The Patriarchate of Constantinople has approved the decision of the Church of Cyprus on the case of deposition of Metropolitan Tikhikos of Paphos

The Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Constantinople has unanimously approved the decision of the Synod of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus to expel former Metropolitan Tikhikos of Paphos from his diocese. Despite the identified procedural violations during the proceedings in Cyprus, the Patriarchate considered the decision to be essentially correct and called on the former hierarch to submit to the will of his Church.

According to the official website of the Patriarchate, Metropolitan Tychicus appealed to the Synod of the Church of Constantinople after the Synod of the Church of Cyprus deprived him of his cathedra in May this year. He considered the decision uncanonical and asked for a review.

On Friday, October 17, 2025, the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate considered the appeal filed in detail. Metropolitan Tychicus was received by the members of the Synod and answered their questions regarding the charges against him.

During the examination of the case file, the Synod noted some procedural omissions in the consideration of the case of Metropolitan Tikhikos by the Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus. Nevertheless, having considered the case on the merits, all members of the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate unanimously ratified the synodal decision of the Holy Church of Cyprus.

In conclusion, the former Metropolitan of Paphos was advised to obey the decisions of the Holy Synod of his Church for the sake of his spiritual benefit, as well as for the sake of peace and unity in the Church.

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