Paphos Metropolis: believers speak out in defense of Metropolitan Tikhikos

Recently, there has been considerable tension in the Church of Cyprus, especially in the Metropolis of Paphos, over the situation surrounding the possible removal of Metropolitan Tihikos, which has caused strong protests among the faithful. As Vima Orthodoxias reports, the local community is openly opposing any attempt to replace the legally elected bishop.

According to church sources, the issue is being treated with special attention by the Church of Cyprus, while the faithful and clerics insist that Tihikos, elected according to church canons, remains the only legitimate metropolitan of Paphos. The people of Paphos say they will not accept any change that is not based on the sacred rules of the Church. For them, this is not just an administrative issue, but a deep spiritual and ecclesiastical one.

The faithful emphasize that a metropolitan elected by a church assembly cannot be removed without strict adherence to all canonical procedures. They demand full transparency and adherence to the Church’s statutes. At the center of the Orthodox heritage is the issue of ecclesiastical legitimacy, as noted in sources including the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which emphasizes that the sacred rules are the basis of Church governance.

One of the main objections of the faithful of Paphos is the manner in which the removal procedure was conducted. Many feel that there were not sufficient charges presented to justify such a serious ecclesiastical action. It is also said that the procedures were rushed and did not allow for a full investigation of the circumstances. Paphos residents insist that any decision to remove the metropolitan must be taken with strict adherence to canonical norms and respect for church order.

The faithful declare that the Paphos Metropolis does not need «puppets» but a real pastor. They refuse to accept anyone who will not be elected in accordance with Church canons. For them, Tihikos is the legitimate shepherd, elected and serving the metropolis according to the sacred rules of the Church.

The situation in Paphos raises again the eternal question of Church governance — ensuring canonical order. In the Orthodox Church, canonical order is not just an administrative mechanism, but the foundation of the unity of the Church. Therefore, any decision to remove a bishop or metropolitan is treated with special care. The history of the Church shows that such cases often provoke strong reactions among the faithful because they directly affect the bond between pastor and flock.

The faithful of Paphos are sending a clear message: they demand the restoration of canonical order and the return of Metropolitan Tihikos to the throne. Many also believe that those involved in procedures considered non-cononical must answer to the Church. Tensions around the situation continue to rise, and it is possible that the case will lead to a wider Church debate on the workings of Church institutions.

The Paphos Metropolis is experiencing one of the most critical moments in its modern history. The faithful declare that they will defend legality and church order by all legal and peaceful means. For them, the issue concerns not only the individual, but the very function of the Church and respect for the sacred rules governing Orthodoxy. The development of the situation is expected with great interest, as the next decisions of the Church will determine the future of the Metropolis of Paphos and its relations with the flock.

Recall, earlier we reported that the Church of Cyprus officially announced that the «Tihikos issue» concerning the former Metropolitan of Paphos is considered closed. The focus is now on the revision of the statutes and the process of electing a new Metropolitan of Paphos, despite the ongoing personal appeals of the former hierarch.