The Archbishopric has called for restraint and unity following a physical altercation between a priest and former bishop Tychikos during a church service in Paphos.
Archbishopric press spokesman Christakis Efstathiou said on Monday that the incident had caused concern, stressing that “such acts are inconsistent with the role of the church”.
He said the church must remain “a field of peace and spiritual tranquillity”, urging those involved and the wider public to avoid escalation.
The incident occurred during a liturgy at the Church of Paul the Apostle, where the former bishop reportedly approached the pulpit intending to participate.
The officiating priest informed him that he could not take part, as he remains suspended by decision of the Holy Synod.
The exchange escalated into a physical confrontation.
The priest, who had recently undergone neck surgery, was taken to Paphos general hospital for treatment and later filed a complaint with police alleging assault and bodily harm.
Police confirmed that a report had been received following his discharge.
The former bishop also attended a police station later the same day.
In a written statement issued through his lawyer, he denied the allegations, stating he had entered the church “to pray” and had not intended to participate in the liturgy.
He claimed he was “unprovokedly attacked” and said he withdrew from the situation to avoid further tension.
Efstathiou said the matter is currently under police investigation and clarified that there is no immediate plan for it to be brought before the Holy Synod.
“At present there is no such intention,” he said, adding that the case is being handled by the competent authorities.
He also cautioned that “phenomena of fanaticism have no place within the Church” and reiterated that “calm and mutual respect must prevail”.
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