Bishop Isaias of Tamassos has indefinitely extended the suspension of Abbot Nectarios and Monk Porphyrios of the Saint Habakkuk monastery.
The two monks were initially suspended in connection with an ongoing case involving the monastery.
While the initial suspension period was due to expire recently, it has been extended until the Church of Cyprus’ Holy Synod and Synodal Court complete their investigation.
According to philenews, the indefinite suspension is based on the Church’s Charter and has been formally communicated to the monks.
The notification states that they are barred from performing any liturgical acts until the Church’s judicial process concludes and a final decision is reached.
This effectively continues the suspension until a definitive ruling is issued by the Church authorities.
The Saint Habakkuk Monastery scandal centres around alleged financial improprieties and misconduct.
The monks face accusations of money laundering, fraud, and obtaining money through false pretences. A large sum of undeclared cash was reportedly found on the premises, raising suspicion about its origin.
The monastery’s lawyers have vehemently denied all accusations, calling them “fabricated” and stressing the legitimacy of their financial operations.
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Monastery scandal. suspension, investigation, financial improprieties