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 acting abbot of the Holy Monastery of Saint Habakkuk, Archimandrite Nektarios Georgiou, posted an icon of the Virgin Mary on social media with a message about understanding without words. Archimandrites Nektarios and Porphyrios are involved in an ecclesiastical scandal and are expected to appear before the Investigative Committee of the Holy Synod on May 13.
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.
President Christodoulides visited the Vassiliko construction site to chat with the Chinese CPP company workers, who had resumed welding for the natural gas storage infrastructure. Despite progress on welding, the jetty remains unfinished due to disagreements between CPP and the Natural Gas Infrastructure Company. CPP terminated collaboration with a Cypriot contractor, causing delays in the project. The completion of the project by the promised deadline of 2024 seems unlikely. Additionally, the construction of the natural gas transportation system is stalled, further prolonging the project. This indicates that the project will take more time and resources than initially anticipated.
Police are set to seize €807,000 found in a safe at the Saint Habakkuk monastery as part of a money laundering probe. The Police’s Financial Intelligence Unit will request a court order to freeze the funds to prevent them from being moved or concealed. Separate investigations into the monastery’s finances are also underway, looking into various aspects including fundraising practices and potential financial irregularities. Significant developments are expected next week, with completed cases involving assault and sexual harassment being prepared for submission to the Attorney General’s Office.
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.