Lawyers for Metropolitan Tihikos of Paphos have denied the accusations by the Archdiocese of Cyprus

The legal team of Metropolitan Tihikos of Paphos has issued an official rebuttal of the statements of the Archdiocese of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus regarding allegations of violation of sacred canons and inappropriate behavior of the hierarch. In a press release issued, the defense insists on procedural irregularities in the proceedings, the concealment of key evidence and political pressure on the Church proceedings.

According to the UOJ in Greece, the metropolitan’s lawyers presented evidence on April 29, 2026 that Vladyka Tychicus did not violate canonical rules in the celebration of the liturgy. According to the statement, the service was conducted by another priest, and the use of the omophorion and the remembering of names at the proskomidia are not independent liturgical acts. Nevertheless, the Metropolitan expressed his readiness not to commemorate names at the proskomidia from now on in order to exclude any reasons for tempting the faithful.

The defense also categorically refuted the Archdiocese’s claims that the case does not involve complaints from political figures. The lawyers cited excerpts from documents dated May 2025, which include appeals from Paphos Mayor Fidonas Fidonos and the Greek Education Minister. It was noted that key physical evidence was never handed over to the defense, raising questions about the validity of the trial.

A separate conflict arose over an incident in the altar of the Church of Apostles Paul and Barnabas. While the Archdiocese accuses the Metropolitan of assaulting the rector, witnesses on the defense side claim the hierarch himself was physically ejected by Protosynchel Father John. A mass rally in support of Metropolitan Tikhikos has already taken place in Paphos, gathering more than 1,500 people. According to the lawyers, if violations in the proceedings are proven, the current decisions of the Synod will be deprived of canonical grounds and can be canceled by the Supreme Court of Cyprus.

Recall that the confrontation escalated in May 2025, when the Synod suspended Metropolitan Tychicus from governing the diocese. The reason for the conflict was the bishop’s principled positions on the re-baptism of Protestants and his refusal to accept in Paphos the relics of the Apostle Paul accompanied by a representative of the Catholic Church.