Holy Synod

Tamasos clergy face synod questions

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Tamasos clergy face synod questions

The investigatory committee of the Holy Synod has summoned officials and clergy from the Tamasos Bishopric to testify about the scandal involving the Habakkuk Monastery. Five to six individuals from the Bishopric are expected to testify before the committee, providing explanations about the case and answering questions about the transfer of property and sexual offences against monks. The committee has examined some testimonies and compiled a list of clarifying questions for the witnesses. Monks under accusation will be called last to answer to the gathered material.

Tax department to look into scandal hit monastery

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Tax department to look into scandal hit monastery

The tax department in Cyprus is examining the books at Osiou Avakoum monastery to determine if it has met all taxation requirements. This action is part of an audit to assess compliance with tax obligations by the monastery and individuals involved. The investigation follows the suspension of five monks by the Holy Synod amid scandals involving suspect economic activities, financial crimes, sexual harassment, and abuse allegations. The monastery had previously applied for a €3 million fundraiser in 2020 without submitting necessary financial statements. A safe box containing €800,000 was found at the monastery, which was transferred to the Tamassos Bishopric under police supervision.

Evidence collection nearly done in Osiou Avakoum scandals

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Evidence collection nearly done in Osiou Avakoum scandals

Two monks involved in scandals at the Osiou Avakoum monastery will provide statements to the Holy Synod’s investigative committee next week. This step is part of the final evidence collection before a decision is made. The investigation by a six-member ecclesiastical court of the Holy Synod is not expected to finish before Easter. The committee is focused on reaching a reliable conclusion rather than the time the process takes. A CCTV video under police investigation will be considered in the final decision, despite concerns about its legality. Additionally, there are ongoing police investigations into sexual harassment allegations and possible financial crimes at the monastery. Theologian Theodoros Kyriacou testified in support of a sexual harassment complaint against the monastery’s head, filed by a former employee.

Bishop Isaiah testifies on monastery allegations

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Bishop Isaiah testifies on monastery allegations

– Bishop Isaiah of Tamassos testified for three days about financial irregularities and other actions by the monks of the Monastery of Saint Habakkuk, which he claims are criminal offenses.
– During his testimony, Bishop Isaiah mentioned a citizen’s complaint of sexual harassment against him.
– The complainant and theologian Theodoros Kyriakou also testified about the sexual harassment case.
– Bishop Isaiah provided evidence including photographs, audio recordings, and videos to support his allegations.
– It is suggested that the area around the bishop was under surveillance, but there is no indication of illegal recording.
– Monks of the Monastery of Saint Habakkuk were aware that their actions were being recorded and allegedly tried to disable the sound unsuccessfully.
– There is no information about a video circulating that records confessions of the faithful.
– Priests and employees at the Bishopric of Tamassos testified mainly about the financial management of the monastery and denied any form of violence against the monks.
– The testimonies described interactions with the monks, including the transfer of a safe to the bishop of Tamassos and the monks visiting the Bishopric’s office voluntarily.
– The monks under investigation claimed they were pressured into admitting to allegations.
– Two monks who recently went missing are to be summoned for testimony before the investigative committee of the Holy Synod and have been seen in various places.

Theologian testifies in ongoing monastery scandal

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Theologian testifies in ongoing monastery scandal

Theodoros Kyriacou, a theologian, provided testimony regarding a sexual harassment complaint against the head of Osiou Avakoum monastery, filed by a former employee. Kyriacou was called by the police to give a statement about the allegations. The complainant had approached Kyriacou in early March through the NGO Accept LGBTI to share his story. Kyriacou described the complainant as a vulnerable person and refuted claims of the victim making contradictory statements. Accept LGBTI advised the complainant to seek advice from mental health professionals. The Holy Synod committee is investigating the allegations but has not disclosed whether the accused monks have been called to testify. Father Eleftherios, a committee representative, stated that no announcements would be made about the investigation until it is concluded. The police have also refrained from commenting on the case, which has seen no arrests in sixteen days.

Allegation of sexual harassment made against Saint Habakkuk Monastery

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Allegation of sexual harassment made against Saint Habakkuk Monastery

A sexual harassment complaint has been filed related to an incident at the Saint Habakkuk Monastery, as reported by philenews. The complainant, previously associated with the Monastery, reported the incident to the Police and provided a written statement about a past encounter. This complaint is concurrent with an ongoing investigation by the Holy Synod into allegations involving the Tamassos and Orini Bishop and the two highest-ranking monks (archimandrites) of the Monastery, with accusations of misconduct and countersuits of threats and violence. The authorities are investigating the new complaint while ensuring the complainant’s safety. The monks have suggested the possibility of the complaint being fabricated.

Sexual harrassment complaint filed against Avakoum monastery head

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Sexual harrassment complaint filed against Avakoum monastery head

A criminal complaint for sexual harassment was filed against the head of the Osiou Avakoum monastery by a former employee. The complaint, which reportedly contains various contradictions, was filed after the complainant spent two hours giving statements to police. The alleged incidents occurred a long time ago, and the complainant delayed coming forward due to fear of job loss. The complaint has also been submitted to the Holy Synod’s investigative committee, which is looking into an alleged “sex-and-cash scandal” at the monastery. This scandal involves two monks allegedly found with €800,000 in cash and engaging in sexual activity with each other. The attorney-general’s office has appointed two investigators to examine any possible criminal offenses related to the case.

Monks expected to testify soon in St Habakkuk Holy Synod investigation

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Monks expected to testify soon in St Habakkuk Holy Synod investigation

The investigative committee of the Holy Synod is examining the issue of the Monastery of Sant Habakkuk in Fterikoudi, with two monks expected to testify soon. Victor Stelios, from the Secretariat of the Holy Synod, mentioned that the monks’ depositions might occur at the Monastery, depending on the committee’s decision. The process, following a decision by the Seven-Member Synodal Court, is now being handled by the investigative committee, which will later present its findings to the court for a final decision. The timeline for completing the investigation is aimed to be before Easter, but no specific timetable is set. The investigation’s progress may lead to additional witnesses being called. The police are also conducting an ongoing investigation into the case.

Archbishop appeals to everyone to stop leaks about St. Habakkuk

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Archbishop appeals to everyone to stop leaks about St. Habakkuk

Archbishop Georgios called for an end to leaks related to the scandal at the Holy Monastery of St. Habakkuk, expressing concern over unrest among the faithful. He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation of issues concerning not only the Holy Monastery of St. Habakkuk but also other monasteries, dioceses, and the broader Church of Cyprus. Archbishop Georgios stressed the importance of clarity on these matters for the Church to continue its spiritual work and advocated for both ecclesiastical and state justice to address the situation.

Bishop testifies before Holy Synod investigative committee

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Bishop testifies before Holy Synod investigative committee

Bishop Isaiah of Tamasos testified before the Investigative Committee of the Holy Synod regarding a scandal at the Holy Monastery of St. Habakkuk. He was the first to testify as an accuser in this case, which he initially presented to the Holy Synod. The committee plans to hear from the two accused monks and call forth prosecution and defense witnesses. Bishop Isaiah’s testimony was comprehensive, and the committee even operated on a Saturday. The evidence presented includes allegations of sexual acts, photographs, audio material, and financial fraud involving €807,000 found in a safe, which the two monks have denied. The Police will examine these allegations. Once the investigative committee completes its work, it will inform the Ecclesiastical Court, which will decide on the dismissal of the two accused monks, who are already suspended.