**Title: Testimony Reveals Allegations of Misconduct at Avakoum Monastery**
**Nicosia, Cyprus** – A former monk testified in the Nicosia criminal court on Wednesday, alleging that monk Nektarios of the Avakoum monastery impersonated Saint Porphyrios during confessions to manipulate fellow monks into obedience. The testimony, given by a witness who was a novice at the monastery from March 2022 until March 2024, highlighted troubling conditions within the religious institution.
The witness described the working environment at the monastery as exhausting, with limited contact with family members and inadequate rest. He recounted that monks in the monastery's confectionery workshop often worked extensive hours, particularly during significant religious celebrations, sometimes laboring from one morning to the next. He characterized the conditions in the workshop as harsh, citing extreme temperatures and the presence of mice, which contributed to a physically demanding atmosphere. The witness claimed that some monks even fainted while working due to fatigue.
In his testimony, the former monk alleged that during confessions, Nektarios would alter his voice to impersonate Saint Porphyrios, a revered figure in the Orthodox Christian community who was canonized in 2019. The witness claimed that Nektarios would instruct him to obey him, presenting himself as a “holy man” under the guise of the saint. He recounted instances where Nektarios would feign fainting and later profess not to recall the events, leading the witness to conclude that these actions were part of a scheme to enforce "blind obedience" among the monks.
The former monk also spoke about a wooden cross associated with Saint Porphyrios, asserting that he initially believed it had miraculous properties, as it appeared to adhere to believers and occasionally exuded myrrh. This testimony raises questions about the practices and beliefs upheld within the monastery.
Additionally, the witness alleged financial misconduct, claiming that his clerical salary was deposited into an account controlled by Nektarios, Saint Porphyrios, and another monk. He asserted that the signatures on the relevant documents were not his, suggesting possible forgery and financial impropriety.
The defendants, including Nektarios, face a range of serious charges, including conspiracy to defraud, forgery, theft, money laundering, and filing false tax returns. Both individuals have denied the allegations and remain free under restrictive conditions while the legal proceedings continue. The court hearing is scheduled to resume on September 14.
The case has drawn attention to the operations within the Avakoum monastery and raises broader questions about the treatment of monks and the management of religious institutions in Cyprus. As the legal process unfolds, further details may emerge regarding the practices and governance of the monastery.