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The Vatopedi Land Exchange Affair and Detention of Abbot Ephraim

August 13, 2012, eKathimerini. Ephraim allowed to leave Athos for medical treatment
 

Moscow, August 8, 2012, Semitza.Ru Vatopedi's Igumen Ephraim allowed to travel outside of Mount Athos (in Russian).

Minimally edited machine translation:
ATHENS. "Romfea" reports that on 7 August, the Council members of the Court of Appeals issued a decree abolishing restrictions on the travel of Vatopedi's Igumen Ephraim outside the Holy Mountain.

The Council authorized Elder Ephraim's departure from -- and stay in any -- Greek hospital of his choice for as long as necessary to restore his health.

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June 19, 2012, The Friends of Mount Athos. Announcement.

FoMA is pleased to report that Abbot Ephraim and Fr. Arsenios have been acquitted of the charge of inciting the local judge in Xanthi to a breach of duty (of which she, too, has been cleared). Abbot Ephraim and Fr. Arsenios are also charged with inciting ministers of State and other officials in the land swap affair. We have hope that these charges will go the way of the Xanthi ones, that the Minister of Justice and his council will recognize the reality of the situation and dismiss the charges, so that they will not even come to trial. In the interim, the Monastery's accounts remain frozen, and travel limitations remain in effect for the Abbot and Fr. Arsenios. FoMA was reassured by the fact that the Abbot was allowed to leave the monastery for needed medical attention, and that during this respite, the nuns under his care as well as others will have the opportunity to visit with him at the hospital for purposes of confession and spiritual guidance. FoMA continues to monitor events in this case and to post ongoing reportage on this Athos News page.
 

Moscow, June 14, 2012, Pravoslavie.ru English version ARCHIMANDRTIE EPHRAIM HAS BEEN ACQUITTED
 

June 13, 2012, The Republic Special Report: How a Greek bank infected Cyprus

Reportage on Vatopaidi's loans from the Marfin Popular Bank.
 

April 10, 2012, Global Voices Greece: Abbot Released Over Ecclesiastical Real-Estate Scandal
 

Moscow, April 5, 2012, Semitza.Ru The Greek Foreign Ministry denied the information about the rejection of V. V. Putin on Mount Athos (in Russian).

Minimally edited machine translation:
ATHENS. April 5 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece issued a statement stating that the Minister first learned of the planned trip to Mount Athos Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin from media reports.

According to Foreign Ministry spokesman Grigoris Delavekurasa, no requests for visits to Mount Athos from the Government of the Russian Federation have been received and, therefore, there was no failure to meet them.

The official also said that the Greek side will always be pleased to accept Russian Prime Minister and President-elect with the agency, "Amen."
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April 5, 2012, Mystagogy. The Weblog of John Sanidopoulos Greek Government Rejects Putin's Holy Week Pilgrimage to Mount Athos.
 

Moscow, April 4, 2012, Semitza.Ru Greek officials have not given Putin permission to visit Holy Mount Athos (in Russian).

Minimally edited machine translation:
ATHOS. On April 4th became known the refusal of the Greek side to allow the Russian prime minister, the president elect of Russia, to make a two day pilgrimage to Holy Mount Athos during Passion Week. Among other things Putin planned to visit Vatopedi Monastery to meet with Igumen Ephraim who was recently released from custody.

The standark pilgrimage application to visit Mount Athos was rejected on the pretext that, at this time, all officials will be on Paschal holiday, reported "Romfea."
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April 2, 2012, Catholic World News Orthodox abbot in Mount Athos controversy released on bail
 

April 1, 2012, Spero News (World) Greece: Russia: Mount Athos abbot released on bail as tensions with Russia continue. Vatopedi monastery Hegumen Ephrem is released after three months under house arrest. He is suspected in an illegal land sale. The case highlights tensions between Moscow and Athens. Putin might visit Mount Athos for Easter.
 

April 1, 2012, Ekathimerini Ephraim returns to Athos after prison release
 

March 30, 2012, Cyprus Mail - Nicosia,Cyprus Ephrem out on bail but confined to Greece.
Also posted in The Greek Reporter (A. Papapostolou)
 

March 30, 2012, EMG.RS (source: AMNA) Abbot Ephraim is released with conditions
 

March 30, 2012, The Voice of Russia (RIAN, World News) Archimandrite Ephrem released on bail
 

March 30, 2012, The Voice of Russia (Commentary) Father Ephraim to go free – partially
 

Moscow, March 30, 2012, Semitza.Ru Vatopedi's Igumen Ephraim left the Korydallos prison (in Russian).

Minimally edited machine translation:
ATHENS. On March 30 Vatopedi Abbot Ephraim was released. A few hours ago, he left the Korydallos prison, accompanied by several Vatopedi monks and lawyers. They went to Mount Athos, where the monastery brethren impatiently await Fr. Ephraim, reports Romfea.

Previously, the Athens Court of Appeals changed the restraint measure for the Archimandrite Ephraim. He was released on bail of 300 000 euros, prohibited from leaving the country and the Vatopedi monastery Vatopedi, and regularly report to the police.

From December 28, 2011 Vatopedi's igumen has been under arrest in Korydallos prison.
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March 29, 2012, Ekathimerini Vatopedi Monk granted conditional release
 

March 1, 2012, EMG.RS (sources: ekathimerini.gr, Xronos.gr) Sentences handed down over land swap
 

Moscow, February 10, 2012, Semitza.Ru The chief investigator of the so-called "Vatopedi case" responded negatively to Igumen Ephraim's petition to rescind his pre-trial detention (in Russian).

Minimally edited machine translation:
10.02.2012 11:43 Source: Sedmitsa.Ru ATHENS. February 9. Irini Kalou, the lead investigator of the so-called "Vatopedi case", gave a negative response to the petition of Igumen Ephraim to rescind his pre-trial detention.
The church news agency "Romfea" termed the investigator's refusal a "Nameday gift" – for, in fact, February 10, the feast day of St. Ephrem the Syrian, is Elder Ephraim's nameday.
According to the agency, the investigator's memo regarding this issue is 55 pages long. Abbot Ephraim's lawyers have 5 days to re-appeal the decision.
Meanwhile, on 14 February Athens' multi-member Court of First Instance will resume hearings on the swap of monastic possessions for public property close to the village of Agios Athanasios near Edessa. Consideration of this case was postponed in January 2011 at the request of Vatopedi.
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February 3, 2012, EMG.RS (source: AMNA) Greece: Prosecutor recommends Ephraim's release
 

January 31, 2012, EMG.RS (source: AMNA) Vatopedi abbot Ephraim files petition for conditional release
 

January 19, 2012, The Voice of Russia Petition to free Ephraim attracts massive support
 

January 19, 2012, Jeffrey Siger, Poisoned Pen Press There is a God

An independant perspective on the Vatopedi land swap affair from the author of the Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis novels. His third novel, Prey on Patmos (Poisoned Pen Press, 2011), posited a Russian involvement in monastic affairs on Patmos before the recent reportage documented it in connection with Mount Athos, adding a degree of verisimilitude to the novel.
 

Athens, January 18, 2012, Interfax Constantinople Patriarchate's attitude to the Athos monastery rector unacceptable, Greek hierarch believes
 

Moscow, January 16, 2012, Gazeta.ru (commentary) The Greek warning. Religious and secular authorities in Russia reacted so violently to the arrest of the Greek Igumen because they expect the same problems . Reprinted January 17, 2012 in Portal Credo.ru, with the headline prefix, "Media Monitoring"

View English translation
 

Moscow, January 13, 2012, Interfax Vatopedi Monastery abbot to remain in custody despite partial acquittal
 

Moscow, January 13, 2012, Semitza.Ru A delegation of monks from Vatopedi arrived to be received by the Patriarch of Constantinople (in Russian).

Minimally edited machine translation:
ISTANBUL. January 13. A delegation of monks from the Athonite Monastery of Vatopedi arrived at the residence of the Patriarch of Constantinople at the Phanar (Istanbul), reports "Amen."
The delegation consists of monk Niphon responsible for Vatopedi metochion, Porto Lagos, and hieromonks Evdokim and Georgy. At this moment, their meeting with the Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople is taking place.
Apparently the purpose of the visit is to discuss the situation with regard to the so-called "Vatopedi affair" and arrest of the monastery's Igumen, Archimandrite Ephrem.
 

Moscow, January 13, 2012, Semitza.Ru A delegation of monks from Vatopedi arrived to be received by the Patriarch of Constantinople (in Russian).

Minimally edited machine translation:
ISTANBUL. January 13. A delegation of monks from the Athonite Monastery of Vatopedi arrived at the residence of the Patriarch of Constantinople at the Phanar (Istanbul), reports "Amen."
The delegation consists of monk Niphon responsible for Vatopedi metochion, Porto Lagos, and hieromonks Evdokim and Georgy. At this moment, their meeting with the Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople is taking place.
Apparently the purpose of the visit is to discuss the situation with regard to the so-called "Vatopedi affair" and arrest of the monastery's Igumen, Archimandrite Ephrem.
 

Moscow, January 13, 2012, Semitza.Ru Famous Serbian theologian Bishop Athanasius (Evtich) condemned the Greek authorities' arrest of Igumen Ephraim (in Russian).

Minimally edited machine translation:
ATHENS. The Director of the Greek church news agency "Romfea" Emilios Poligenis, in an interview with the former Bishop Afanasy of Zaholmsk and Herzegovina (Evtich), a leading Serbian theologian and writer, raised the issue of the arrest of Igumen Ephraim.
According to +Afanasy, this event caused in him great surprise and chagrin. He was particularly struck by the fact that the organs of justice of an Orthodox country timed the arrest to the Christmas holiday.
Bishop Afanasy expressed the hope that "the Lord will enlighten the judges and give strength to Igumen Ephraim in his Christian struggle [podvig]." He also believes that the Greek government, by arresting Father Ephraim, humiliated Mount Athos.
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January 12, 2012, The Voice of Russia Greece Supreme Court annuls verdict against Abbot Ephraim
 

Moscow, January 12, 2012, Semitza.Ru After a long pause, the Synod of the Church of Greece, nevertheless made a statement regarding the arrest of Igumen Ephraim (in Russian).

Minimally edited machine translation:
ATHENS. At a January 12 meeting of the 3rd session of the Holy Synod of the Greek Orthodox Church a statement was finally made regarding the arrest of the monastery's igumen, Archimandrite Ephraim of Vatopedi reports "Romfea."
The members of the Synod noted that the event dealt a devastating blow to the authority of the Church and deeply disappointed believers. Although the Greek Church respects the decision of the court and does not interfere with its mandate, it expresses its sympathy and condolences to Igumen Ephraim and hopes for his early release.
This statement is very different in tone from the statement of the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, which preferred to distance itself from this problem.
Today, Igumen Ephraim was visited in "Koridallos" prison by his countrymen - Cyprus Metropolitans Nicephorus of Kikkos and Isaiah Tamassos. It is expected that Achbishop Jerome II of Athens and all Greece will soon visit as well.
 

Moscow, January 12, 2012, Interfax Russian Church declines to comment on Constantinople statement on abbot's arrest
 

January 12, 2012, Belarus News Belarus' top Orthodox Christian cleric urges Greek authorities to release monastery abbot
 

January 12, 2012, Karolos Papoulias, RiaNovosti Greek church protests pre-trial detention of Abbot Efraim
 

January 11, 2012, Phantis.com Ecumenical Patriarchate on Ephraim issue
 

January 11, 2012, Stella Tsolakidou, The Greek Reporter Ecumenical Patriarchate Denounces Russian Interference in the Ephraim Case
 

Moscow, January 11, 2012, Semitza.Ru Members of the Synod of the Hellenic Orthodox Church visited the imprisoned Vatopedi Igumen Ephraim (in Russian).

English Translation:
ATHENS. Jan. 10, After a meeting of the Holy Synod of the Hellenic Orthodox Church, members of the Synod, Metropolitans Joel of Edessa and Nektarios of Kerkira visited Vatopedi Abbot Ephraim, imprisoned in the Athenian Koridallos Jail.
According to the Greek church news agency,"Romfea, "discussion of the situation in connection with the arrest of Ephraim Abbot may be decided at the meeting of the Synod, scheduled for January 11."
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January 10, 2012, Amen.gr ("The Ecclesiastical News Portal") Phanar distances itself from the Ephraim affair and message to Moscow (in Greek)
 

January 10, 2012, Nina Achmatova, AsiaNews.it Abbot of Mount Athos arrested. War of influence between Moscow and the Ecumenical Patriarchate
 

January 10, 2012, CatholicCulture.org Monk's arrest in Greece exposes contest for world's Orthodox leadership
 

January 10, 2012, Moscow, Credo.Ru Hellenic Synod to discuss imprisonment of Igumen Ephraim of Vatopedi (in Russian)

Translation of opening paragraph: The imprisonment of the superior of Mount Athos's Vatopedi Monastery Vatopedi, Igumen Ephraim, will be raised at a meeting of the Holy Synod of Hellenic Orthodox Church, to be held on January 10, reports "Sedmitsa.ru" (http://www.sedmitza.ru/news/2722067.html), citing the "Romfea" agency.
 

January 10, 2012, Ekathimerini English Edition Ephraim hosting services at Korydallos Prison chapel
 

January 10, 2012, The Voice of Russia Preliminary probe into Archimandrite Ephraim arrest opened
 

January 7, 2012, Sandro Magister, www.chiesa.espressonline.it Christmas in Jail, on Mount Athos
 

January 6, 2012, Pravoslavie.ru St. Andrew-the-First-Called Foundation announced a Christmas campaign in support of Igumen Ephraim (in Russian)
View English Translation
 

January 3, 2012, Pravoslavie.ru (Orthodoxy Today) English Version The Greek Government Is Only Disgracing Orthodox Greece (Commentary)

Hierarchs of the Orthodox Church of Greece express their indignation against the arrest of Archimandrite Ephraim, abbot of Vatopedi Monastery, Mt. Athos.
 

January 3, 2012, The London Daily News Putin and Russia church lobby Greeks to "reconsider" Ephraim imprisonment (Commentary)
 

January 3, 2012, Ekathimerini English Edition Vatopedi monk in jail as minister warns 'meddlers'
 

January 2, 2012, Sandro Magister, Chiesa News Expressionline.it Christmas in Jail, on Mount Athos
 

January 1, 2012, The London Daily News Putin and Russia church lobby Greeks to "reconsider" Ephraim imprisonment
 

December 31, 2011, Fani Toli in the Greek Reporter (eu.greekreporter.com) Head of St. Andrew Apostle Foundation Asks Orthodox Citizens in Russia to Support Abbot Ephraim
 

Moscow, December 31, 2011, TASS as reported in The Voice of Russia Orthodox Church supports Abbot Yefrem
 

Moscow, December 30, 2011, EMG.RS Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church expresses concern over detention of Archimandrite Ephrem, abbot of the Vatopedi Monastery on Mt. Athos
 

Moscow, December 30, 2011 Interfax Arrest of Archimandrite Ephrem is a hostile attack against Athonite monks and Orthodoxy (interview with Metropolitan Hilarion, chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate's Department for External Church Relations)
 

Moscow, December 30, 2011 Interfax True motives for Father Yefrem's arrest is struggle against Athos independence and Russian influence there, head of the Vatopedi Friends Society believes
 

Moscow, December 30, 2011, Garibov Konstantin, The Voice of Russia What is behind Greek abbot's arrest? (Commentary)
 

Moscow, December 30, 2011, TASS as reported in The Voice of Russia Russian activists demand freedom for Abbot Ephraim
 

December 29, 2011, Costas Iordanidis, Ekathimerini What the Ephraim case tells us (Commentary)
 

December 29, 2011, Louis A. Ruprecht, Religion Dispatches Greek Abbot Arrested for Role in Financial Scandal (Essay)
 

Moscow, December 29, 2011, Interfax Russian Orthodox rise in defense of arrested Vatopedi monk
 

Moscow, December 29, 2011, Semitza.Ru Father Ephrem - Prisoner of cell 2 in the Koridallos prison (in Russian). View English Translation: Fr. Ephrem, in suburban Athens jail, refuses medical examination
 

Moscow, December 29, 2011, Russian Orthodox Church, Documents Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church expresses concern over detention of Archimandrite Ephrem, abbot of the Vatopedi Monastery

Letter of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia to H. E. Karolos Papoulias, President of the Hellenic Republic, expressing concern over detention of the abbot of the Vatopedi Monastery Mount Athos
 

Athens, December 29, 2011, Athens News Agency/Macedonian Press Agency Athens Responds to Russian Criticism of Ephraim Jailing
 

December 29, 2011, Ekathimerini Russian Church head writes to president over Ephraim
 

Athens, December 28, 2011, BBC Mobile Greece jails Abbot Ephraim in Mount Athos fraud case
 

Athens, December 28, 2011, Associated Press, as reported in The Washington Post Greek abbot jailed pending trial over land scandal probe that cost ministers their jobs
 

Athens, December 28, 2011, Theodore Kalmoukos, The National Herald Greek Abbot Jailed over Land Swap Scandal
 

Moscow, December 28, 2011, Interfax Archimandrite Yefrem's arrest violates European Human Rights Court's decisions - Russian Foreign Ministry
 

December 28, 2011, Cyprus Mail - Nicosia,Cyprus Cyprus abbot to be held behind bars in Greece
 

London, December 27, 2011, The London Daily News Greek monk on his way to jail
 

December 27, 2011, Ekathimerini Vatopedi monk faces prosecutor
 

December 27, 2011, Ekathimerini Vatopedi monk heads to Athens to face prosecutor
 

London, December 27, 2011, The London Daily News Greek government needs some "Christmas spirit" (editorial)
 

Moscow, December 27, 2011, Interfax Guardian of Holy Virgin's Belt from Mt. Athos decides to go to jail
 

Moscow, December 27, 2011, Semitza.Ru Archimandrite Efrem, the superior of the Vatopedi monastery was arrested and removed from the territory of Mount Athos (in Russian)

Edited machine translation: Mount Athos. Archimandrite Efrem, the superior of Mount Athos' Vatopedi Monastery, was arrested and removed from the territory of the Holy Mountain, "reported Interfax-Religion," referring to the representative of the monastery. "We do not know exactly where the Greek law enforcement officers have taken him" - said the agency interlocutor. Archimandrite Ephrem previously announced his agreement to follow the court decision regarding his arrest.
 

December 26, 2011, Ekathimerini Vatopedi abbot to go to hospital
 

December 26, 2011, Athens, Greece, The Sydney Morning Herald Religious leader charged
 

Moscow, December 26, 2011, Interfax Russian Church believes Vatopedi Rector's arrest groundless sanction
 

December 26, 2011, Nikolaos D.A. Arvanites, EMG.RS Russian foundation calls on the heads of Christian Orthodox Churches to defend Abbot Efraim

Includes a petition addressed to The President, The Prime Minister, and The Attorney General of the Hellenic Republic.
 

December 26, 2011, Romphaia.gr The Holy Community of Mt. Athos on the side of the Abbot Ephfaim (in Greek)
 

December 26, 2011, Ekathimerini Ephraim's poor health prevents his arrest. Monk linked to Vatopedi scandal to stay in the monastery on guard
 

December 25, 2011, Pemptousia (Web site of the Friends of Vatopedi Monastery) The Metropolitan of Siatista furious at the Efraim decision
 

Thessaloniki, December 24, 2011, Costas Kantouris, Demetris Nellas, Associated Press, as reported in the Chicago Tribune Greece arrests abbot involved in land swap deal on charges of embezzlement, money laundering and in the Washington Post
 

December 19, 2011, Ekathimerini Questioning of witnesses in Vatopedi affair ends
 

Moscow, November 28, 2011 Ekathimerini Vatopedi monk in jail as minister warns 'meddlers'
 

Moscow, November 28, 2011 Interfax Patriarch Kirill asks Greek president to release Vatopedi Monastery superior from custody
 

Moscow, November 26, 2011 Ekathimerini Vatopedi abbot to go to hospital
 

Moscow, November 15, 2011 Neos Kosmos Mount Athos abbot to appear in court. A Mount Athos abbot has been summoned to give evidence concerning the land swaps between the monastery and the state. Abbot Ephraim of Vatopedi is due to appear before magistrate Irene Kalou on 29 November
 

September 9, 2011, Ekathimerini Vatopedi lawyer posts bail
 

January 14, 2011, Ekathimerini Ex-ministers to escape Vatopedi prosecution. Prosecutor set to recommend that statute of limitations applies
 

November 23, 2010, Vanity Fair How Involved Was the Vatopaidi Monastery? (Analysis -- Web Exclusive)
 

October 1, 2010, Vanity Fair Beware of Greeks Bearing Bonds (Analysis -- Business Section)
 

January 27, 2010, Ekathimerini New inquiry into land swap
 

Athens, January 26, 2010, Reuters, as reported in the Khaleej Times Online Greek parliament to probe monastery scandal
 

January 26, 2010, Athens News Agency: News in English. as posted in Hellenic Resources Network (HR-Net). Parliament unanimously passes motion for fact-finding commission on Vatopedi Monastery-Lake Vistonida land swap deal
 

January 5, 2010, Ekathimerini English Edition ND backs graft inquiries. Conservatives rethink position on probe into Vatopedi Monastery property exchange
 

December 30, 2009, Ekathimerini English Edition ND against new Vatopedi inquiry
 

December 19, 2009, Ekathimerini English Edition PASOK urges scandal probes. Socialist MPs table requests for four major corruption affairs to be investigated by Parliament
 

May 19, 2009, Ekathimerini English Edition Vatopedi charges being lined up
 

May 18, 2009, Athens News Agency: News in English. as posted in Hellenic Resources Network (HR-Net). Charges pressed in Vatopedi land exchange case
 

May 18, 2009, PR-Inside.com (Pressemitteilung) - Wien,Austria Greece: Criminal charges in land scandal
 

March 6, 2009, Ekathimerini English Edition Vatopedi monks still defiant
 

January 24, 2009, Athens News Agency: News in English. as posted in Hellenic Resources Network (HR-Net). Papandreou: state is not the winning party's fiefdom
 

December 29, 2008, GreekNews. Greek-American Weekly Newspaper. A Review of Orthodox Church Events in 2008 by H.E. Spyridon, former Archbishop of America
 

December 20, 2008, Cyprus Mail - Nicosia,Cyprus, as re-posted by the Cyprus Directory Christofias meets with investigators
 

December 18, 2008, Ekathimerini English Edition Quit, and this time do it for real (commentary)
 

December 17, 2008, Financial Times - London, England, UK By Kerin Hope in Athens Greek prime minister accepts 'share of blame'.
View FoMA archived copy
View Athens News Agency, December 17, "The Wednesday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance"
 

December 17, 2008, Ekathimerini English Edition PM in apologetic mood. Karamanlis acknowledges failings in Vatopedi scandal, as reshuffle looms
 

December 16, 2008, Reuters Greek PM vows to fight corruption after 11-day protest
AND UPDATE 1 - Greek PM vows to fight corruption after 11-day protest
 

December 15, 2008, DALJE.COM English Edition No Greek Parliament Consensus On Monastery Scandal
 

December 11, 2008, Ekathimerini English Edition Vatopedi reports due on Monday
 

December 4, 2008, Ekathimerini English Edition Land probe fizzling out. ND blocks calls for more witnesses; ministers blame PASOK for Vatopedi exchange
 

December 3, 2008, Cyprus Mail - Nicosia,Cyprus, as re-posted by the Cyprus Directory Vatopedi finances are 'squeaky clean'
 

December 2, 2008, Ekathimerini English Edition Vatopedi deals unravel. Man who handled monastery's money reveals more investments, possible gov't links
 

December 2, 2008, Athens News Agency - Athens,Greece, News in English Voulgarakis testifies in Vatopedi probe, denies responsibility
 

December 1, 2008, Athens News Agency - Athens,Greece, News in English Replacement for Vatopedi Abbot
 

November 29, 2008, Ekathimerini English Edition Ephraim meets Patriarch, resigns
 

November 29, 2008, Cyprus Mail - Nicosia,Cyprus, as re-posted by the Cyprus Directory Abbot suspended over land deal scandal
 

November 24, 2008, Ekathimerini English Edition Monastery accounts raise more questions
 

Nov. 24 2008, EasyBourse.com. Paris, France, "Monks Refuse To Hand Over Accounts In Greek Property Scandal", as reposted November 25, 2008, Athens, Independent Online - Cape Town,South Africa (www.iol.co.za/news/) under the title, Monks refuse to co-operate

"Two Greek Orthodox monks on Monday refused to hand over their accounts to a parliamentary commission investigating a Mount Athos monastery property scandal that has so far forced two ministers to resign."
 

November 22, 2008, Ekathimerini English Edition Accounts of Vatopedi monks to be checked
 

November 19, 2008, Ekathimerini English Edition ND turns to spending. Gov't set to OK 900 million euros in extra funds as antidote to crisis, Vatopedi
 

November 19, 2008, Cyprus Mail - Nicosia,Cyprus, as re-posted by the Cyprus Directory Limassol Bishop denies link to Vatopedi scandal
 

November 11, 2008, Ekathimerini English Edition Tatoulis ousted, ND majority is back down to one. Direct attack from rebel MP proved final straw for PM
 

November 9, 2008, Focus News, Sofia, Bulgaria, as posted by Free Republic Greek Church leader wants vote if separation from state mooted
 

November 8, 2008, Wikileaks (source identified as "Thessaloniki Consulate") Holy Mountain Monastery Real Estate Scandal tarnishes image of Church and State
 

November 4, 2008, Ekathimerini English Edition Immunity law under scrutiny. Judges and lawyers suggest that deputies and ministers should not be free from prosecution
 

November 4, 2008, Ekathimerini English Edition, "In Brief" Vatopedi probe. Prosecutor says she needs help in land-swap investigation
 

November 3, 2008, Ekathimerini English Edition, "In Brief" Vatopedi probe. Parliament committee to hear testimonies today
 

October 30, 2008, LegalBrief.co.za Pressure grows over Greek scandal
 

October 26, 2008, Gulf Times, Doha, Qatar Greek govt reeling from monastery property row
 

October 25, 2008, BBC Mobile News Greek minister quits over scandal
 

October 25, 2008, The New York Times Land Scandal Threatens Greek Leader
 

October 24, 2008, Melbourne Herald Sun, Australia Greek MPs vote to investigate Vatopedi monastery land deal
 

October 24, 2008, BBC News Pressure grows over Greek scandal
 

October 23, 2008, RTT News - Williamsville, NY, USA Greek Minister Resigns Over Alleged Involvement In Land Deal Scandal
 

October 23, 2008, EMG.RS (Source: ANA-MPA) Greece: Vatopedi probe file to Parliament.

Also reported by the Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English (together with several other related articles)
 

October 23, 2008, TransWorldNews - Atlanta, GA,USA Second Greek Minister Resigns Due to Land Deal Scandal (press release)
 

October 21, 2008, Ekathimerini English Edition PM mulls aide's future. After votes in Parliament, spokesman Roussopoulos could be sacrificed
 

October 18, 2008, Ekathimerini English Edition PASOK turns screw; vote looms. Socialists take legal action against top prosecutors, as Parliament prepares to debate calls for inquiry
 

October 17, 2008, Ekathimerini English Edition PM says Vatopedi has not made dent
 

October 15, 2008, DALJE.COM English Edition Greek Prosecutors Resign Over Land Deal Probe
 

October 8, 2008, The Hellenic Voice (as archived by Orthodox Christian Laity in its Searchable Archives) Greece to cancel land-swap deal with monastery
 

September 19, 2008, Ekathimerini English Edition Monastery probe begins. First witnesses called in land exchange investigation; ND and PASOK clash
 

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Header Image: View of the Holy Mountain from a balcony at Stavronikita Monastery, with elements of the katholikon in the foreground.
Photograph by Robert W. Allison, © 2008.