The Holy Synod decided to refer two monks from the Monastery of Saint Habakkuk, who are allegedly involved in a financial and sex scandal, to a six-member synodal court.
This decision was made following the monks’ refusal to respond to summonses for a hearing, despite multiple attempts to reach them, both by phone and through written messages, the Church notes.
Archimandrite Georgios Christodoulou, the Secretary of the Holy Synod, expressed his concerns over the matter, stating, “Although the two were summoned before the Holy Synod for a hearing, both by phone and through the sending of three messages, they refused to appear.”
This refusal has led to the invocation of the synodal court as a means to address the monks’ alleged transgressions, he said.
The case against the monks stems from written requests submitted by retired archimandrites seeking their defrocking due to “canonical offences impeding their Priesthood,” Christodoulou said.
Moreover, a lawyer’s letter suggested that the accused clerics were coerced into signing their defrocking request, bringing the church’s administration of justice into question.
“The Holy Synod calls upon the faithful to remain calm and not be scandalised by the moral failings of individuals, even if they are clergy, trusting in the Church and having faith in God,” Christodoulou stressed.
Moreover, the Synod has declared its intention to ensure integrity within the Church’s ranks, stating, “The Holy Synod also declares emphatically to the devout Christian people that it is determined to purify the Church.”
Case background
At the heart of the alleged scandal is the discovery of a safe containing €800,000 and properties in Piraeus and Limassol, which are believed to be owned by two members of the monastery.
Authorities are probing whether these funds were derived from the donations of the faithful.
Two monks allegedly implicated in the financial fraud were also captured on camera engaging in sexual acts.
The cameras were reportedly set up by the monks themselves, to monitor individuals entering and exiting an office within the monastery and a room used as a bedroom.
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