Conflict between suspended Metropolitan Tychikos and Church of Cyprus leadership
On April 26, 2026, an incident occurred at the Church of Apostles Paul and Barnabas in Paphos involving the suspended Metropolitan Tychikos and the local Archimandrite Ioannis Theochorous. The Archdiocese of Cyprus reported that Tychikos, despite his suspension, wore official vestments and performed liturgical duties, violating church protocols. When confronted by the head priest, Tychikos allegedly pushed and struck him, a claim supported by testimony from a second priest. The Archdiocese has officially denied allegations that Archbishop Georgios requested the Mayor of Paphos, Phaedon Phaedonos, to fabricate charges against Tychikos, noting that legal action regarding these claims is underway. Conversely, Tychikos's lawyer, Eirineos Antoniou Giakoumakis, attributes the conflict to financial disputes regarding Metropolitan assets and high-interest loans provided by the Archdiocese. The Church is currently auditing the Metropolitanate and plans to elect a new Metropolitan of Paphos in mid-May, with potential discussions on formal defrocking expected. The Archdiocese maintains that suspension is a pedagogical measure aimed at restoring unity and health within the Church.