Bishopric of Tamassos

Saint Habakkuk Monastery funded Isaias’ archbishopric campaign

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Saint Habakkuk Monastery funded Isaias’ archbishopric campaign

The Monastery of Saint Habakkuk in Fterikoudi is involved in a financial scandal, with two monks claiming they were pressured to provide money for the archepiscopal election campaign of Bishop Isaias. The Bishop’s representatives deny the accusations, stating that the funds were a loan. A financial audit of all monasteries within the Bishopric of Tamassos and Oreinis is underway in response to the scandal, with the aim of ensuring transparency and proper financial management.

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.

Release of monastery CCTV footage , ‘clearly illegal’

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Release of monastery CCTV footage , ‘clearly illegal’

The Data Protection Commissioner of Cyprus, Irene Loizidou Nicolaidou, stated that the publication of videos from the Osiou Avakoum monastery’s CCTV, which also contain audio, is illegal. This is because the circulation of audio from such recordings is considered highly intrusive. The legality of the CCTV footage collection is uncertain, affecting its online distribution. Nicolaidou has requested police to investigate the placement of these cameras, their recording locations, and whether their installation infringes on third-party rights without consent. This inquiry follows the circulation of a video showing a monk hitting a woman with a belt, leading to police seizing the CCTV footage. The police are in possession of several videos from the monastery’s CCTV. Since March 8, when police began investigating financial offenses at the monastery, scandals involving sex, fake miracles, and money laundering have emerged. Nicolaidou’s office has received complaints from individuals identifiable in the CCTV footage.

Where do we live?

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Where do we live?

The text describes a situation involving the Monastery of Saint Habakkuk, where revelations have come to light, likened to “Sodom and Gomorrah.” The former Chief of Police and the President of ELAM were found at the Bishopric of Tamassos counting confiscated money from the Monastery. Despite the unusual nature of their presence, they responded naturally to journalists’ inquiries. The ELAM party leader claimed to be an observer on the throne committee, although his name was not officially recorded at the Bishopric. Another individual, not listed on the Metropolis website, claimed he was simply a friend of Isaiah and saw nothing wrong with the situation. Questions are raised about whether there will be an investigation beyond the ecclesiastical process and if there will be any accountability.