Crisis in Cyprus Orthodox Church: supporters of Metropolitan Tihikos warn of risk of schism

An internal conflict is escalating in the Cypriot Orthodox Church over the case of suspended Metropolitan Tihikos of Paphos. A group of the hierarch’s supporters sent a sharp letter to the Holy Synod, in which they protested against the actions of the Church leadership and warned of the possibility of a deep church split and social instability on the island.

According to the Greek edition of Vima Orthodoxias, the letter was distributed through the “Union of Orthodox Journalists.” The authors of the appeal call the treatment of Metropolitan Tihikos “anti-canonical, unjust and unconstitutional.” The document contains direct accusations against Archbishop George of Cyprus, whom supporters of the suspended hierarch reproach for violating the Church’s Charter and fundamental principles of law.

The text of the letter notes that the original accusations against Metropolitan Paphos allegedly “fell apart and proved to be groundless”, while the current actions of the Synod are seen as an attempt to publicly discredit him. The signatories warn that if Metropolitan Tikhikos is finally deposed and another person is appointed in his place, the flock will consider the new bishop “an illegal usurper of the throne.” This, according to the authors, will inevitably lead to an ecclesiastical schism that will be difficult to heal in the future.

At the same time, according to Vima Orthodoxias sources, the Patriarchate of Constantinople and the official leadership of the Church of Cyprus view the matter as virtually closed. It is reported that in case of continued pressure and public attacks by supporters of the metropolitan, the Holy Synod may take even harsher disciplinary decisions in the near future.

Experts note that the situation around Metropolitan Tikhik has gone beyond an internal administrative dispute and is of serious concern throughout the Orthodox world. The next steps of the Synod will be decisive for the preservation of the unity of the Church of Cyprus.