Supporters of Metropolitan Tychikos of Paphos from among the faithful of the Metropolis of Paphos published on June 4, 2026, in a large Facebook community under the name "Orthodox Ecclesiastical Discourse", a text in which they not only express their support for the hierarch, but also directly challenge the legitimacy of his removal from his see.

The supporters of Metropolitan Tychikos remind us that his entire life is inseparably connected with the Metropolis of Paphos. Over 22 years he traversed there the entire canonical path — from simple layman and deacon, to archimandrite, protosyncellus and, finally, lawfully elected ruling hierarch. The authors of the letter emphasize that during this period the Metropolitan earned the undisputed prestige and deep trust of his flock.

The main message of the publication is that the decision to remove Metropolitan Tychikos lacks a genuine canonical basis. Moreover, the hierarch's supporters speak of pressures being exerted against him by the Synod. Specifically, it is alleged that financial pressure measures were deployed against the Metropolitan (including the cessation of his salary), while a process of forced eviction from his residence was also initiated. According to the authors, an official ultimatum letter was sent to the Metropolitan with the threat of police intervention to remove him from the premises.

The announcement also contains criticism toward the Primate of the Church of Cyprus. The authors remind that, according to the canons, the Archbishop is merely "first among equals" (primus inter pares) and does not have the right to intervene unilaterally in the administration of autonomous provinces. The faithful characterize the current actions of the Synod as an attempt to "purge" unwanted clergy and as an artificial division of the province.

Despite the administrative blockades, Metropolitan Tychikos, as stated in the text, has not abandoned his ministry and continues to spiritually guide his flock, responding to the requests of the faithful. The initiative group declares its determination to go all the way and expresses complete confidence that justice will prevail and the Metropolitan will be officially restored to all his rights.

The full text from the Facebook community "ORTHODOX ECCLESIASTICAL DISCOURSE" follows:

A Life of Humility and Service in Paphos: Metropolitan Tychikos and the Truth That No One Can Erase

22 years of offering and self-sacrifice: From layman to Bishop, beside his flock against unjust persecution

The protracted crisis in the Holy Metropolis of Paphos, with the orchestrated persecutions against Metropolitan Tychikos, is not a simple administrative matter of the Church. It is a clear trajectory of personal pursuits that has now become fully understood by everyone. There is documented evidence proving that behind these decisions lies personal animosity and vindictiveness.

A Life Devoted to Service in Paphos

To understand the magnitude of the injustice, one must look at this man's path. Metropolitan Tychikos completed 22 full years of offering within this Metropolis. He began as a simple layman, lived and matured spiritually within its walls, serving daily with love, humility and absolute self-sacrifice.

He served the people of Paphos from every rank: as deacon, as archimandrite, as protosyncellus and finally as our elected Bishop. Throughout all these years, he produced a tremendous spiritual work, stood beside every suffering person and built a relationship of unwavering trust with his flock.

Paphos as a "Stepping Stone"

While Georgios was located and residing in Paphos, we all knew very well his intentions. He told all of us and all his actions proved that his sole goal and entire focus was how he would reach Nicosia. Paphos was treated merely as a stepping stone to the archiepiscopal throne.

Georgios ultimately got what he wanted. He should, therefore, have gone to Nicosia, remained in his new position and exercised his duties based on his capacity and been grateful to Christ. Instead, ingratitude.

In the Orthodox Church, the Archbishop is "first among equals" and has no right to intervene arbitrarily and impose his will on the autonomous Metropolises. On the contrary, we see continuous interference and an attempt to destroy the canonical Metropolitan of Paphos.

But here a legitimate question arises: Since, Georgios, you left and went to Nicosia, what is this obsession with Paphos? Why this inability to let the province proceed autonomously, as the canons prescribe, and why do you choose to sustain a state of division?

Persecutions with Blackmail and the Police Ultimatum

The removal of Metropolitan Tychikos is being done without any valid canonical documentation. To achieve their goal, they deployed financial blackmail regarding his salary and proceeded with an unprecedented attempt to evict him from his apartment. And we arrive at today, where by Georgios' letter an ultimatum is given to the Metropolitan to leave, with the threat that otherwise the Police will be deployed to remove him!
Are these your open doors?

Do not dare, therefore, to say or write that Tychikos abandoned the Metropolis.

He Does Not Abandon His Flock

Metropolitan Tychikos never abandoned the Metropolis, just as he does not abandon his flock and his spiritual children. He continues with them, responding to their call every moment. Together with the people of Paphos, he wages a struggle and walks a path that may require a little more time, but it is mathematically certain that it will bring vindication and the complete restoration of Metropolitan Tychikos of Paphos to the position that rightfully belongs to him.

In contrast to every thirst for power, Metropolitan Tychikos of Paphos never had ambitions for higher offices, nor did he look at how to leave for Nicosia. His desire is to live in Paphos, to serve his land, to rejoice with the faithful of his province and to be laid to rest here, in the soil of his birthplace.

The Illusion of Humiliation

You think that by doing more to him and weaving new slanders against him daily you manage to humiliate him. But the truth is completely different and we all see it. With your unjust attacks, the only thing you achieve is to elevate him. You elevate him in the eyes of Christ, you elevate him in the eyes of his flock and in the conscience of all Orthodox Christians who recognize the persecution of a righteous hierarch.

The Final Judgment

Faced with human ulterior motives, administrative machinations and threats, there is a higher truth. Christ has not yet spoken. And until He speaks, the people of Paphos know who their spiritual father is and cry out with all their strength: WORTHY! WORTHY! WORTHY IS TYCHIKOS!

Clergy and people of Paphos 04/06/2026".