A physical altercation took place between a priest and former bishop Tychikos during a liturgy at the Church of Paul the apostle in Paphos.

According to Phileleftheros, the former bishop entered the church and moved towards the pulpit intending to participate in the service.

The officiating priest informed him he could not take part, as he remains suspended by decision of the Holy Synod.

The exchange escalated into a physical altercation between the two men, afterwhich the acting priest, who recently underwent neck surgery, was taken to Paphos general hospital for treatment.

He later submitted a written complaint to the police alleging assault and bodily harm enacted by Tychikos.

Police confirmed receipt of the complaint following the priest’s discharge from hospital.

The former bishop likewise also went to the police station later in the day, accompanied by relatives.

According to information, he is preparing a legal response disputing the allegations.

In a written statement issued through his lawyers, Tychikos rejected the allegations, stating he had attended the church “to pray” and not to participate in the liturgy itself.

He said he followed ecclesiastical procedure by commemorating names of the living and the deceased without attempting to exercise liturgical duties.

He claimed he was “unprovokedly attacked” by the priest during prayer and that the priest “pulled him by the arm” in an attempt to remove him, leading to the confrontation.

According to the statement, Tychikos said he reacted calmly, asking the priest to return to his duties and allow him to continue praying, adding that he “even kissed the priest’s hand” during the exchange.

He said he withdrew voluntarily to avoid further tension and moved to another part of the church.

Tychikos denied any use of violence on his part and disputed claims of injury, describing them as an attempt “to create a false impression”.

He said he reserves all legal rights and is taking steps with the authorities to document the incident, while also calling on church authorities not to obstruct his right to pray.