The Cypriot Orthodox Church is facing a scandal following allegations against two monks for fraud and sexual relations, with the police announcing that they are "investigating these claims." The alleged events took place at the Monastery of Osios Avakum, located in the tourist village of Paphos, on the slopes of the Troodos Mountains in the Mediterranean island.
Around 800,000 euros in cash were found in a safe inside the monastery in early March during a search ordered by Bishop Isaias of Tamasos, who has direct authority over the monastery. Surveillance footage broadcast by local media showed the two monks encouraging visitors to donate money by placing a myrrh plant inside a metallic cross to imply it was bleeding. Reports also mentioned capturing scenes of them having sex with one another.
Before the controversy arose, the monks regularly appeared on national television and had a notable presence on social media, announcing their participation in performing "miracles" such as healing cancer patients, restoring hearing to a deaf child, and enabling couples to conceive after long-term infertility. The monastery attracted thousands of believers from all over the island, who were eager to donate to the monks.
Police spokesperson Christos Andreu told local media that "the Cypriot police are investigating financial offenses committed by the monks of Osios Avakum," without charging them yet. Andreu mentioned that another investigation is being conducted following a complaint filed by the monks, claiming they were kidnapped by masked men during the monastery search.
The two men are set to appear before the Holy Synod, the executive body of the church, in early May, after Orthodox Easter, with the possibility of their dismissal or excommunication. Meanwhile, the Greek Orthodox Church in Cyprus announced an internal investigation into the matter.
The church's leader, Archbishop Georgios, expressed his "deep regret over the emergence of cases of fraud, misconduct, and lack of morals within the Church of Cyprus." The Orthodox Church in Cyprus has significant influence over social and political life on the island and is also an active economic player, stemming from its extensive real estate holdings and ownership of significant stakes in Cypriot companies, particularly in the banking sector.
