Metropolitan Tihikos was forcibly evicted from the Paphos Metropolitanate building

On the morning of June 4, 2026, the forced eviction of Metropolitan Tihikos from the building of the Metropolis of Paphos took place in Cyprus. The procedure took place under considerable pressure from law enforcement agencies against the backdrop of a protracted conflict over the leadership of the pulpit.

According to information published by the news resource Orthodoxia.info, the eviction was accompanied by an increased police presence, which was observed around the administrative buildings the day before. Earlier, the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus, Archbishop George, publicly stated his readiness to involve law enforcement agencies to evict Tihik from the church premises.

The conflict situation around the Metropolis of Paphos has remained unresolved for several months. Metropolitan Tychicus has consistently challenged the canonicity of his removal and insisted on his right to occupy church buildings. Lawyers have been involved in the case, and the hierarch himself has announced his intention to appeal to Cypriot and European courts to protect his rights.

Another escalation of the confrontation occurred on the eve of an important ecclesiastical event – on June 11, 2026 is scheduled to enthrone the newly elected Metropolitan Gregory. Thus, forceful measures to liberate the residence were taken shortly before the official inauguration of the new head of the metropolitanate.