Synod of the Church of Cyprus considers Bishop Tychicus' case closed despite appeal to Supreme Court

The Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus considers the matter concerning Bishop Tychicus closed, despite his appeal to the Supreme Court of Cyprus to annul the Synod’s decision to remove him from the Metropolitan See of Paphos. Archdiocese of Cyprus spokesman Christakis Evstafiou said the Church asserts its constitutionally protected autonomy and the non-interference of civil courts in its internal affairs. This is reported by Orthodoxtimes.com.

Christakis Evstafiou, speaking on the Alpha Kalimera television program, explained that Bishop Tychicus’ appeal takes the case into a different legal sphere. He recalled the precedent related to the former archimandrite of the Avvakum Monastery, Nektarius, who also tried to challenge the punishment imposed on him by the Holy Synod. In that case, according to Evstafiou, the judge made his position clear, emphasizing that “civil courts cannot interfere in the affairs of the Church.”

Evstafiou emphasized that the Church has a special and constitutionally protected position, allowing it to regulate its affairs in accordance with its Statutes, ecclesiastical and canon law. When asked whether the appeal was of concern to the Church, the representative of the Archdiocese answered in the negative, confirming that for the Holy Synod the matter was considered to be concluded.

“Bishop Tychicus will have to decide his own affairs. He has the right to make whatever choices are available to him. However, from now on, he is responsible for this choice, since for the Church, I repeat, the matter is considered closed,” Evstafiou noted.

Recall, earlier we reported that the suspended Metropolitan Tihik announced his intention to appeal to the civil courts of the Republic of Cyprus in January 2026. His goal is to seek reinstatement as the ruling bishop of the Paphos Metropolis, as he considers the decisions taken against him illegal.