Interior ministry rejects monastery appeal on protected land
The interior ministry rejected an appeal by the Famagusta Constantia bishopric to build a monastery on environmentally protected land in Cape Greco.
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Tamasos Bishopric responds to reports of compromise
The Bishopric of Tamasos is firm in their position and will not compromise in the case of the Habakkuk Monastery. They are waiting for the completion of investigations to reveal the truth and restore order. Their only objective is to uncover the truth, leaving no room for compromise.
St Habakkuk hearing postponed
The hearing to cancel foreclosure orders for the Monastery of Sant Habakkuk’s €807,000 has been postponed until May 30. The postponement was granted to serve the request to three more parties: the Hellenic Bank, the Bank of Cyprus, and the Land Registry. Bishop Isaiah of Tamasos is personally involved, represented by lawyer Elias Stefanou. The court required objections to be filed within eight days before the new hearing date. Notably, the acting abbot of the monastery, Nektarios, other monks, and two citizen applicants claiming ownership of the money were present in court.
All quiet at Saint Habakkuk Monastery
The scandal at Saint Habakkuk Monastery caused everyone involved to want a quick resolution before public exposure and possible sanctions. The monks were willing to apologize and disappear, the bishop wanted to avoid implication, and the archbishop hoped to avoid scandal before Easter. Despite real events like money found in the monastery and illegal activities, doubt now clouds the case as those involved have had time to regroup and create alternative scenarios. The public’s reaction has shifted from scandal to amusement, and a deafening silence now surrounds the situation.
Monks, ’ lawyers demand halt to church probe
Lawyers representing the Osiou Avakoum monks called for an end to investigations by the archdiocese, citing alleged prior sentencing of the monks for crimes.
Cyprus monastery dispute heats up over fake Facebook account
A fake Facebook account impersonating a priest involved in a scandal at Saint Habakkuk Monastery escalated a dispute with Bishop Isaias. The real priest denied any association with the account, which included a public apology and threats to report the Bishop. Supporters of the monks shared the profile widely, but it was eventually removed after gaining attention. The impersonated priest expressed relief over the account’s removal.
Monks’ lawyers challenge freeze orders in St. Habakkuk scandal
€807,000 found at the Habakkuk Monastery was handed over to the police by bishop Isaiah. The money was intended for the construction of a multi-purpose building in the Lycrodontas area for the residence of monks and clergy, as well as an educational center. The monks claim the money came from the sale of immovable property owned by third parties and was managed by the abbot Nektarios for a specific purpose. The freeze orders issued on the money and the monks’ accounts are being challenged in court.
Stabbed Sydney bishop is a TikTok star beloved by his community
Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was stabbed during a church service live streamed from Sydney. He is a social media star with followers worldwide, known for his fiery sermons on various topics. The attack on him was deemed a terrorist act motivated by religious extremism. Emmanuel has been popular on TikTok and YouTube, but his words have been twisted and taken out of context. Residents fear religious persecution in the community where the attack occurred.