monks

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.

Monastery scandal , ‘plagues whole society’

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Monastery scandal , ‘plagues whole society’

President Nikos Christodoulides stated that the scandal involving the Osiou Avvakoum monastery affects the entire society. He assured that all necessary actions would be taken, including the appointment of independent investigators to look into the matter. The scandal came to light when two monks were allegedly found with €800,000 in cash and were recorded engaging in sexual activity with each other. The attorney-general’s office has appointed two investigators to examine any potential criminal offenses related to the case.

Our View: The monastery fiasco exposed Church failings

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Our View: The monastery fiasco exposed Church failings

The Osiou Avakoum monastery and two monks are on trial before a Synod Court for various allegations including sexual relations between the celibate monks, staging miracles to generate donations, accumulating a large amount of cash, forced confessions, and involvement of a bishop in trying to cover up the scandal. The scandal also involves links to Elam leader Christos Christou. Over four years, the abbot Nektarios and archimandrite Porfyrios built a church and monastery with funds collected from the faithful, exploiting the marketing of fake miracles. The Bishop of Tamasos, Isaias, under whose authority the monastery falls, is implicated for not taking action despite the apparent signs of misconduct. The Church hierarchy has been criticized for allowing these activities to occur. The case has gained public attention, leading to a trial and a police investigation for potential criminal offences related to taking money under false pretenses. Archbishop Georgios has urged the police to fully investigate the case.

President says everything will investigated in monastery scandal

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President says everything will investigated in monastery scandal

President Nikos Christodoulides stated that all aspects of the scandals at the Osiou Avakoum monastery will be thoroughly investigated. He responded to criticism from the opposition party Akel, asserting that the scandal does not reflect governmental failures. Christodoulides emphasized that any cases arising from the investigation would be brought to justice promptly, highlighting ongoing investigations into police responsibilities and allegations. The police have been criticized for their handling of the monastery scandal but have denied giving the church special treatment.

Police deny delays over monk scandal

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Police deny delays over monk scandal

The police have been criticized for their handling of a scandal involving monks, with accusations of special treatment due to the church’s influence being denied by the police. Videos have surfaced showing a monk assaulting a woman and staging a fake miracle, but lawyers claim these videos are doctored and have criticized the police’s approach, suggesting evidence may have been tampered with. The police spokesman, Christos Andreou, stated that there is insufficient evidence for arrests and mentioned the possibility of issuing European arrest warrants to prevent implicated parties from fleeing the country. He confirmed that no police action would be taken until after a Holy Synod meeting, as agreed upon by the attorney general, police chief, and archbishop. Andreou also revealed that police leadership was unaware of officers in civilian clothes being present at the Osiou Avakoum monastery during an incident involving hooded individuals. This operation, ordered by Tamassos Bishop Isaias for transferring valuable items, unexpectedly included €800,000 in cash, which the police did not intervene to secure, leading to criticism from MPs. The presence of plainclothes officers and the far-right party leader, Christos Christou, at the scene has sparked further controversy. The involvement of the secret service has been rumored but not confirmed. The police have investigated the monastery multiple times but not the bishopric, and it is unclear when the money was taken into police custody for investigation.

This is not a battle for perceptions, serious crimes have been committed

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This is not a battle for perceptions, serious crimes have been committed

The text discusses a series of scandals involving monks, including fraud related to miracles, romantic activities, and other misconduct. It mentions leaked videos, letters, and dialogues that have become public, contributing to the scandal. The Attorney General has appointed criminal investigators to work with the police on investigating potential criminal offenses related to these incidents. The text also describes specific examples of alleged misconduct, including a video of monks preparing myrrh and another video showing a monk striking a woman. In the latter case, the woman later claimed the video was edited and took responsibility for the misunderstanding, leading the police to state they cannot proceed without a complaint from her. The text criticizes the handling of these scandals and expresses concern about the impact on public opinion and the potential for more serious crimes to be uncovered.

Archbishop expresses regret over monastery scandal

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Archbishop expresses regret over monastery scandal

Cyprus’ Archbishop Georgios expressed regret over the scandal at the Osiou Avakoum monastery involving allegations of fraud, misconduct, and immorality among clergy members. He announced a thorough investigation into the scandals and urged police and authorities to fully investigate. The Holy Synod has tasked its judicial bodies with investigating the case. Additionally, the monastery is under scrutiny for being built on land protected under the Natura 2000 environmental policy, leading to legal action against the monastery, the church committee, and Archimandrite Nektarios Georgiou for unauthorised constructions. Two investigators have been appointed to examine any criminal offences related to the case, and there are calls for the money laundering unit to investigate the church. Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis committed to fully investigating the scandal.