Metropolitan Tikhikos of Paphos hospitalized in Athens

Metropolitan Tikhikos of Paphos has been urgently hospitalized in a hospital in Athens after a sharp deterioration in his health. The incident occurred after his trip to Istanbul, from which he was strongly advised to refrain by his doctors. From his hospital room, the hierarch recorded a video message asking for prayers.

According to the Union of Orthodox Journalists, Vladyka had been feeling ill for several days. Despite this, he traveled to the Phanar, where his condition deteriorated significantly amid fatigue and stress. Upon his return to Athens on October 22, the Metropolitan felt ill and was hospitalized with complaints of chest pains.

The hierarch was initially taken to the Onassis Clinic before being transferred to another hospital for a full examination. In a video message published, Metropolitan Tychicus thanked the priest accompanying him, Evangelos Papanikolaou, for his support and addressed the flock:

“Praise God! I ask for the prayers of all as I pray for Paphos, which I love so much. I pray for all of Cyprus and for every Christian. Pray that this trial will pass and better days will come for our Church. Praise God!” – he said.

These events take place against the background of the recent decision of the Synod of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, which rejected the appeal of Metropolitan Tikhikos of Paphos on his case.

Recall that the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Constantinople unanimously approved the decision of the Synod of the Cypriot Orthodox Church to remove former Metropolitan Tihikos of Paphos from the cathedra. 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.