testimonies

Tamasos clergy face synod questions

by
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.

UN hails Lefkara mosque restoration

by
UN hails Lefkara mosque restoration

Fact: The original mosque on the site was demolished in 1987 to pave the way for the construction of the current structure.

The Cypriots in the national uprising of 1821

by
The Cypriots in the national uprising of 1821

Cypriot Hellenism experienced severe hardships under the first Turkish rule starting in 1821, enduring 308 years of misery, poverty, and despair. Cypriots joined the Filiki Eteria, a secret society aimed at overthrowing Ottoman rule in Greece, with Archbishop Kyprianos initiating correspondence with Alexander Ypsilantis in 1818. The Zenonos brothers from Cyprus participated in the battle of Dragatsani on June 7, 1821, and continued to fight in other battles in Greece, earning praise for their heroism. Manuscripts found in the National Archives of Athens contain accounts of Cypriot volunteers’ contributions to the Greek revolution, including financial sacrifices. Despite the massacres in Cyprus in July 1821, with casualties between 480 and 2000, Cypriot revolutionaries fought valiantly in various locations across Greece, both on land and at sea.

A message with specific recipients behind the explosion at NAVA

by
A message with specific recipients behind the explosion at NAVA

A bomb attack occurred at the summer club “Nava” in the Pernera area of Protaras in the early hours of a Thursday, causing significant concern for the police. This incident is linked to a conflict over control of the nightlife in free Famagusta and has broader implications due to the club’s previous ownership by individuals from Nicosia. The attack, which involved a low-powered improvised explosive device causing extensive damage to the club, is under investigation for potential connections to recent bombings in Nicosia. The unclear ownership of the club complicates the investigation. The club, popular among holidaymakers from Nicosia, was closed for the winter season and was scheduled to reopen before summer. Evidence from the scene is being analyzed, and individuals connected to the club’s management and others are being questioned. The police are investigating the incident as an attempted destruction of property with explosives and are seeking further testimonies and video evidence from the area.

Bishop Isaiah testifies on monastery allegations

by
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.