Cabinet rejects land exchange with Osiou Avvakoum monks amid threats of Lythrodontas-Machairas road closure

Local churchscandalTop News Cabinet rejects land exchange with Osiou Avvakoum monks amid threats of Lythrodontas-Machairas road closure Avakoum 1536x864 Relevant News Cabinet rejects land exchange with Osiou Avvakoum monks amid threats of Lythrodontas-Machairas road closure 4 July 2026 Church of Cyprus launches financial support scheme to counter low birth rates and demographic decline 4 July 2026 Democratic Rally leadership race takes shape for 2028 elections as internal poll rumors swirl in Pindarou 4 July 2026 Vassos Vassiliou 4 July 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber The Cabinet has made it clear to the monks of the Osiou Avvakoum Monastery that it will not exchange state land—which the monks encroached upon by installing prefabricated structures—for their own private land. In response, the monks reportedly left it to be understood that they might cause issues by closing the road that leads from Lythrodontas to Machairas, a section of which falls within their private property. While some observers believe the monks are bluffing and raised the road issue merely to exert pressure, no one knows how they will act if the government stands firm in its negative decision. Under normal circumstances, following the rejection of the application to exchange the state plot for the monks’ land, demolition procedures for the illegal structures erected on the state land should have been initiated. However, nothing has been done in this direction so far. A site visit last Wednesday revealed no evidence that any measures have been taken to lift the illegality. Reports indicate that the state land spans an area of 35 decares, though the monks are reportedly claiming only a portion of it, where they have installed four prefabricated structures and a shack. The monks also brought the issue before the Lythrodontas community council, requesting its support in their efforts to persuade the government to consent to the exchange. Community Reactions and Road Blockade Concerns The community leader of Lythrodontas, Olvia Christoforou, noted that the Cabinet’s decision clearly did not satisfy the monks. Consequently, they sent a new letter to the community council referencing the demarcation of their plot. According to the letter, a road passes through a section of the monks’ property, implying that if they utilize their land at that specific point, the road will obviously no longer be usable. This specific road connects Lythrodontas to Machairas. This letter remains unanswered, leaving the matter pending, with neither the government nor the monks appearing willing to back down from their positions. Meanwhile, some of the structures are being used to manufacture sweets sold under the brand name “To Glytzystikon.” Reports indicate that the monks produce various types of sweets and make pastitsio for weddings in these prefabricated buildings, with all signs indicating that business operations are expanding. Furthermore, the monks had previously presented themselves to the community council as investors. Although initial reports suggested they would invest €3 million in the community, the exact amount remains unconfirmed. When questioned, the council president stated that the monks did not mention a €3 million investment but expressed intentions to make a major investment. The monks had informed the community council that they intend to erect a building designed to host children experiencing health issues, similar to the Christos Steliou Ioannou Foundation. However, they have neither submitted plans nor revisited the matter so far. Some within the community consider it a public relations stunt to support their request to exchange two of their plots for the state land they allegedly encroached upon. Reports also suggest the monks aim to construct a guest quarters (archontariki) to receive visitors. Legal Complaints and Church Inquiries A complaint was also submitted to the community council regarding the illegal operation of structures and the running of a confectionery business without a permit. Consequently, the council dutifully filed complaints with the Department of Health Services and the Department of Town Planning. The monks subsequently presented a permit from the health department. On his part, Archbishop Georgios considers this specific issue to be primarily a state matter rather than a Church concern, as the Church is interested in other activities of the monks that are unrelated to baking sweets. The Church remains preoccupied with whether these defrocked monks continue to perform religious services, ignoring the directives of the Holy Synod. If evidence is presented, the possibility of defrocking them completely or excommunicating them will be examined. Nonetheless, a visit to the area confirmed that a small chapel has been built alongside the installation of a rudimentary bell tower. Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News Church of Cyprus launches financial support scheme to counter low birth rates and demographic decline Democratic Rally leadership race takes shape for 2028 elections as internal poll rumors swirl in Pindarou Death toll from twin Venezuela earthquakes rises to at least 2,645, authorities say Ukraine gains leverage in conflict with capabilities to strike deep inside Russian territory, analysis suggests Cyprus faces risk of economic and geographic isolation over proposed EU aviation state aid cuts Geopolitical crisis hits Cyprus tourism employment as June unemployment rises by 9.9%, data shows Domestic demand drives Cyprus economic growth as Middle East crisis triggers slowdown in mid-2026, Central Bank says Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.