Nicosia criminal court hears testimony in Avakoum monastery fraud case

The Nicosia criminal court is currently hearing testimony regarding a significant fraud case involving the Avakoum Monastery. Prosecution witnesses, including individuals who allegedly donated money for religious icons that were never delivered, described a system of financial exploitation. One witness testified to paying €5,000 for an icon of Saint Ephraim, while another recounted being deceived by an alleged miracle involving a cross, which led to a €2,000 donation during a time of personal family tragedy.

Father Dionysios Koptides provided further evidence detailing the investigation into the monastery’s financial dealings. He testified that Bishop Isaias had identified suspicious activities, prompting an intervention where 16 individuals were authorized to retrieve items from the monastery. During proceedings at the Metropolis, it was reported that two safes held over €700,000 and €90,000 respectively. According to Koptides, the head monk Nektarios allegedly admitted his guilt during questioning and requested a transfer abroad to avoid being deposed. Nektarios and Porfyrios currently face multiple charges, including conspiracy to defraud, money laundering, and theft.