The protracted dispute concerning the deposed Bishop Tychikos of Paphos has reached a critical juncture. Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus has issued a stern ultimatum, demanding Tychikos vacate the bishopric flat and surrender its keys by Thursday morning. Failure to comply will necessitate police intervention to formally document the contents of both the flat and Tychikos's office, highlighting the deep schism within the Church of Cyprus.
Bishop Tychikos, who was formally removed from his administrative duties last May, has allegedly remained in occupation of the bishopric property. This situation has evidently exhausted the patience of the ecclesiastical hierarchy. The Archbishop's directive, conveyed via a formal letter, sets a stringent deadline of 10:00 AM for the handover of keys. Police presence is scheduled for 12:00 PM to oversee the inventory of the premises should Tychikos remain recalcitrant. The deposed bishop is, however, being afforded the opportunity to retrieve any personal effects.
The roots of this escalating conflict are multifaceted, extending beyond mere property occupancy. Tychikos's deposition stemmed from accusations of breaches in church protocol, including the contentious display of an uncanonized icon. Furthermore, a significant clash previously occurred regarding the handling of a relic of Saint Paul's skull. Tychikos reportedly expressed strong reservations about its transfer to Cyprus and made controversial remarks about Pope Francis. These actions, coupled with his alleged obstruction of municipal communication, led the local mayor to publicly describe his conduct as "trying and unbecoming."
Despite an unsuccessful appeal against his removal, Tychikos has maintained his refusal to vacate the bishopric residence. This stance has been complicated by claims from Tychikos's legal counsel asserting that the office and keys had already been relinquished. This assertion appears to have been the catalyst for the Archbishop's latest, decisive action. Christakis Efstathiou, spokesperson for the Archbishopric, stated that "patience and tolerance have been exhausted."
The Holy Synod had previously voted to uphold Tychikos's deposition, a decision that saw him retain his titular bishopric status but stripped of his executive functions. However, the ongoing refusal to cede the bishopric property has transformed a disciplinary matter into a potential legal confrontation. The involvement of the police signifies a significant escalation, moving the dispute from internal church affairs into the public domain. The impending police entry promises to bring a definitive conclusion to this protracted ecclesiastical imbroglio.