Financial hearings continue in the Avvakoum Monastery legal case

On September 28, 2026, the legal proceedings concerning the financial aspects of the Avvakoum Monastery case continued with testimonies from three individuals. The court heard claims from beekeeper Menelaos Filippou and painter Charalambos Kekkos, who allege the monastery owes them approximately 2,500 and 15,000 euros, respectively. Additionally, Kostas Petsas, a disability welfare recipient, testified that he donated 6,000 euros to the monastery without receiving an official receipt.

Filippou provided specific details regarding his involvement, stating he initially donated honey to the monastery in 2021 without payment. He later began issuing invoices in 2023, claiming he inflated quantities on these documents to recoup losses for the unpaid supplies provided in 2021 and 2022. He stated that he attempted to recover the 2,500 euro balance directly from the Metropolitan. The case remains a focal point for investigators examining the monastery's complex financial management and accounting practices.

The ongoing hearings highlight systematic issues within the monastery's operations, as authorities continue to scrutinize the flow of funds and the lack of proper documentation for donations and services. The court is expected to continue reviewing these financial discrepancies as the broader investigation into the management of the monastery proceeds.