For the past few months, the abbot of the historic Monastery of Mega Spilaio in Kalavryta had set up a side operation selling religious icons and liturgical books. He was arrested by undercover officers of the Department for the Protection of Cultural Heritage — often called the “Greek FBI” — at the very moment he was preparing to sell, among other things, two Gospels for €200,000.

Already, the Metropolitan of Aigialeia and Kalavryta has dismissed the arrested abbot and assumed his duties himself, while also appointing his legal adviser to the monastery’s council.

How the case unfolded

The investigation began when officers from the Organized Crime unit received information that a man previously involved in antiquities smuggling was active again — this time in partnership with the abbot of Mega Spilaio. According to sources, the abbot had the final say in all dealings.

Meetings between the two suspects took place both inside and outside the monastery, with the known antiquities trafficker taking strict counter-surveillance measures, moving only by taxi or chauffeur.

The “mastermind” boasted that his connections with auction houses in Germany and Cyprus enabled him not only to export artifacts of incalculable value but also to import whatever buyers in Greece desired.

Step by step, undercover police posing as buyers managed to infiltrate the network and convince both the trafficker and the abbot of their interest in acquiring icons and Gospels.

The sting operation

The deal was set to take place right outside the Monastery of Mega Spilaio in Kalavryta. There, the abbot — accompanied by his assistant, who was present at every meeting — brought the two Gospels and several icons. The officers were to purchase them for €200,000.

The abbot, who along with five others is now being taken to the courthouse in Corinth, has refused to answer police questions, stating only that he will speak before the court.

The Metropolitan removes the abbot

The Metropolis of Kalavryta announced that the arrested abbot had been removed from office. The Metropolitan of Kalavryta and Aigialeia, Ieronymos, will now serve as abbot himself.

According to the official statement, the new monastery council (hēgoumenosymvoulio) includes:

• Abbot & President: His Eminence Metropolitan Ieronymos of Kalavryta and Aigialeia
• Members: Monk Varnavas Vadevoulis and Mr. Georgios Bescos, Legal Adviser to the Metropolis and President of the Aigialeia Bar Association.

The Metropolis called upon the faithful to support the Monastery of Mega Spilaio with their prayers during this difficult time, expressing hope that the Lord will strengthen and guide the new council in its mission.