A threat of schism is looming in the Cypriot Orthodox Church due to the crisis in the Metropolis of Paphos

A tense situation has arisen within the Cypriot Orthodox Church following reports of attempts to establish an alternative church structure and hold unauthorized divine services in private homes. According to the Orthodoxia News Agency, calls are circulating in the dioceses urging clergy to sever ties with the official Church and support the new organization.

Former Metropolitan Tychikos of Paphos has found himself at the center of the controversy and was summoned to a meeting of the Holy Synod. According to media reports, there have been instances of liturgies being held on private property in Paphos, which are linked to the activities of supporters of the suspended hierarch who disagree with the appointment of Bishop Gregory to the See of Paphos. However, Tychikos’s own involvement in the creation of a “parallel” structure has not been officially confirmed.

In his correspondence with the Synod dated October 2026, Metropolitan Tichik expressed serious objections to the disciplinary proceedings to which he had previously been subjected. In particular, he criticized the change of his ecclesiastical title from “former metropolitan” to “former bishop” without prior notice. The former hierarch also alleged a violation of his right to a defense during the Synod’s session in May 2025 and requested permission to celebrate divine services in accordance with canonical order, emphasizing that he intends to defend his rights by all available legal means.

As a reminder, we previously reported that the Supreme Court of Cyprus had partially granted the appeal of former Metropolitan Tikhikos of Paphos, allowing him to challenge in court the decision of the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Constantinople regarding his removal. However, the court denied a request to extend the deadline for appealing the decision of the Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus.