Developments on the alleged scandal at the Monastery of Saint Habakkuk corroborate philenews’ claims regarding the existence of a safe containing hundreds of thousands of euros at the mountain church.
According to new reports, the stash was deposited into an account under the name of the Tamassos and Orinis Bishopric just yesterday.
While the precise sum within the safe remains unconfirmed, initial estimates suggest €800,000 was tucked away.
These funds were collected through contributions from the faithful, raising questions as to why they weren’t funnelled into the monastery’s account and what their intended purpose was.
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.
Notably, the monastery’s website sporadically listed accounts for various monastery-related activities, be it contributions or other ventures asking for financial backing from believers.
New developments
According to leaks, monks purportedly funnelled considerable sums in cash-filled bags to the Bishop of Tamassos and Orinis, Isaias, while others insinuated their involvement in bankrolling Isaia’s pre-election campaign for the Archbishop’s throne.
Yet, philenews writes, the veracity of these claims remains speculative, pending substantiation, whether due to the absence of concrete evidence or their potential fabrication.
Nevertheless, Isaias lodged a formal complaint with the police against the monks in the Fterikoudi monastery for financial irregularities.
However, given their slew of accusations—ranging from clandestine finances to other misdemeanours—investigations are likely to extend beyond the monastery in question.
These developments underscore that despite efforts to sweep the matter under the rug, the lid has been lifted on a Pandora’s box, philenews writes.
Archbishop George, reportedly poised to pursue the matter to its conclusion, asserts that only through full disclosure can trust in the Church be restored amongst the populace.
Philenews yesterday reported that the Holy Synod reached a unanimous decision to refer the case to a six-member Ecclesiastical Court.
Deliberations within the Synod centred on whether the implicated monks should face defrocking during Friday’s session or whether an immediate trial was warranted.
The decision to escalate the matter to the Ecclesiastical Court prevailed—not only to ensure adherence to ecclesiastical statutes but also to allow all parties to present their perspectives.
Failure to do so could risk allegations of a cover-up.
Read more:
