Witness testimony details abuse and deception at Saint Avakoum monastery

On Wednesday, a hearing at the Nicosia Criminal Court regarding the Saint Avakoum monastery scandal featured testimony from a former monk. The witness, who served as a novice from March 2022 to March 2024, alleged a systematic pattern of psychological and physical abuse. He detailed exhausting working conditions in the monastery’s confectionery workshop, where monks were forced to labor for long hours, often working overnight during major religious celebrations. He reported that the environment was unsanitary and physically taxing, leading to instances of exhaustion and fainting among the brotherhood.

Furthermore, the witness accused the monk Nektarios of utilizing spiritual manipulation to ensure obedience. He claimed that Nektarios would feign religious trances and impersonate the revered Saint Porphyrios during confessions to influence the monks. The witness also testified that contact with the outside world was strictly controlled, requiring prior approval from Nektarios to communicate with family members. The court is currently examining these allegations as part of the broader legal proceedings against the monastery's leadership.