Trial of monks Nektarios and Porfyrios in Osiou Avakoum case set for June 10

Nicosia, Cyprus. The trial of monks Nektarios and Porfyrios of the Osiou Avakoum monastery, who face 24 charges related to alleged financial irregularities, will begin next month after the case was adjourned on Wednesday.

Court sets June hearing

The first hearing is scheduled for June 10 after the Nicosia criminal court granted both the prosecution and the defence time to prepare, citing the large volume of evidentiary material gathered.

Both monks face charges including conspiracy to defraud, forgery and use of false documents, theft by proxy, handling stolen goods, money laundering, interfering with judicial proceedings and submitting fraudulent tax returns. They deny all charges.

Allegations under investigation

The pair were found with €807,000 in cash and were captured on camera engaging in sexual activity with one another in March 2024, with Elam leader Christos Christou reportedly present at the time.

Christou said he was there in his capacity as a member of the Tamasos bishopric’s clerical committee. When asked to clarify the matter by Diko leader Nicholas Papadopoulos, he accused Papadopoulos of taking part in “LGBT fiestas”.

It was also alleged that the monks were using artificial myrrh on a cross from which a stream would eject, which they reportedly falsely claimed was a sign of a miracle.

Police began investigating the case and secured access to the monks’ bank accounts, land registry records and other services as part of the inquiry into the allegations.