To the newspaper "Phileleftheros"
Paphos, 10/05/2026
Christ is Risen!
Regarding your publication titled: "Supporters of Tychikos warn the Church of Cyprus with schism – What they state in their letter to the Holy Synod", referring to a letter by faithful to the Holy Synod,
I inform you that freedom of speech and expression does not mean that you can put any title as commentary on a letter, linking it to my person and to a "warning about schism" in the Church.
This is because, firstly, I am not aware of this particular letter, I have not organized or guided any group, there are no groups in the Church, I have sent to the Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus whatever was requested of me in accordance with the Holy Canons, and secondly, just as you, so the citizens of Cyprus and the faithful have the right to express themselves. However, no one has immunity for any unlawful acts.
This does not mean that I am instigating, warning, or provoking schism within the Church.
The only path I follow is that of justice and the only thing I seek is fair ecclesiastical judgment on all matters concerning me, which are inextricably linked to the current Charter of the Church of Cyprus.
If the management of your newspaper or any person continues to tarnish my person or to associate me with schismatic or separatist movements, I will be compelled to exercise all my rights against them.
I respect all the faithful people, all the Hierarchs and the Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus, from which I expected to be invited to its sessions, without deciding on the matters of our Church or on my humble person without my presence and without hearing me, inasmuch as there has never been a decision to exclude me from its proceedings.
I proceed respecting the decisions of the Holy Synod, having appealed to justice concerning all the issues I raised before it, not only as a faithful person but also as a citizen, according to the Apostle Paul, and according to Canon 104 of the Synod of Carthage: "It was decided that whoever seeks from the king judgment of secular courts shall be deprived of his office—but if he seeks from the king episcopal judgment, nothing shall prevent him." This right is canonically and constitutionally inalienable.
The Metropolitan (fmr.) of Paphos
Tychikos