The Greek Orthodox Church of Cyprus is facing a serious risk of schism following the removal of former Paphos Metropolitan Tihikos by the Holy Synod. Supporters of Tihikos have sent letters to clergy in Paphos and other regions, calling on them to leave the established church and help found a new one.
According to Cypriot newspaper Alithia, the letter was signed by five individuals and explicitly urged priests to abandon the current ecclesiastical structure. Reports also emerged that a private home in Paphos has been used as an unofficial place of worship.
The Holy Synod convened a special session in response to the developments. Following the meeting, officials confirmed the existence of the letter and acknowledged that home-based religious services had taken place.
Alithia also reported that the possibility of a direct meeting between Tihikos and the Archbishop was raised during the Synod session, though it remains unclear whether such talks would help resolve the deepening crisis.
