**New Paphos Bishop Ordained in Nicosia Amid Protests**
Nicosia, Cyprus – Archimandrite Gregorios Ioannides was officially inaugurated as the new bishop of Paphos on Thursday during a divine liturgy at Saint Barnabas Church in Nicosia. This ceremony marked the beginning of his episcopal duties, following his election by the Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus at the end of May. Later in the day, Gregorios is set to be enthroned at Saint Theodore’s Church in Paphos.
The election of Gregorios comes in the wake of significant controversy surrounding his predecessor, Bishop Tychikos, who was removed from his position in May 2025. Tychikos's removal stemmed from a series of disputes with Archbishop Georgios regarding church governance and administration. His ousting sparked widespread protests from supporters who have been vocal in their demand for his reinstatement.
On the day of Gregorios's inauguration, supporters of Tychikos announced plans to hold a rally outside Saint Barnabas Church in Nicosia to protest against the election of the new bishop. Additionally, a further demonstration is expected to take place in Paphos later in the day, indicating ongoing tensions within the church community regarding the leadership transition.
In a recent development, Tychikos received a legal vindication from the Supreme Court, which granted him the right to challenge the decision that ratified his removal. The court's unanimous ruling overturned part of an earlier judgment and allowed Tychikos ten days to seek permission to contest the Holy Synod's decision that confirmed his deposition.
The situation surrounding the Paphos bishopric remains complex, with the election of Gregorios representing a significant shift in leadership amid ongoing disputes. The Church of Cyprus continues to navigate these challenges as it seeks to maintain unity within its ranks while addressing the concerns of its congregants.
As Gregorios prepares for his enthronement in Paphos, the reactions from both supporters and opponents of the recent changes are expected to shape the landscape of the church in the coming weeks.