Christos Christou, the president of the National Popular Front (ELAM), clarified his whereabouts on a Tuesday evening, confirming his presence at the Tamassos Bishopric and not at the Monastery of Saint Habakkuk, as previously speculated.
Speaking to ANT1, Christou stressed that his visit was not in his capacity as ELAM’s president but rather as the canonical commissioner of the Bishopric.
“I was present at the Tamassos Bishopric on Tuesday evening and not at the Monastery of Saint Habakkuk,” Christou told ANT1.
Christou disclosed his role as a witness in the Bishopric-led examination process, scrutinising individuals involved in the affairs of the Monastery.
He highlighted his attendance during the financial audit concerning funds transferred from the Monastery to the Bishopric, though he declined to disclose the exact sum involved.
Addressing inquiries about hooded figures seen at the Monastery, Christou said he was not aware of the matter.
Furthermore, Christou expressed his willingness to provide testimony to both the Police and the Holy Synod regarding his knowledge of the case.
In a related development, Andreas Georgiou, a member of the Fterikoudi Community Council, revealed in an Alpha TV channel interview that the Community Leader had informed him of an unexpected visit by Bishop Isaias to the monastery.
“The Bishop himself came up [to the monastery] yesterday and was taking pictures inside the church,” Georgiou said.
Case background
Authorities are probing a complaint submitted by Isaias, the Bishop of Tamassos and Orini, regarding alleged financial crimes committed by monks in the monastery, and a second complaint against Isaias.
The probe focuses on how €800,000 was collected at the Monastery and then transferred to the Bishopric. It also examines whether the funds were contributions from the faithful.
Also, on Monday afternoon, two monks came forward to the CID offices to give statements, with one expressing fears for his life.
They submitted a video with the CID, allegedly showing several individuals wearing hoods, entering Saint Habakkuk Monastery on March 5. The monks claimed that these individuals were police officers, something that authorities have already denied.
They also said that they were abducted and that Isaias threatened them through text messages and ordered attacks against them.
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