A new chapter has emerged in the dispute surrounding the Metropolis of Paphos, following recent statements by the deposed Bishop of Paphos, Tychikos, which bring older cases back into the spotlight. According to his lawyer, Eirineos Antoniou Giakoumakis, the core of the issue lies in the Bishopric’s finances, particularly loans and the management of its assets.
Speaking on Politis Radio 107.6 and 97.6, Giakoumakis said Tychikos took over the Paphos Metropolis in an already strained financial position, burdened by significant loan obligations. “There were loans of many millions that had to be repaid,” he said, seeking to distance Tychikos from responsibility for the creation of the debts.
He also referred to funding received from the Archbishopric, claiming that instead of meaningful support, loans were granted at a high interest rate. “Although the Archbishop had promised support, loans were eventually granted at an interest rate of 6.5 per cent, at a time when banks were operating at 1-2 per cent,” he said. Giakoumakis added that Tychikos accepted the terms “so as not to offend the Archbishop”, without clarifying the reason the funds had been requested.
Giakoumakis further raised the issue of exploiting real estate assets, arguing that the Metropolis had secured an offer from a tenant for a property near the airport that could have generated up to €400,000 annually. The agreement, he said, did not proceed, with the result that the property now generates only about €20,000 a year. In the same context, he said that “contracts with specific hotel units with which the Metropolis of Paphos has entered into agreements should also be investigated”, citing concerns over asset management.
He added that when the bishop attempted “to put things in order” and move ahead with an independent financial audit, the Holy Synod met a few months later, in May 2025, and decided to remove him from office for serious disciplinary offences. Giakoumakis left open the question of a link between the timing of the audit initiative and his removal.
The Archbishopric’s response
Responding to the claims, Archbishopric spokesperson and theologian Christakis Efstathiou said the issue raised a question of documentation. Speaking on Politis Radio and the programme “Proini Epitheorisi”, he stressed that the finances of the Metropolises are not uncontrolled, as they are subject to oversight by the Archbishopric and the Holy Synod, especially when large sums are involved.
He said references to loans and financial management are serious matters that cannot remain at the level of claims. “When such allegations are made and individuals or institutions are implicated, they must be accompanied by evidence,” he said, also voicing reservations about the timing of the claims and asking why they had not been raised earlier.
Efstathiou concluded that if evidence exists, it should be submitted to the competent authorities for investigation. As for next steps, he said procedures within the Church of Cyprus are under way, estimating that the election of a new Metropolitan of Paphos is expected in May.
Regarding incidents at the church of Apostle Paul, Efstathiou said that since Tychikos is under suspension, he has no right to take an active role in priestly rites. He clarified that the mentioning of names forms part of the Divine Liturgy and noted that there is a difference between attending a church service and active participation at the altar. Such incidents, he said, create tension and “fanaticism”, adding that any allegations should be examined by the competent authorities if evidence is provided.