Lawyers for the monks accused in the Saint Habakkuk Monastery scandal have requested an investigation into Bishop Isaias of Tamassos, accusing him of ecclesiastical offences.
In a letter to the Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus, the lawyers allege a series of actions by the Bishop’s envoys on March 5 that constitute offences punishable by excommunication. These include the removal of relics from the Monastery in Fterikoudi, including those of Saint Habakkuk.
The letter, signed by lawyers Efstathios Efstathiou and Anastasios Vavouskos, details the events of March 5. It claims the Bishop’s representatives confiscated religious objects and the monks’ mobile phones, used force to remove the monks from the Monastery, and essentially occupied the premises. The letter also reiterates allegations of hooded individuals being involved, which Bishop Isaias has previously denied.
According to the lawyers, a second group of unidentified individuals arrived and seized a safe from a guesthouse. The letter details a list of items allegedly removed from the Monastery, including documents, religious vestments, relics of multiple saints, and personal belongings of the monks.
The lawyers argue these actions violate Article 65 of the Church of Cyprus Constitution. They hold Bishop Isaias responsible and call for his excommunication under relevant ecclesiastical rules.
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