Monastery Scandal Rocks Cyprus as Attorney General Steps In
In a developing story that has gripped the nation, Attorney General George Savvides has been thoroughly briefed by Chief of Police Stelios Papatheodorou on the investigation into a significant cash scandal at the Saint Avvakoum monastery. The controversy surfaced after two monks were found with €800,000 in cash and property holdings in Greece and Limassol. The anti-money laundering unit, Mokas, is probing into potential money laundering and accusations of obtaining money under false pretenses.
While the Chief of Police remained reserved, only indicating that the investigation is moving “as expected,” a police source conveyed to the Financial Mirror that efforts are underway to pinpoint any criminal activities and the responsible parties. The initial findings have been laid out before the Attorney General for evaluation.
The scandal has widened with a video surfacing, showing a monk assaulting a woman. This incident has sparked criticism towards authorities for the lack of arrests. Meanwhile, a church committee is examining the allegations on behalf of the Holy Synod. Reports suggest that the monastery may have been involved in fabricating “miracles” and exploiting the faithful, including those seeking solace for illnesses, through deceitful promises.
Further controversies include CCTV footage showing monks allegedly manipulating religious icons to feign miraculous events. The monastery, revered by multiple faiths, has also been organizing pilgrimages, which now fall under scrutiny.
Amidst calls from parliament for a thorough investigation into church donations, the Interior Ministry has revealed questionable fundraising activities by the monastery, including a failed attempt to account for a €3 million application.
Attorneys Adrianna Klaedes and Nikolaos Koulouris, representing the monks, have categorically denied any financial impropriety. They have called for a fair hearing by the Synod and labeled the evidence against their clients as “fabricated” and illegally obtained.
The monastery’s spiritual status has been defended by the lawyers, even as Bishop Isias of Tamassos has closed it down pending the outcome of the ongoing investigations. Adding to the scandal are allegations of sexual misconduct among monks and a case of sexual harassment filed against one of them.
Theologian Theodoros Kyriacou has highlighted long-standing suspicions and “warning signs” regarding the monastery’s fundraising practices, equating them to “basically begging.” As this complex case unfolds, Cyprus awaits answers on how deep these alleged transgressions run within its religious institutions.
