With the revelations coming to light, those close to the Church may find themselves praying that the scandal does not infiltrate their faith. Others might wonder: “Do monasteries have safes and surveillance cameras? And why would they have nearly a million (800,000) in cash?
The monastery of Saint Habakkuk in Fterikoudi may not have been a bank, but it seemed to operate like a business.
A quick glance at the monastery’s well-updated Facebook page would reveal that business acumen overshadowed spirituality. From advertising electronic lottery tickets with lush prizes to trips, puffs, and treats, it had something to sell every few days alongside the cheerful good mornings shared with its followers and friends:
“Purchase your lottery tickets online to support our mission of building your monastery.” “Win a discount coupon worth 200 euros for the monastery’s next trip to Serbia, a collectable icon of Saint Abba Dorotheus, and sweets worth 100 euros from our Fathers for your Easter table.”
“On the occasion of Cheese-fare Week and Tsiknopempti, the Fathers of the Holy Monastery of Saint Habakkuk will be selling traditional homemade cheese, cream, and halloumi-filled puffs upon order!”
They also advertised unique individual treats and biscuits, had buses to transport the faithful and sought 250 families to donate 100 euros each for the construction of a church, and the monks’ imagination and business activity seemed endless.
Whether there was anything scandalous beyond the hydrangeas at the entrance, we do not know.
About two years ago, theologian Theodoros Kyriakou revealed in an interview that the Church of Cyprus was embroiled in a sexual scandal involving an archimandrite, criticising the former Archbishop for covering it up.
“Currently,” he said, “there is a major sexual scandal in the Church of Cyprus that has not been exposed. I hope the Holy Synod does not sweep it under the rug.”
Additionally, the theologian proposed that the Holy Synod discuss the creation of a synodal committee to inspect all monasteries, assess their essence and function, and impose operational rules.
Besides Theodoros Kyriakou, our colleague Aristeides Viketos, who closely follows church matters, spoke of a predetermined trajectory, even suggesting that the local Bishop (of Tamassos) was aware and that there was another problematic monastery in his region.
Clearly, all these issues tarnish the Church’s image but attempts to cover them up only cause harm.
The Archbishop must dare to lift the rug.
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