Monk testifies for four hours in Osiou Avakoum scandal
Fact: Archimandrite Nektarios testified for over four hours before the Synod-appointed investigative committee on Monday.
church scandal
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.
Shocking video of monk beating woman (video)
A new video has emerged showing a woman being beaten with a belt by a monk at the Osiou Avakoum monastery. This incident follows a previous video where the woman was shouted at to leave the monastery. The police have announced they will be investigating the incident. In the video, the woman attempts to give an item to a monk, is berated, pushed to the ground, and hit with a belt so forcefully that the buckle reportedly flew off. Police are also conducting two other investigations related to the Osiou Avakoum monastery. The video of the incident was aired on Sigma TV.
Monks protest handling of Church scandal case
Two monks from the Monastery of Saint Habakkuk in Fterikoudi are contesting the Holy Synod’s management of their case, planning to send a letter outlining their objections to the investigation and trial procedures. Their lawyers argue that the six-member Synodal Court was irregularly appointed, violating the Church’s statutes which require a five-member court with an initial investigator. The monks claim they have not received a formal indictment, evidence, or sufficient preparation time, and were summoned unexpectedly via text message. They face charges of financial misconduct and inappropriate sexual behavior but deny the sexual misconduct allegations. They intend to present evidence against Bishop Isaias of Tamassos and Orini at their court hearing. The court is led by Bishop Nectarios of Kition.
Church and State have different roles in monastery scandal, Christodoulides says
President Nikos Christodoulides stated that all necessary actions are being taken in response to the scandal involving the Osios Avakoum monastery. He emphasized the separate roles of the Church and the State, indicating that he does not plan to meet with the Archbishop to discuss the situation. The case is under investigation by the appropriate authorities. Additionally, it was revealed that Elam head Christos Christou and former police chief Kypros Michaelides were present at the Tamasos bishopric during the counting of €800,000 from the monastery in Fterikoudi. Michaelides, a member of the church committee, is expected to testify as a witness for Bishop Isaias in the police investigation into the alleged extortion.