monks

‘Feverish pace’ over monk scandal investigations

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‘Feverish pace’ over monk scandal investigations

Police have secured bank details for the two monks involved in a scandal. The monks have not yet appeared before the church-appointed investigative committee. The committee is working diligently to review a large amount of material and aims to present its findings to an ecclesiastical court. The monks have not been called to make a statement yet, as the committee wants to be fully prepared. Police have access to the monks’ bank accounts and other records for further investigation. The monks were allegedly found with €800,000 in cash and property, and were caught on CCTV footage engaging in sexual activity with each other.

Infamous church scandal has shaken people, ’s faith – poll

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Infamous church scandal has shaken people, ’s faith – poll

Fact: A poll conducted online by Philenews found that the majority of respondents (48%) are concerned about “fabricated miracles” within the church in Cyprus.

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.

St Habakkuk fundraisers under scrutiny

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St Habakkuk fundraisers under scrutiny

– A fundraiser was conducted by the Saint Habakkuk Monastery between May-November 2021, raising €85,000 for construction work within the monastery.
– The Ministry of Interior required a building permit for the fundraiser, which the monastery did not submit.
– The monastery’s application for a second fundraiser was rejected due to the lack of submitted documents.
– The Ministry of Interior sent eight letters to the monastery requesting documents, which were eventually provided in 2023.
– Among the documents were receipts for expenses, which may be investigated by the police.
– There is a question regarding how €85,000 from the fundraiser grew to €807,000 found in the monastery’s safe.
– Two applications for a fundraiser to support a monastery on Mount Athos were submitted through the Archbishopric, and a third application was rejected.
– The Ministry of Interior stopped considering applications for the support of churches and monasteries due to citizen complaints.
– Priests can request donations within churches without a permit, but fundraisers outside require a permit.
– The Ministry of Interior grants approximately 80 permits annually for fundraisers, with proceeds amounting to about €10 million.
– There is a phenomenon of illegal fundraisers, which became more noticeable with stricter controls.
– The “Law on the Conduct of Fundraisers of 2014” defines a fundraiser and excludes activities within religious institutions and/or their precincts.
– Activities coordinated by the Commissioner for Volunteering and NGOs or the Pancyprian Coordinating Council of Volunteering involve addressing emergency needs and do not require a permit from the Licensing Authority.
– Anyone wishing to organize a fundraiser must obtain a permit from the competent Licensing Authority.
– The Licensing Authority may license organized entities for fundraisers within church precincts with the consent of the Ecclesiastical Authority.

Police scrutinising CCTV footage from Saint Habakkuk Monastery

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Police scrutinising CCTV footage from Saint Habakkuk Monastery

– CCTV footage from the Monastery of Saint Habakkuk is central to a growing scandal.
– The footage and a safe with potentially incriminating material are affecting three police investigations.
– The video surveillance system was installed with the monks’ knowledge but reportedly lacked audio recording capabilities, and access was restricted to a few individuals.
– Lawyers allege that an individual, formerly affiliated with the Tamassos Bishopric, enabled audio recording, which might explain the monks’ behavior in front of the cameras.
– The footage is being processed by a police unit specializing in financial crimes and will be used in investigations into allegations against certain individuals, including Bishop Isaias.
– Citizens have complained about the release of videos containing personal information, prompting potential investigation by the Commissioner for Personal Data Protection.
– The Police Sub-Department for vulnerable persons is investigating a harassment complaint, focusing on an ethical issue.
– The situation at the Monastery is under thorough investigation by the police.

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.