Scandal in the Church of Cyprus: Metropolitan Tihikou is threatened with deprivation of dignity and surveillance

The conflict between former Metropolitan Tikhikos of Paphos and the Holy Synod of the Cypriot Orthodox Church has reached a critical point. The hierarch, who has refused to obey synodal decisions, is facing the threat of ejection from his dignity. His lawyer claims unprecedented pressure, including threats and surveillance, while other church figures have expressed concern about the Synod’s methods.

According to ΒΗΜΑ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΙΑΣ, Metropolitan Evangelii Pulla’s lawyer has issued a statement saying that her client is under intense psychological and physical pressure. According to her, a suspicious van has been seen in the area of her residence and near the bishop’s entourage, as well as «there are clear signs of wiretapping». The Cyprus police have already been informed of these facts. «The situation has gone beyond all logic. This man is not just suspended from his position, he now feels his life is threatened,» the lawyer emphasized.

At the center of the conflict is an ultimatum issued by the Holy Synod. Metropolitan Tikhik must sign the so-called «confession of faith.» This document requires him to completely renounce his protest position (non-memorialization), recognize the decisions of all Ecumenical Councils, including the controversial 2016 Council of Crete, and express unconditional obedience to the synod. The wording of the ultimatum, according to sources, sounds extremely harsh: «either you sign everything or you will be ejected from the ministry.»

The situation has caused concern among hierarchs in Greece and Cyprus. They note that «the Church cannot act by methods of administrative discipline, but must be guided by a spirit of love and dialogue,» emphasizing that repentance is a spiritual act and not the result of administrative coercion. Nevertheless, the Phanar (Ecumenical Patriarchate) has already approved the decision of the Cypriot synod and called on the Metropolitan to submit «for his own spiritual good, as well as for the peace and unity of the Church.»

Thus, Metropolitan Tikhikos was faced with a difficult choice that will determine not only his personal ecclesiastical fate. The resolution of this conflict may have a significant impact on the unity of Orthodoxy in the region and set a precedent for the resolution of similar disagreements in the future.

Recall, earlier we reported that Metropolitan Seraphim of Kythira, a hierarch of the Hellenic Orthodox Church, publicly expressed support for Metropolitan Tikhikos of Paphos and sharply criticized the legality of his sentence. In his open letter, Vladyka Seraphim called the condemnation of Metropolitan Tikhikos unjust and not in accordance with Church canonical procedures, and expressed deep regret over the approval of the sentence by the Patriarchate of Constantinople.