Metropolitan Seraphim of Kythira on the Unjust Condemnation of Metropolitan Tychikos of Paphos by the Patriarchal Synod
- The Orthodox Ethos Team
- Oct 24
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 31
Editor's Note: Some of you may recall that a Cypriot bishop, Met. Tyckikos, was ousted from his metropolis for receiving heterodox into the Church in a strict canonical matter and not according to the ecumenist policy of the Church of Constantinople. The Patriarchal Synod heard his appeal and arguments for the legality of the Cypriot synods decision and upheld the decision to depose him. Met. Seraphim of Kythira and Antikythira wrote a well-written, pastoral, and fraternal letter to Met. Tychikos in response to this news, which we now share.
THE METROPOLITAN OF KYTHIRA AND ANTIKYTHIRA
SERAPHIM
To
His Eminence Metropolitan of Paphos,
Mr. Tychikos,
condemned without the prescribed canonical and legal procedure
“Strive for the truth unto death,
and the Lord God will fight for you.”
(Wisdom of Sirach)
Your Eminence, Most Reverend and beloved brother,
Bless!
Some days ago, as you were “going up to Jerusalem” (that is, to Constantinople), you sent me a message asking for prayers from my lowliness. From the heart I prayed, I have prayed, and I continue to pray for Your Eminence in your time of trial.
On Friday, October 17, 2025, the day of your appearance before the Patriarchal Holy Synod for the hearing of your appeal, we celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the Holy Monastery of the Holy Unmercenaries in Kythira, together with two abbot–pilgrims (one accompanied by his three-member brotherhood), for the success of your cause and the resolution of your ordeal. We had hoped and expected that the Ecumenical Patriarch, together with the Patriarchal Holy Synod around him, having carefully examined your case and, as the Synodal communiqué stated, “having noted procedural omissions in the trial of the case of Metropolitan Tychikos within the Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus, in relation to the provisions of its Charter,” would return the case file to the Autocephalous Church of Cyprus for a new review of the matter, with exact observance of the canonical and procedural norms of the Charter of the Church of Cyprus.
For, according to reliable information, these were not simple or insignificant omissions, but a disregard for the procedural order established by the Charter. We were deeply grieved that although “omissions were noted in relation to the provisions of the Charter of the Church of Cyprus,” nevertheless “the members of the Holy and Sacred Synod, judging on the substance, unanimously ratified the synodal decision of the Most Holy Church of Cyprus.”
From this arises the question: when a case has not been examined lawfully and canonically, and all its aspects have not been illuminated, how is it possible for it to be judged justly and completely, on the basis of truth and justice, and “on the substance”? And can such a decision, taken in this way, contribute to the peace of God’s people and to the unity of the Christ-bearing flock of the Church?
Your Eminence, holy brother,
In our 20 centuries and more of ecclesiastical history, we have had unjust trials. By way of example, we mention:
The unjust trial and condemnation of our Savior Jesus Christ.
The unjust trials and condemnations of Saint Athanasios the Great (who was exiled five times, for a total of 16 years).
The unjust trial, condemnation, and exile of Saint John Chrysostom.
The condemnation and thirty-year exile without trial of Saint Nektarios, Bishop of Pentapolis, the grace-filled.
The condemnation and deposition of three ever-memorable Metropolitans of the Church of Cyprus under Archbishop Makarios — Gennadios of Paphos, Anthimos of Kition, and Kyprianos of Kyrenia.
The condemnation without trial or defense of twelve Metropolitans of the Church of Greece in 1974, nine days before the Turkish invasion of our Cyprus.
Your Eminence,
Remaining steadfast “in the Holy and Immaculate Faith of pious and Orthodox Christians,” in the Tradition of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, and in the Divine and Holy Canons of Orthodoxy — and reaffirming the content of the Confession of Faith which we gave at our ordination to the episcopate — I recall the words: “Wait for the Lord; be courageous, and let your heart be strong, and wait for the Lord” (Prophet-King David).
I pray from my heart that the All-Holy Spirit may illumine the “mind, soul, and heart” of the brother bishops of the Church of Cyprus and that they may cast a “humane vote.” But if the All-Holy God permits a trial similar to those mentioned above, be assured that “sooner or later, Heaven will speak,” as the contemporary, much-suffering Saint of our Church, Metropolitan Kallinikos of Edessa, Pella, and Almopia (August 1984), used to say — meaning that the Lord Himself will vindicate you.
“Stand firm, holy brother, like an anvil struck. It is the mark of a great athlete to be beaten and to conquer.”(St. Ignatius the God-bearer to St. Polycarp of Smyrna)
Your brother in Christ,
+ Seraphim, Metropolitan of Kythira and Antikythira
Translated by and excerpted from Union of Orthodox Journalists in their article here, also from today.
We call you in an ecumenical support to Metropolital Tychikos, and we call upon the Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus to restore justice by annulling the uncanonical process of condemnation that was followed, and reinstating Metropolitan Tychikos as the Metropolitan of Paphos. Please vote through https://pafyp.com/petition-en/
As a concerned layman who has been involved in the Lord's Church for nearly fifty years, all I can say is that it is sad that the Holy Canons are being sidelined in the name of Ecumenism. His Eminence's letter brilliantly recalls the Holy Fathers of the past who were unjustly condemned and later vindicated. But we must agree, God is the final judge. Kyrie eleison!