The Church of Panagia Ayia Napa has come under fire for conducting an unlicensed raffle to raise funds for the completion of a monastery being built illegally in a protected area.
The raffle, which offered prizes including a gold medallion, was organised without the necessary permits from either the Ministry of Interior or the Ministry of Finance, philenews reports.
The funds raised were intended to support the Monastery of Saint Efraim and Saint Catherine, a controversial project currently facing demolition orders due to a lack of environmental approvals and building permits.
According to the Ministry of Finance, which oversees lotteries in Cyprus, the Church’s actions constitute a serious offence.
The Ministry plans to contact the Bishopric of Constantia and Famagusta demanding an immediate halt to the raffle. Additionally, the Ministry will forward a report detailing the illegalities to the Police for further investigation.
The raffle tickets also included a section for collecting donations through specific bank accounts.
However, the Church has clarified that these accounts are not designated for the monastery project but are used for general charitable purposes, such as distributing food and medicine to low-income families.
Environmental groups, including the Ecologist Movement, have condemned the Church’s actions.
Giorgos Perdikis, the Movement’s President, questioned the legitimacy of the raffle and criticised the Church for promoting an unlawful construction project.
The illegality of the Church’s raffle highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding the Monastery of Saint Efraim and Saint Catherine.
The project faces potential demolition due to its violation of environmental regulations and zoning laws.
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