Bishop Isaias of Tamassos has indefinitely extended the suspension of Abbot Nectarios and Monk Porphyrios of the Saint Habakkuk monastery due to an ongoing case involving alleged financial improprieties and misconduct. The monks are barred from performing any liturgical acts until a final decision is reached by the Church authorities.
The far-right party ELAM has gained significant political space in Cyprus, attracting voters from various parties. This rise of the far-right is not just a Cypriot issue but a European and international phenomenon. The far-right thrives on crises and social inequalities, offering what seems like an attractive alternative to traditional parties. Despite some missteps, ELAM continues to influence public discussions and set the agenda, posing a potential nightmare for other parties and society as a whole. The focus should be on countering the far-right through effective policies and addressing pressing issues to prevent the normalization of fascism.
Archbishop Georgios, the Archbishop of Cyprus, stated that the case of the Monastery of Saint Habakkuk is within the Statute of the Church and is legal. He assured that the trial will be conducted normally.
Three monks from the Habakkuk Monastery have taken legal action against the Church of Cyprus for failing to pay their salaries. Despite sending a letter demanding payment, the Church did not respond, leading the monks to file private criminal cases at the Nicosia District Court. The monks are seeking redress through the legal system to secure their rightful earnings, as they have no other means of support. The first court appearance is expected to be scheduled soon, giving the Church an opportunity to respond to the allegations.
The Bishopric of Tamasos is firm in their position and will not compromise in the case of the Habakkuk Monastery. They are waiting for the completion of investigations to reveal the truth and restore order. Their only objective is to uncover the truth, leaving no room for compromise.
Efforts have been made to reconcile the two sides in the Habakkuk Monastery scandal, but conditions are not yet conducive. The monks have sent messages to Metropolitan Isaiah of Tamasos to find a solution and withdraw mutual complaints to the police. The matter is now in the hands of the Holy Synod, and efforts are being made to find a compromise on the criminal issue. The final position of Metropolitan Isaiah will depend on the outcome of investigations into the origin of the €807,000.
The scandal at Saint Habakkuk Monastery caused everyone involved to want a quick resolution before public exposure and possible sanctions. The monks were willing to apologize and disappear, the bishop wanted to avoid implication, and the archbishop hoped to avoid scandal before Easter. Despite real events like money found in the monastery and illegal activities, doubt now clouds the case as those involved have had time to regroup and create alternative scenarios. The public’s reaction has shifted from scandal to amusement, and a deafening silence now surrounds the situation.
A fake Facebook account impersonating a priest involved in a scandal at Saint Habakkuk Monastery escalated a dispute with Bishop Isaias. The real priest denied any association with the account, which included a public apology and threats to report the Bishop. Supporters of the monks shared the profile widely, but it was eventually removed after gaining attention. The impersonated priest expressed relief over the account’s removal.
€807,000 found at the Habakkuk Monastery was handed over to the police by bishop Isaiah. The money was intended for the construction of a multi-purpose building in the Lycrodontas area for the residence of monks and clergy, as well as an educational center. The monks claim the money came from the sale of immovable property owned by third parties and was managed by the abbot Nektarios for a specific purpose. The freeze orders issued on the money and the monks’ accounts are being challenged in court.