Protest in Paphos supporting former Metropolitan Tychikos following physical altercation

On Sunday, April 26, 2026, hundreds of demonstrators gathered at the Paphos Town Hall square to express support for the suspended former Metropolitan Tychikos. The protest proceeded to the Paphos Metropolis building, with participants demanding his restoration, the adherence to canon law, and the preservation of public participation in episcopal elections. Protesters specifically criticized the Holy Synod and the Archbishop for alleged plans to amend the Church's charter to limit lay voting rights. Tychikos himself was not present at the demonstration. Earlier that same day, an incident occurred at the Church of Apostolos Pavlos where Tychikos attempted to participate in the Divine Liturgy. Archimandrite Ioannis Theocharous, the head of the church, denied him access citing his suspension by the Holy Synod. Witnesses reported a physical confrontation and verbal dispute between the two, resulting in the Archimandrite being treated at the Paphos General Hospital for neck pain. The Archimandrite has expressed an intention to file a police report regarding the incident.