Two charged after convent riot

THE DISPUTE between two rival factions of nuns in an Old Calendarist convent in Avdellero is no closer to being resolved after another bloody incident took place on Thursday night.

The two people that were arrested for the attacks at the convent late on Thursday night were formally charged by police yesterday.

The two men, a 36-year-old from Aradippou and a 29-year-old from Limassol, were charged with being in possession of sharp objects and causing bodily harm as well as resisting arrest and causing public unrest. They were later released.

Thursday’s scuffle was thought to be the culmination of a long-running dispute between two rival factions of nuns that have been arguing over the financial control of the convent.

The convent has been segregated for a number of months, with the followers of Archimandrite Sevastianos occupying certain buildings and the resident nuns, led by Mother Superior Markella, staying in others.

Police have been discreetly monitoring the situation for some time after another confrontation that took place in December, resulting in a minor injury for one of the nuns.
According to locals, fighting among the nuns was “not unusual”, with supporters of the rival groups of nuns also becoming involved.

During Thursday’s altercation, a 26-year-old and a 42-year-old, both from Larnaca, suffered head injuries and were taken to Larnaca General Hospital. Their wounds were stitched up by hospital staff and they were subsequently allowed to leave the hospital.
Tension in the convent was palpable throughout the night.

The quarrel began nearly two years ago after the death of Old Calendarist Bishop of Kiti, Epiphanios.

Archimandrite Sevastianos and his supporters say the management of the convent’s finances rightfully belongs to them, according to Epiphanios’ will, while the resident nuns have been living in the main body of the convent for decades and refuse to give up their financial rights.

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