The monks of Osiou Avakoum Monastery are mired in controversy over allegations of money laundering and improper relations, with accusations of possessing €807,000 and fabricating a miracle. Despite investigations, they received salaries after a decision to withhold payment was reversed, sparking further scrutiny and legal proceedings. The church’s Holy Synod now faces the dilemma of potentially defrocking the monks as the investigation progresses, with their legal team fighting to clear their names amidst the unfolding scandal.
Why are the monks from Osiou Avakoum Monastery controversial?
The monks from Osiou Avakoum Monastery are embroiled in controversy due to allegations of money laundering and improper relations. Despite investigations, they received salaries after a decision to withhold payment was reversed. The monks are also accused of possessing €807,000 and are implicated in a false miracle involving artificial myrrh. The church’s Holy Synod is reviewing the situation and potential defrocking.
Monastic Scandal and Legal Proceedings
In a recent development that has caught the attention of both the public and the legal community, two monks from the Osiou Avakoum Monastery have come under scrutiny. Archimandrites Nektarios and Porfyrios, alongside hieromonk Avakoum Christofis, are embroiled in allegations of money laundering and engaging in sexual relations with each other. Despite the ongoing investigation, their legal representatives have confirmed that the monks received their salaries. Originally, after instructions issued on March 5 by the Tamassos Bishop Isaias, they were placed on a three-month leave with full pay. However, this was abruptly overturned within a week, leading to a decision to withhold payment during the investigation period.
This decision did not last, as it was reversed once again on Friday, with the monks receiving the salaries due to them since March 12. The legal team representing the monks believes this latest development vindicates their clients. They had previously argued that the investigative process by the church was unlawful and had raised concerns about the potential for defrocking. If faced with defrocking, the monks have the option to appeal, a process that would be reviewed by the Holy Synod.
Financial Intrigue and Religious Accountability
The situation gained additional complexity when it was revealed that a significant sum of money, totaling €807,000 in cash, was found in the possession of the monks. This discovery was accompanied by video evidence of the monks in compromising situations. The artificial myrrh used on a cross, which supposedly produced a stream that was falsely claimed as a miracle, added to the controversy. In response to these allegations, police have secured access to the monks’ financial accounts and other assets for further investigation.
The legal appeal submitted by the monks, as well as two other individuals who seem to have a stake in the seized money, has only been directed to the legal service and Mokas, the anti-money laundering force. The court has pointed out that the appeal should have also been served to other interested parties. According to the appeal, the police failed to present all the relevant facts when securing the freezing orders for the monks’ assets.
The Investigation’s Progress and the Church’s Dilemma
As the church aims to wrap up its investigation by the month’s end, sources suggest that the ecclesiastical court may struggle to reach a consensus, potentially leading to an appeal. This could force the Holy Synod to make a decision before its scheduled meeting in June. The responsibility now falls on the Holy Synod to prove the absence of any pre-determined decision regarding the monks’ defrocking and to possibly exonerate the accused parties.
Allegations and the Monks’ Defense
One of the monks’ attorneys, Anastasios Vavouskos, has highlighted the necessity for the Holy Synod to demonstrate that there is no preconceived verdict of defrocking and that the monks should be cleared of the accusations. The back-and-forth nature of the church’s decisions reflects the tension and confusion surrounding the case. The monks’ legal counsel insists on their innocence and the illegality of the church’s investigative methods, seeking to protect their clients’ rights and reputations amidst the scandal.
Why are the monks from Osiou Avakoum Monastery controversial?
The monks from Osiou Avakoum Monastery are embroiled in controversy due to allegations of money laundering, improper relations, and fabricating a miracle with artificial myrrh. Despite investigations, they received salaries after a decision to withhold payment was reversed, sparking further scrutiny and legal proceedings.
What legal proceedings are underway regarding the monks from Osiou Avakoum Monastery?
The monks from Osiou Avakoum Monastery, including Archimandrites Nektarios and Porfyrios, alongside hieromonk Avakoum Christofis, are facing allegations of money laundering and improper relations. The monks’ legal team is actively fighting to clear their names amidst the unfolding scandal. Police have secured access to the monks’ financial accounts and assets for further investigation.
What is the current status of the investigation by the church’s Holy Synod?
The church’s Holy Synod aims to conclude its investigation by the end of the month, with the potential for disagreements that could lead to an appeal. The ecclesiastical court may struggle to reach a consensus, potentially forcing a decision before the scheduled meeting in June. The Holy Synod faces the dilemma of potentially defrocking the monks and must ensure a fair and thorough investigative process.
How are the monks from Osiou Avakoum Monastery defending themselves against the allegations?
The monks’ legal counsel is adamant about the innocence of their clients and has raised concerns about the legality of the church’s investigative methods. Attorney Anastasios Vavouskos emphasizes the need for the Holy Synod to demonstrate impartiality and ensure the monks are cleared of the accusations. The monks are actively defending their rights and reputations amidst the ongoing scandal.
