Lawyer for former Metropolitan Tikhikos of Paphos claims misrepresentation of facts and violations of church order

Former Metropolitan Tihikos of Paphos does not live in the main building of the Metropolis, but occupies a small room in its garden, while his salary was reduced by 55% without a decision of the Holy Synod. According to ΚΥΠΕ (Cyprus News Agency), Metropolitan Tihikos’ lawyer, Irineos Antonios Iacoumakis of the law firm M.H. Mylonas & Partners D.E.P.E disputes the recent publications, arguing that they distort reality, create false perceptions in the church environment and public opinion, and point to serious violations of church order and lack of due regard for his client’s health condition. This is reported by Orthodoxia News Agency.

According to the lawyer, Metropolitan Tychicus does not occupy any administrative premises in the Paphos Metropolis. His residence is limited to a small room in the garden of the Metropolis, where only his personal belongings have been moved. At the same time, the Metropolis incurs absolutely no expenses for his food or medical care.

The key point in the lawyer’s statement is the information about a significant reduction in the former Metropolitan’s salary. «His salary was reduced by 55% without a corresponding decision of the Holy Synod, which raises serious questions of legality as well as pastoral sensitivity regarding his treatment, » Mr. Yakoumakis stressed.

The lawyer also drew attention to his client’s compromised state of health and the lack of substantial interest on the part of the Archbishop, acting as the Locum Tenens of the See of Paphos, regarding the living conditions and care of the former Metropolitan. He stated that «for the first time in the history of the Church, it is officially reported that the Archbishop’s communication with the bishops regarding participation in the Holy Synod is through press publications rather than through personal or institutional invitations.» According to the lawyer, this practice «is not in accordance with Church order, mores and canonical tradition.»

Irenaeus Anthony Iacoumakis noted that former Metropolitan Tikhikos of Paphos is not seeking conflict, but seeks to restore truth, preserve unity and peace in the Church, and ensure justice, transparency and respect for institutions.

At the end of the statement, the lawyer appealed to the media to «be responsible and verify their information before publishing news damaging to persons and institutions,» emphasizing that «the truth does not need exaggeration, but needs light.»

Recall, earlier we reported that the hierarch of the Cyprus Orthodox Church, suspended Metropolitan Tikhikos of Paphos, filed a new appeal to the Patriarchate of Constantinople, challenging the decision of the Synod of the Church of Cyprus to suspend him from ministry. In response, Archbishop George of Cyprus commented on the situation, expressing his opinion about the possible influence on Tychicus by third parties and calling his actions illogical. At the same time, the Paphos Metropolis is preparing to elect a new head, which, according to the new statutes, will be held without the participation of the laity.