Metropolitan Tychicus of Paphos has traveled to the Phanar to consider his appeal

Former Metropolitan Tychikos of Paphos has headed to the Phanar to attend a hearing at the Ecumenical Patriarchate on his appeal against the decision of the Holy Synod of the Cyprus Orthodox Church to suspend him. The hearing is expected to take place on Friday. The former hierarch is accompanied by his legal representative, a renowned professor of constitutional law.

According to Orthodox Times, Metropolitan Tychikos flew out on Monday, traveling first to Athens. He is accompanied by Panayiotis Lazaratos, a professor of constitutional law at the University of Athens, who will represent him before the Patriarchate. The former hierarch is expected to arrive in Istanbul on Wednesday and Prof. Lazaratos is expected to arrive at the Phanar on Thursday.

Prof. Lazaratos confirmed that the hearing is scheduled for Friday, at 11:30 am. It is worth noting that the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate will meet from October 16 to 18. According to Lazaratos, the Patriarchate is expected to give both the former Metropolitan and his representative the opportunity to speak in person. This will be the first such occasion in the Patriarchate’s history, as traditionally such matters have been resolved in writing.

«We are approaching this process in a spirit of ecclesial reconciliation and repentance, while at the same time defending the just positions of His Eminence,» Prof. Lazaratos said. Metropolitan Tychikos is expected to return to Cyprus next Monday after the completion of the proceedings.

Recall, earlier we reported that the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus has launched a crackdown on bishops who refuse to support the position of the Primate of the COC Archbishop George on the OCU and a number of other issues of principle. After Metropolitan Tychikos of Paphos was deposed from the cathedra, the head of the Cypriot Church announced a crackdown against Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphi.