Tamassos Bishop Isaias threatened on Wednesday to send police to the infamous Osiou Avakoum monastery in Fterikoudes, if monks attempt to return there on June 6, when their suspension ends. The monks had been suspended by Isaias when the scandal broke in March, and since then it has been rumoured that the bishop would be … Read more
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 financial aspect of the scandal surrounding the Osiou Avakoum monastery is the most complex one, according to the attorney-general. Monks under investigation were allegedly found with €800,000 in cash, property in Greece and Limassol, and were caught on CCTV footage having sex with each other.
Fterikoudes mukhtar Modestos Iacovou testified against Tamassos Bishop Isaias in a case brought by suspended monks of the Osiou Avakoum monastery. He stated that vehicles from the bishopric were loaded with icons from the monastery. The community council has asked for the monks to be brought back so the monastery can function normally. The community has supported the monastery and donated properties for its construction. Monks’ lawyers claim the investigation process against them is illegal.
The Archbishop stated that the events at the Osiou Avakoum monastery are within the statute of the Church and legal, and the trial will proceed normally.
Monks embroiled in the Osiou Avakoum monastery scandal have stated that the investigative committee’s procedures are illegal. The church’s 2021 ruling required investigative committees to have three members, while the church’s establishment charter stipulates five members.
Fact: Thirteen fire trucks were fighting a huge fire in Limassol’s Paramali village.
Monks Isiais and Timotheos from the Osiou Avakoum monastery testified before a church investigative committee for around two hours each.
Fact: Archimandrite Nektarios testified for over four hours before the Synod-appointed investigative committee on Monday.
A South Korean DJ named Youn Sung-ho, also known as DJ NewJeansNim, is blending electronic dance music with Buddhist teachings to attract younger audiences. At a recent festival celebrating Buddha’s birthday, he performed to a large crowd and was praised for promoting “young Buddhism.” Venerable Jinwoo, the head of the largest sect of Korean Buddhism, gifted him with prayer beads and encouraged him to continue spreading hope and happiness to young people.