Financial disputes at Hosios Avvakoum monastery trial

On Monday, the Nicosia Criminal Court continued the trial concerning the Osiou Avvakoum Monastery, focusing on the complex financial relationship between the Tamasos Metropolis and the monastery. The cross-examination of Archimandrite Dionyssios Koptidis addressed a property transfer made by the Metropolis to the monastery, which the defense claimed was a gesture of appreciation toward the monks. The witness rejected this, stating that land transfers are not used as signs of respect, while further testimony addressed an alleged debt exceeding €150,000.

Defense attorney Maria Kestoros, representing the primary defendant, Father Nektarios, reviewed his ecclesiastical career, including his ordinations and appointments as spiritual father, archimandrite, and abbot. Koptidis testified that he attended the abbot enthronement but not other ceremonies. The witness also noted that he held the keys to the monastery following the events of March 5, 2024. The proceedings continue as the court investigates the financial dealings and administrative control of the monastery during the period leading up to the current legal conflict.