Agriculture minister extols the virtues of roses
Fact: The most common variety of rose seen in Cyprus today, the Damask Rose, was first imported to the island by monks from the Kykkos Monastery after they had made a trip to Romania.
monks
Avakoum monks had salaries paid
Two monks from the Osiou Avakoum monastery, archimandrites Nektarios and Porfyrios, along with hieromonk Avakoum Christofis, were under investigation for alleged money laundering and engaging in sexual activity with each other. The monks were initially placed on leave with full pay, but later the decision was changed to withhold their salaries during the investigation. However, on Friday, they received payment for their salaries since March 12, which the lawyers said vindicated their clients. The monks had €807,000 in cash and were captured on camera engaging in sexual activity. Police had access to their bank accounts and other services for further investigation. The monks filed an appeal to have the frozen money returned, claiming that not all facts were presented to secure the freezing orders.
Saint Habakkuk monks sue Church over unpaid wages
Three monks from the Habakkuk Monastery have taken legal action against the Church of Cyprus for failing to pay their salaries. Despite sending a letter demanding payment, the Church did not respond, leading the monks to file private criminal cases at the Nicosia District Court. The monks are seeking redress through the legal system to secure their rightful earnings, as they have no other means of support. The first court appearance is expected to be scheduled soon, giving the Church an opportunity to respond to the allegations.
Church process against monks unlawful says their lawyer
Fact: Monks and their lawyers involved in the Avvakoum monastery scandal filed a memo to the church investigative committee arguing that the process being followed by the church was unlawful.
Students in Ireland and Switzerland join Gaza protest wave
Students at Trinity College Dublin and Lausanne University in Switzerland staged occupations to protest against Israel’s war in Gaza, joining demonstrations at U.S. campuses. In Dublin, students built an encampment that led the university to restrict campus access and close the Book of Kells exhibition. The protesters demanded Trinity cut academic ties with Israel and divest from companies with ties to Israel. In Lausanne, around 100 students occupied a building to support demands, including an end to scientific cooperation with Israel. The university said the occupation could continue until Monday as long as it did not disrupt campus work.
Students erect pro-Palestinian camp at Ireland’s Trinity College
Students at Trinity College Dublin have built an encampment in protest of Israel’s war in Gaza, leading to restricted campus access and the closure of the Book of Kells exhibition, a top tourist attraction in Ireland. The protest was sparked by a fine imposed on the students’ union by the university, not solely related to the Gaza conflict. The protesters are demanding that the university cut ties with Israeli institutions and divest from companies connected to Israel. Ireland has a history of supporting Palestinian rights, with plans to formally recognize Palestine as a state.
Monks called to appear before investigative committee
Two embroiled monks have been called to appear before the church investigative committee in relation to a monastery scandal.
‘No room for compromise’ in finding truth over Avakoum scandal
Fact: The court case over the Osiou Avakoum monastery scandal has been postponed until May 30 after the two monks involved filed an appeal to recover the €807,000 taken from them during the investigation.
Attempts for compromise in the Habakkuk Monastery scandal
Efforts have been made to reconcile the two sides in the Habakkuk Monastery scandal, but conditions are not yet conducive. The monks have sent messages to Metropolitan Isaiah of Tamasos to find a solution and withdraw mutual complaints to the police. The matter is now in the hands of the Holy Synod, and efforts are being made to find a compromise on the criminal issue. The final position of Metropolitan Isaiah will depend on the outcome of investigations into the origin of the €807,000.
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.