocese, there is no indication so far that any priest has heeded these calls.
Private… Divine Liturgies
A separate case, which was discussed by the Holy Synod, concerns a former cleric of the Patriarchate of Antioch, who was defrocked and has recently been residing in Paphos. As Mr. Antoniadis reported, there is information that this man has been approached by individuals associated with schismatic circles and that Divine Liturgies were celebrated in a private home with the participation of some of them. In fact, he did not rule out the possibility that this case is linked to the letters sent to priests, clarifying, however, that this cannot be confirmed.
Meeting with the Archbishop Pending
Mr. Antoniadis stated that the Holy Synod accepted Tychikos’s request for a meeting with Archbishop George, which was conveyed through his former associates. The meeting is expected to be scheduled after his return to Cyprus. Subsequently, according to Mr. Antoniadis, he will appear before the Holy Synod and then meet with Metropolitan Gregory of Paphos.
The possibility of allowing him to celebrate services and administer the sacraments will be considered in light of his status as a clergyman on leave.
Regarding his compensation, Mr. Antoniadis stated that, according to the Statutes of the Church of Cyprus, a former Metropolitan receives 50% of the salary he received as an active Metropolitan, an amount estimated at approximately 2,000 euros per month.
SEE ALSO: Kyriakou Responds: Where Can Tychikos Return, and Which Door Remains Closed?
