**Tychikos Supporters Prepare for Protest Against New Bishop Gregorios**
Supporters of the deposed Bishop Tychikos of Paphos are gearing up to voice their discontent during the ordination of his successor, Bishop Gregorios, scheduled for Thursday at St Barnabas Church in Nicosia. The ordination, which will take place during the morning liturgy, is expected to be met with protests from those loyal to Tychikos, who was removed from his position last year amid controversies surrounding church governance.
In a series of social media posts, Tychikos' supporters have called for a gathering to express their dissatisfaction with the appointment of Bishop Gregorios. They plan to boo the new bishop during the ceremony and have organized a protest outside the Paphos bishopric at 6 PM, coinciding with Gregorios' enthronement later that day. The demonstrators argue that the local community should have a voice in the selection of their bishop, particularly when there is significant disagreement over the choice.
The supporters have characterized the situation as one where the new bishop "snatched the throne" from Tychikos, emphasizing their desire for a "proper welcome" to be extended to the new leader of the Paphos diocese. Their protests are part of a broader movement that has seen demonstrations in both Nicosia and Paphos, where supporters have rallied to advocate for Tychikos to remain in his position.
The backdrop to this unrest is the contentious removal of Tychikos, which occurred during an emergency synod session in May of the previous year. His ousting was reportedly due to disputes with Archbishop George regarding church protocol and administrative issues. Following his removal, Tychikos vacated his residence at the Paphos bishopric last week, leaving the apartment empty and the keys in the door, as church officials discovered on Thursday morning.
The situation has drawn attention not only from the local community but also from church leadership, with Archbishop George acknowledging his role in the scandal surrounding Tychikos’ removal. In a recent statement, he expressed regret over the events that transpired and warned monks about the consequences of noncompliance, including potential excommunication.
As the date of the ordination approaches, the tension between Tychikos' supporters and the church hierarchy remains palpable. Many in the community are closely watching how the events will unfold, particularly during the protests planned for Thursday. The outcome of this situation may have lasting implications for the Paphos diocese and its relationship with the local faithful.
In the meantime, Bishop Gregorios has expressed his commitment to open communication and accessibility, stating that his doors will be open for all, including those who may disagree with his appointment. However, the challenges he faces from Tychikos' supporters may complicate his efforts to establish his authority and foster unity within the diocese.
As the protests are set to take place, the situation continues to evolve, and it remains to be seen how the church and the community will navigate this period of transition and dissent.