monks

Holy scandal: monks to appear before church court

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Holy scandal: monks to appear before church court

The ecclesiastical court will convene within the week to address allegations involving two monks from the Ayios Avakoum monastery in Fterikoudes, related to a sex and cash scandal. The court, which will conduct its proceedings behind closed doors, will be led by Kiti Bishop Nektarios. Tamasos Bishop Isaias initiated the investigation but has since recused himself to avoid a conflict of interest, as has Morphou Bishop Neophytos due to his good relations with the accused monks. The court will consist of six Holy Synod members. The monks are accused of possessing €800,000 in cash, owning property in Greece and Limassol, and being caught on CCTV footage engaging in sexual activities with each other. Police, however, have denied involvement in any undercover operation targeting the monks, despite claims of a violent kidnapping by the monks’ lawyers. Police spokesman Christos Andreou stated that two officers were present at the monastery on March 5 for security during evidence collection but were not part of the ecclesiastical investigation. The police are investigating separate allegations of financial crimes and reports of assault, threats of violence, and other offenses related to the monastery. President Nikos Christodoulides has commented on the case, emphasizing that it is subject to an ongoing investigative and judicial process.

St Habakkuk: Police probe financial irregularities and abuse allegations

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St Habakkuk: Police probe financial irregularities and abuse allegations

Police are investigating a scandal at the Saint Habakkuk Monastery involving two main issues: the origin of hundreds of thousands of euros found within the monastery and serious allegations against Bishop Isaias by four monks. CID investigators are scheduled to meet with two monks to document their allegations, while the remaining two monks, implicated in the financial aspect, will also be summoned. The Economic Crime Investigation Office is examining potential financial offenses, focusing on how €800,000 in cash was accumulated, the monastery’s real estate holdings, and their acquisition. Police secured the cash and documents during urgent visits to the monastery. The case also involves accusations against Bishop Isaias of threats, assaults, and acts of violence. Additionally, two monks implicated in financial fraud were recorded engaging in sexual acts, with cameras set up to monitor an office and a bedroom within the monastery. The monastery’s website listed accounts for financial contributions from believers. Opposition party AKEL has initiated a discussion on the financial exploitation of faith and the need for legislative regulation.

Monks testifying against powerful Bishop Isaias in St Habakkuk scandal case

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Monks testifying against powerful Bishop Isaias in St Habakkuk scandal case

Two monks from the Saint Habakkuk Monastery in Fterikoudi have been called by police to provide statements regarding their allegations against the Bishop of Tamassos and Orini, Isaias, involving a scandal. They plan to submit a video and several SMS messages as evidence. The video reportedly shows individuals entering the church premises on March 5, with claims suggesting they are police officers, which the Police have denied. The SMS messages are believed to contain threats from Bishop Isaias to Archimandrite Nektarios. The monks sought legal advice to obtain authorisation for using the personal data in the evidence. One monk provided a detailed account of the events on March 5 and 6, expressing concerns for his safety. Two more monks are expected to be summoned for their testimonies. This investigation is separate from allegations made by the Bishop against the monks concerning a financial scandal.

Author reveals bogus miracle cures at monastery

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Author reveals bogus miracle cures at monastery

The Ayios Avakoum monastery in Fterikoudes has been implicated in a scandal involving a miracles’ racket and other deceptive practices, attracting attention from both the public and authorities. Revelations about the monastery’s activities, including allegations of sexual misconduct and financial exploitation by two monks, have prompted an investigation and an ecclesiastical court hearing. Residents and visitors have reported being extorted for money and property under the guise of religious donations. The situation has been exacerbated by social media influencers promoting the monastery’s supposed miracles, leading to large, profitable events. Efforts to address these issues with the police and church authorities have met with limited success.

Monks were , ‘violently kidnapped’ by 30 men

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Monks were , ‘violently kidnapped’ by 30 men

Two monks, Archimandrite Nektarios and Archimandrite Porfirios, embroiled in allegations involving sex and nearly €1 million in cash, have claimed they are victims of corruption between the police and church. Their lawyers, Adrianna Klaedes and Nikolaos Koulouris, allege the monks were kidnapped from the Osiou Avakoum monastery in Fterikoudes by a group of about 30 people, 10 of whom were hooded, and were forced to sign false confessions. The operation was allegedly overseen by Tamasos Bishop Isias. The monks were reportedly kept in separate areas, grilled for hours under guard, and forbidden from contacting anyone. They were forced to sign their voluntary defrocking against their will. The lawyers claim these actions were carried out by police officers in civilian clothes under orders from Bishop Isias. The letter detailing these allegations was sent to President Nikos Christodoulides, the anti-corruption authority, the police chief, and the House human rights committee. The police have denied these allegations, stating the monks were told they would be called in later to give a statement. The Holy Synod has reported the monks to the police, and the financial crimes unit is investigating. The monks were allegedly found with €800,000 in cash and property in Greece and Limassol, and were caught on CCTV footage having sex with each other. This footage was shown during a Holy Synod session, which referred the monks to ecclesiastical court. The monks’ legal team claims the footage was obtained and edited by another monk without their consent, violating GDPR regulations. President Christodoulides has stated that justice will be served without the need for intervention from any party.

Tamassos Bishop testifies on Saint Habakkuk scandal

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Tamassos Bishop testifies on Saint Habakkuk scandal

The Bishop of Tamassos and Orinis, Isaias, gave a deposition to the Police’s Economic Crime Investigation Office about an alleged scandal at the Monastery of Saint Habakkuk in Fterikoudi, focusing on financial matters. The scandal involves the discovery of €800,000 in a safe and properties in Piraeus and Limassol, believed to be owned by two monastery members. Authorities are investigating if these funds came from donations. Two monks, implicated in the financial fraud, were also recorded engaging in sexual acts by cameras they set up. They visited the Lakatamia Police Station to file a complaint about the publicized developments but were informed that the case is under investigation.