Former bishop of Paphos Tychikos has requested through his lawyer that the Holy Synod retract its decisions concerning his case, following an incident at St Paul’s church in Paphos, when the officiating priest refused to let him take part in a liturgy citing Tychikos’ suspension.

Alternatively, Tychikos suggested that the Supreme Court annul the decisions or have the case re-examined through “legitimate procedures”.

According to Tychikos, restrictions imposed on suspended clerics are applied to leading liturgy. Other actions, such as commemorations, are allowed.

He reported his “violent” removal from the church’s sanctuary, with claims currently being investigated by the police.

Tychikos was removed from the Paphos bishopric at an emergency synod session in May 2025, following a series of disputes with Archbishop Georgios over matters of church protocol.

The bishop had filed a new appeal at the end of January 2026, challenging the Synod’s earlier decision to place him on suspension.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus stressed that the Synod has examined the case repeatedly and that its decisions have been ratified twice by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, adding that “I do not think there is any more room for this situation to continue.”

He also confirmed that the election for a new Paphos bishop is expected by the end of May, with Synod meetings scheduled for May 18 to 20 to approve the new statute ahead of the vote.