Archbishop George of Cyprus Explained the Reasons for the Changes at the See of Paphos

Archbishop George of Cyprus stated that the recent changes at the Metropolitan See of Paphos were not related to either personal conflicts or financial issues. The Primate of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus also expressed his readiness to support the new Metropolitan of Paphos, Gregory, and commented on the shortage of priests, the situation involving former Metropolitan Tychikos, and the Cyprus issue.

According to the Orthodoxia News Agency, citing the Cyprus News Agency, Archbishop George attended the first priests’ assembly of the Metropolis of Paphos on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the invitation of the new Metropolitan of Paphos, Gregory.

Speaking to the clergy, the archbishop explained that he had come not only to offer a word of welcome but also to address questions that had arisen following recent decisions concerning the See of Paphos. According to him, various claims are circulating regarding this matter; however, the reasons for the decisions “were not superficial,” nor were they the result of a personal conflict or an economic dispute.

The Primate of the Church of Cyprus specifically rejected allegations related to financial matters. He emphasized that the accounting books and accounts are open to any audit, and there is no evidence of any financial scandal or misconduct. The archbishop noted that the residents of Paphos know him well, and if there had been any financial irregularities, they would have come to light.

Speaking about the situation in the Metropolis of Paphos, Archbishop George confirmed that he would provide the new metropolitan with all possible assistance. He also drew attention to the problem of a shortage of clergy, which, he said, affects all metropolitan districts but is felt particularly acutely in Paphos due to the large number of parishes and villages. “Not every community can have its own priest,” he noted.

Responding to a question about the future of the former Metropolitan of Paphos, Tychikos, the archbishop stated that no new decisions have been made at this time. If, as he put it, Metropolitan Tychikos maintains his current position, he will remain suspended, and the Holy Synod will further review the matter to determine whether additional action is necessary.

During his remarks, the archbishop also addressed the Cyprus issue. He expressed the view that Turkey’s goal remains to establish control over the entire island. According to the Primate, the Greek community must prevent the threat of “Turkification,” join forces, and utilize European and international mechanisms, as well as human rights principles, to continue efforts to liberate their homeland.