The construction of the Avakoum monastery was approved by the Holy Synod despite initial objections from Archbishop Chrysostomos II, announced Bishop Isaias of Tamasos in a statement.
Isaias was responding to a report on state broadcaster CyBC on Tuesday regarding the late archbishop’s concerns about the two priests now embroiled in multiple scandals.
“The late Archbishop expressed reservations about establishing a hermitage [PRECURSOR TO A MONASTERY], when we sent him an invitation with to lay a foundation stone at the site,” the Bishop of Tamasos said in his statement.
Following a telephone conversation, Archbishop Chrysostomos II agreed to meet the two priests and their Superior to address his reservations, Isaias said.
“Following this meeting, the late archbishop expressed satisfaction and had no more objections to the hermitage,” he added.
On September 5, 2022, both the Holy Synod, including the archbishop, green-lit the monks’ request for upgrade the hermitage to a monastery and the promotion of Father Nektarios from Superior to Abbot.
The Bishop of Tamasos presented as evidence the signed approval and questioned how partial information and documents had been leaked, which he said, solely exist in the Holy Synod archives.
“These leaks insult the memory of the late Archbishop, who approved our request for the monastery’s creation,” Isaias said.
Investigations into the affairs of the beleaguered monastery, following allegations over the past ten days of unethical, illegal and possibly criminal acts, are ongoing.
The two monks are expected to account for their actions before the ecclesiastical inquiry committee following Isaias’ complaints against them.
Meanwhile, according to reports the issue of illegal camera installation and recording of the monks’ activities is being furthered. The monks have told investigators that the cameras, although installed with their knowledge, initially had been programmed to record only images not sound. The monks have alleged that a certain person was instructed to tamper with the system.
The information comes on the heels of yet another video leaked to media on Tuesday portraying the monks in a negative light.
A complaint has also been filled to the Data Protection Commissioner who is looking into the matter and is awaiting police results as to who installed the cameras and activated the sound, which is prohibited by law.
Meanwhile two ex officio investigations by welfare police are underway, one concerning violence against a woman, and another sexual harassment.
Archmandrite Porfyrios as well as his abbot, Nektarios, reported to the police office investigating the incident, despite the fact that the woman did not press charges and made public statements to the effect that the dispute had been partly her fault and had been resolved.
Philenews reported on Wednesday that once this case has been handled by the special police unit, it will be forwarded to legal services and could likely be registered in court, with the victim being called upon to explain under oath why she did not wish to proceed with a complaint.
Regarding the second case, reports state that the victim has also not pressed charges but has referred the matter to the Holy Synod via a letter.
The attorney-general’s office appointed two investigators on Thursday to examine possible financial crimes related to the entire case.
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs Cyprus Mail
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