Abbot Arrested for Stealing Religious Artifacts
KALAVRYTA — Police have arrested the abbot of the historic Monastery of the Dormition of the Virgin, also known as the Mega Spilaio monastery, in Kalavryta in the northern Peloponnese, on suspicion of trying to sell Byzantine icons and rare religious texts.
According to a police announcement on Monday, the abbot and five more suspects attempted to sell the protected items – including two Gospels dated 1737 and 1761 – to an undercover officer for €200,000 ($215,000).
The arrests took place during a sting operation when the abbot allegedly tried to complete the sale. His assistant has also been arrested.
Four civilians have been taken into custody, as well. They are a pawnshop owner and his wife, a broker and another man accused of dealing in ancient coins, police said.
Authorities did not immediately release the names of those arrested.
The investigation is ongoing.
Founded in 362 AD in a cave in the Vouraikos Gorge near Kalavryta, the Mega Spilaio is one of the oldest monasteries in the Greek world.
Read also
Orthodox Prison Ministry Holds First Study Day in Belgium
Belgium’s first Orthodox Prison Ministry study day explored pastoral care in correctional institutions, featuring insights from a Dutch prison chaplain.
Ecumenical Patriarch Celebrates Feast of St. Haralambos at the Phanar
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew prayed at the feast-day Divine Liturgy for St. Haralambos at the Phanar’s chapel dedicated to the wonderworking hieromartyr.
Abp. Elpidophoros: Ukraine Will Shape the Future of Inter-Orthodox Relations
Abp. Elpidophoros said events in Ukraine will play a decisive role in shaping future relations between Orthodox Churches worldwide.
U.S. Vice President Vance Speaks Warmly of Georgia and Patr. Ilia II
Vice President JD Vance offered notably warm remarks about Georgia’s Christian identity and Patr. Ilia, President Kavelashvili said, underscoring U.S. respect for the country’s spiritual heritage.
St. Catherine’s Monastery Awaits Decree as Tourism Pressures Grow
Abp. Simeon of Sinai is urging diplomatic dialogue to protect the historic privileges of St. Catherine’s Monastery amid growing tourism development.
St. Tikhon’s Celebrates Ordination of Fifteen New Clergy
St. Tikhon’s Seminary celebrates a significant series of recent ordinations, highlighting its ongoing mission to form and ordain clergy.