The abbot of the Monastery of Mega Spilaio in Kalavryta and his assistant have been arrested after allegedly attempting to sell 17 Byzantine icons and two Gospels, dated 1737 and 1761, to an undercover police officer posing as a buyer. The agreed price was €200,000. [1], [2], [3]
Police also detained a pawnbroker and his wife, a middleman, and another individual accused of selling ancient coins. The operation was launched after anonymous tips reached the authorities, prompting them to stage a sting. The undercover officer reportedly approached the abbot and persuaded him to negotiate the sale of the religious relics.
The Monastery of Mega Spilaio is considered the oldest in Greece, with a history dating back to 362 AD.
Investigators are now examining whether any of the artifacts intended for the black market were stolen from collections, while experts from the Ministry of Culture have been tasked with assessing the value and origin of the confiscated items.
According to Kalavryta News, Metropolitan Ieronymos of Kalavryta and Aigialeia announced that the abbot and the monk will remain suspended from their duties until the case is resolved.
The Monastery of Mega Spilaio, founded in 362 AD, is regarded as the oldest in Greece and holds significant religious and cultural heritage.
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