The controversial Holy Monastery of Saint Habakkuk in Fterikoudi organised overseas pilgrimages, with single-room accommodations soaring to the price of €980.
The latest of these spiritual journeys spanning from Mytilene to Sparta, included various monasteries along the route.
For those preferring shared accommodations, the monastery has set the price at €810 for a double room, while a special rate of €730 is available for children aged 2 to 12, provided they are accompanied by two adults.
This pilgrimage, set between February 29 and March 4, was touted as “a unique opportunity” to immerse oneself in a religious expedition.
Furthermore, another pilgrimage is on the horizon between July 1 and July 5, 2024, this time steering towards Serbia, a land “where Orthodoxy has blossomed for centuries.” The monastery describes this upcoming journey as an “unforgettable spiritual experience,” with the guiding presence of Archimandrite Nektarios Georgiou and other monastic fathers.
Aside from pilgrimages, the monastery delves into various economic activities, including the issuance of discount coupons.
An announcement from the monastery highlights the sale of electronic Easter lottery tickets, boasting prizes and urging the faithful to support their cause online.
Moreover, another offer includes a €200 discount coupon for the monastery’s next journey to Serbia, alongside a coveted icon of Saint Habakkuk and €100 worth of Easter sweets.
In a separate call to action on February 25 this year, the monastery sought assistance in raising €25,000 towards the crafting of a carved wooden iconostasis for its church. The initiative calls for the support of 250 families, each contributing €100, promising a “distinct blessing” for every family involved.
In addition, the monastery extends its offerings to the culinary domain, especially during Cheese-fare Week and Tsiknopempti, where traditional homemade cheese pies are available upon order.
The monastery’s confectionary service, a primary ministry of its fathers, is championed through its social media.
However, the monastery had issued a cautionary note regarding individuals exploiting its name for financial gain. It specifically warned against a counterfeit Instagram page, “iera_moni_osiou_avvakoum1,” aimed at deceiving the public and soliciting money under false pretences.
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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