The scandal around the Saint Habakkuk Monastery is set to conclude early next week with an expected decision from the Synodic Court.
If the ruling is unfavourable, the accused monks will have the right to appeal to the Holy Synod, acting as an appellate court. However, observers consider it unlikely that the Synod would overturn a decision made by its appointed body, comprising nearly one-third of its members.
The authenticity of incriminating audiovisual evidence is central to the case. The court has already accepted the testimony of a first expert confirming the material’s authenticity, sources close to the matter said.
A second expert opinion was sought after the accused monks questioned the independence of the first expert, citing alleged collaborations with their accuser, the Tamassos Bishop, Isaias.
The second expert’s assessment, expected to cost around 10,000 euros, will be evaluated alongside the first opinion and other testimonies from both prosecution and defence witnesses.
Church officials emphasised that even without expert opinions, the court has sufficient witness testimonies to reach a decision on the charges against monks Nectarios, Porphyrios, and Hbakkuk.
The Saint Habakkuk Monastery scandal involves allegations of financial impropriety, abuse of power, and fraud against three suspended monks from the monastery in Fterikoudi.
The scandal erupted in early 2024 following a raid by authorities, which uncovered a significant sum of undeclared cash.
The monks are accused of money laundering, fraud, and obtaining money through false pretences.
There are allegations of abuse of power within the monastery, including allegations of forced labor and sexual harassment.
The monks have denied all accusations, claiming that their financial operations were legitimate.
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