Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Holy Synod of the Greek Orthodox Church met yesterday in Cyprus for only the second time in two millenniums, to discuss allegations that one of the island's bishops is secretly gay, a claim that has split the church on the island.
The Holy Synod of the Greek Orthodox Church met yesterday in Cyprus for only the second time in two millenniums, to discuss allegations that one of the island's bishops is secretly gay, a claim that has split the church on the island.
Greek Orthodox bishops and patriarchs gathered in emergency session in Nicosia to rule on one allegation, that Bishop Athanassios of Limassol seduced a novice monk 20 years ago. If found guilty he would have to resign.
The allegations are strongly denied by Bishop Athanassios, whose supporters say he is the victim of a plot to stop him becoming archbishop. They claim senior clerics conspired against him by trying to bribe witnesses to tell lies.
Bishop Athanassios, a former monk of the all-male commune of Mount Athos, in Greece, is said to be viewed as a threat by the more established bishops in Cyprus. The church is one of the island's most affluent institutions, owning hotels and other property and having a range of commercial interests. Christos Clerides, the bishop's lawyer, said: "This pits the old guard associated more with business against bishops like Athanassios, who is bringing the church closer to the people."
Black-robed and bearded, the clerics arrived in Nicosia, from Greece, Jerusalem, Alexandria and Damascus. They were given an armed police escort to the archbishopric for the second meeting of a Major Holy Synod on the island in 2,000 years, the third anywhere this century.
The Greek Orthodox Church does not approve of homosexuality, which was legalised in Cyprus three years ago. But it has become the butt of jokes on Cyprus after a series of scandals. Bishop Athanassios'spredecessor resigned amid allegations that he tried to con more than £2m out of a British businessman in a bank fraud.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments