“I feared nothing in this world, except the bishops.”

Metropolitan Tychikos of Paphos: When the word of Chrysostom becomes a timely warning

Ioannis Georgiou, theologian | March 23, 2026

The word of Saint John Chrysostom does not belong merely to the past — it stands today as a living and troubling warning. For the greatest danger to the Church does not come from external enemies, but from the moment when ecclesiastical authority itself departs from truth and justice.

The case of Tychikos, Metropolitan of Paphos, has caused intense disturbance and deep concern among circles of clergy and laity, not only at the local level but more broadly as well. Many express the conviction that it is a blatant injustice, which does not correspond to the spirit of ecclesiastical justice and canonical order, while more and more voices speak of a development that leaves grave questions.

With increasing intensity, the view is being expressed that the reasons behind this development are not exhausted in purely pastoral or spiritual criteria, but may be connected with other expediencies. This perception, whether it is confirmed or not, is in itself sufficient to shake the trust of the faithful and to create a deep rift in their relationship with the ecclesiastical leadership.

Saint John Chrysostom did not hesitate to raise his voice when he saw the truth yielding before authority. The same spirit of boldness is necessary today as well — not to divide, but to restore the sense of justice and trust.

The Church cannot proceed in shadows, nor leave room for suspicions. It must stand in the light, with clarity, justice, and fear of God. Otherwise, the word of Chrysostom ceases to be a historical reminder and becomes a living indictment of those things that wound the body of the Church.

The moment does not permit silence. It demands truth, transparency, and courage — so that the Church may remain what it is called to be: light and not shadow.

 

Greek source: https://aktines.blogspot.com/2026/03/blog-post_556.html