Bishop of Tamasos Isaias appeared certain on Thursday that the ‘truth would shine through’, following the announcement of two criminal cases against him.

Isaias, who said he had not received anything in writing to know what he was being charged with, said he was nevertheless ready to face any difficulty after his decision to uphold the church’s constitution and “to fight for transparency, stamp out toxic behaviour and cleanse the church”.

Commenting on the press reports that Isaias was facing two criminal cases, Archbishop Georgios said the bishop was innocent until proven otherwise.

According to the reports, the first case involved possible financial offences – namely the alleged theft of €32,000 – and the second had to do with the CCTV installed at Avakoum monastery, which has been in the spotlight for months for shady ongoings and subsequent trials of monks.

The police had gone through Isaias’ bank accounts and investigated various transactions for which the Law Office deemed adequate explanations had been given, with the exception of the sum of €32,000.

The initial complaint against Isaias had been filed by ousted archimandrite Nektarios from Avakoum who has been charged separately with embezzlement and inappropriate behaviour.

For the CCTV at Avakoum monastery, three people were named to be prosecuted: Nektarios who was in charge of the system, Isaias, and a monk who appeared to be following orders.

According to reports, Isaias did not answer any of the questions asked during interrogation.