Financial dispute raised in trial of Avvakoum Monastery monks

During the ongoing trial at the Nicosia Criminal Court on October 26, 2026, the defense attorney for Monk Nektarios, Kostis Efstathiou, alleged that the entire controversy originated from unpaid debts owed by the Metropolitan of Tamassos to the Avvakoum Monastery. During the cross-examination of Father Dionysios Koptidis, the Vicar General of the Tamassos Metropolis, the defense presented a document purportedly showing that the Metropolitan had borrowed significant funds from the monastery.

According to the defense, the Metropolitan of Tamassos borrowed €155,000 on behalf of the Metropolis on November 15, 2021. Further allegations included an additional €50,000 loan in cash and a separate €5,000 loan from the monastery. The defense counsel claimed that the Metropolitan had only repaid €40,000 of these obligations. These arguments aim to reframe the motive behind the criminal proceedings against the monks, suggesting that the conflict is rooted in these long-standing financial discrepancies rather than the charges currently presented by the prosecution.

The proceedings continue as the court evaluates these documents and the testimony of Father Dionysios. No further court dates or final rulings were immediately announced following the latest session, as the investigation into the validity of the financial claims remains a focus of the defense strategy.