The highly effective Orthodox church on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus has been embroiled in a scandal involving two monks accused of fraud.
Cypriot police are investigating occasions at Osiou Avakoum monastery, positioned within the picturesque village of Fterikoudi within the foothills of the Troodos mountains, after allegations towards the now-suspended clergymen have been first made public by a number one bishop earlier in March.
CCTV footage leaked to native media appeared to point out the 2 males plotting to trick parishioners into donating cash to the church by secretly putting myrrh inside a steel cross to make it appear as if it have been bleeding.
They have been additionally reportedly caught on digital camera partaking in sexual exercise with one another. Same-sex relations are frowned upon by the church.
Both monks had been lively on social media for a while with posts claiming to have seen numerous “miracles” like curing most cancers, a deaf child regaining its listening to and infertile {couples} unexpectedly bearing kids.
Some 800,000 euros in money was additionally reportedly present in a protected on the property earlier in March throughout a raid ordered by Bishop Isaias of Tamassos, who has direct authority over the monastery.
Thousands of devoted had been drawn to the monastery from throughout the island and have been strongly inspired to make donations.
Police spokesperson Christos Andreou informed native media they have been investigating “crimes of a financial nature by the Osiou Avvakoum monks”, in addition to a grievance by the boys who say they have been kidnapped by hooded males through the church raid.
Andreou declined to supply additional particulars when contacted by AFP because of the ongoing inquiry.
No formal prices have but been introduced, and the Greek Orthodox Church of Cyprus is conducting its personal investigation.
The males are actually attributable to seem in May earlier than the Holy Synod, the church’s decision-making physique, after Orthodox Easter in late April, after they may very well be defrocked or excommunicated.
In a press release, church head Archbishop Georgios expressed his “sincere regret regarding the revelations of alleged fraud, misconduct and all kinds of immorality within the ranks of the Church of Cyprus”.
He informed Greek newspaper Kathimerini “there can be no marketing or selling of either holy relics or miracles”, acknowledging the church should take stricter measures.
The Orthodox Church retains a robust conservative affect on social and political life in Cyprus and is a significant financial participant, with huge land holdings and stakes in beverage, banking and different sectors.
“The real scandal is the complete lack of transparency when it comes to the Church of Cyprus finances,” Cyprus lawyer Michalis Paraskevas informed AFP.
“As far as we know, there is no regulation whatsoever on which activities of the church are being taxed or not, and how much of their money comes from donations and how much from business activities,” he added.
Source: www.anews.com.tr