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
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Attorney General George Savvides was briefed on an ongoing investigation into a cash scandal involving monks at the monastery of Saint Avvakoum. Monks were allegedly found in possession of €800,000 in cash and were also discovered to own property in Greece and Limassol. The investigation includes allegations of money laundering and obtaining money with false representations. The police are working to identify whether felonies have been committed and initial findings were presented to the Attorney General. The monastery has faced criticism for allegedly receiving donations through fake “miracles” and promises to people suffering from diseases. The monks have vehemently denied the accusations, claiming there has been no financial mismanagement. The monastery has also been accused of engaging in sexual acts on CCTV footage, with one monk reported for sexual harassment. The scandals have raised concerns about potential money laundering through church donations.
Two monks at Osiou Avakoum monastery may be called to testify before the church’s investigative committee regarding a sex and cash scandal.
Police are investigating financial crimes at Osiou Avakoum monastery involving two monks who allegedly engaged in sexual activities and received thousands of euros in cash, claiming them to be donations. The incident led to an emergency Holy Synod meeting, resulting in the decision to send the two monks to ecclesiastical court. Bishop Isaias of Tamasos provided a statement to the police. The monks, who did not attend the emergency session, denied all charges through a letter, claiming they were pressured to admit to having sexual relations and fabricating miracles for €800,000. Their lawyers argued that the confessions were signed under duress and clarified that a sex scandal involved a third former cleric, not the two monks. The lawyers represent victims of the scandal involving the third cleric. The Holy Synod has urged the faithful to remain steadfast and encouraged public complaints about clerics to be brought forward.