The monks insist on the immediate cancellation of the procedure followed by the Holy Synod regarding the scandal at the Habakkuk Monastery.
This is because the Constitution of the Church of Cyprus has been violated multiple times. Nonetheless, they will attend the investigative committee or any organ of the Holy Synod to defend their position.
This clear statement was made today by the monks’ lawyer, Anastasios Vavouskos, in his remarks to Alpha.
The monks’ lawyer stated that the Holy Synod has not responded to any of the letters sent by the monks’ side through a judicial courier.
There is no communication from the Holy Synod.
Therefore, the monks’ lawyers are waiting, as avouskos mentioned, as they do not even know what the charges are in order to prepare the monks’ statement before the investigative committee.
The monks’ lawyer reiterated that the procedure fully violates what is provided for in the Constitution of the Church of Cyprus.
Specifically, he mentioned that the monks have already been tried, convicted, and penalties have been imposed on them by the Metropolitan of Tamassos.
When asked about the testimonies that have come to light regarding the forgiveness they sought over the phone from Archbishop Georgios on the day they were taken to the Tamassos bishopric, Vavouskos was categorical: All these have been answered. They were a product of pressure and coercion. Therefore, they should not be taken into account.
