The case of the Metropolitan of Paphos

Archimandrite Tychikos Vryonis is elected 70th Metropolitan of Paphos by the Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus.

On 23 February 2023 the Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus elects Archimandrite Tychikos Vryonis as the 70th Metropolitan of Paphos. The election concludes nearly two months of canonical procedure following the vacancy of the see. The vote of the hierarchy is unanimous. It was preceded by the vote of the faithful of the Metropolis: 50.01% chose Tychikos, while the second and third candidates received 12% and 5% respectively.

Enthroned at the Holy Cathedral of Saint Theodoros in Paphos as Metropolitan of Paphos and Exarch of Arsinoi and Romaia.

On 12 March 2023 the newly-elected Metropolitan is enthroned at the Holy Cathedral of Saint Theodoros in Paphos, receiving the title "Metropolitan of Paphos, Exarch of Arsinoi and Romaia." The ceremony is attended by numerous hierarchs from Cyprus and Greece.

The Metropolitan refuses to concelebrate over the Archbishop's position on communion with the "Autocephalous" Church of Ukraine.

First public confrontation with Archbishop George III. Metropolitan Tychikos refuses to concelebrate with him over the Archbishop's position on communion with the "Autocephalous" Church of Ukraine. By the Archbishop's own doing, the disagreement becomes known to the faithful.

Charges: ordaining a non-commemorating cleric, refusing to celebrate a mixed marriage, criticism of Roman Catholicism and of mandatory sex education.

Archbishop George, repeatedly and at every opportunity, formulates a series of accusations against Metropolitan Tychikos: that he allegedly ordained a priest who did not commemorate his bishop; that he refused to celebrate a marriage between an Orthodox and a heterodox; that he publicly criticised Roman Catholicism and mandatory sex education. The charges were methodically prepared to drive a synodal trial.

The Holy Synod votes to remove the Metropolitan from leadership of the Paphos Metropolis. The episcopal rank is retained.

On 22 May 2025 the Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus, by 10 votes to 6, decides the deposition of Metropolitan Tychikos from his episcopal ministry in Paphos — without defrocking him and without suspending him. The decision, denounced in documented canonical studies as uncanonical, contrary to the constitutional charter and unlawful, has raised serious reactions in Cyprus as well as in many Orthodox Churches. Metropolitan Tychikos, mindful of the dignity and unity of the Church of Cyprus, declares that he respects the synodal decision, although he considers it unjust and unlawful.

The Metropolitan lodges a formal appeal (έκκλητος αναφορά) with the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Metropolitan Tychikos appeals to the Ecumenical Patriarchate against the synodal decision of 22 May 2025, detailing the violations of the Sacred Canons, the Constitutional Charter of the Church of Cyprus and the International Conventions which led to his deposition from the throne of Paphos. He asks for the annulment of the uncanonical and unlawful decision and for the retrial of the case under the procedures required by a fair trial.

The Ecumenical Patriarchate, while acknowledging violations, upholds the condemnation.

On 17 October 2025 the Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, while acknowledging serious procedural irregularities and violations of the Sacred Canons and the Constitutional Charter by the Synod of Cyprus, nonetheless upholds the decision of deposition "for the sake of ecclesiastical peace." The Patriarchal ruling has drawn serious and documented criticism.

Metropolitan Tychikos is placed under indefinite suspension.

On 8 January 2026 the Synod of Cyprus demands from the Metropolitan a Confession of Faith in which he is to accept the Council of Crete and to condemn the cessation of communion with a heretic bishop — a practice provided for by the 15th Canon of the First-Second Synod under St Photios. The Metropolitan submits an Orthodox Confession and at the same time notifies the Synod that he will appeal to the civil courts — a right granted to him by the Sacred Canons and the Constitutional Charter — to secure a trial in accordance with the requirements of the Sacred Canons and the Charter. The majority of the Synod does not accept the Orthodox Confession and, by majority vote (11-5), imposes upon him indefinite suspension from all sacramental ministry.

Clergy and theologians in Cyprus and Greece publicly support the Metropolitan. Priests of Paphos as well as of the Church of Greece are punished for their defence of him.

Bishops, abbots, spiritual fathers and theologians from Cyprus, Greece and Mount Athos voice their support for the Metropolitan publicly. In every parish of Paphos, despite the repressive measures of the Archdiocese, gatherings of the faithful, open letters and protests are organised. The case acquires a pan-Orthodox dimension.