Kalavryta: Abbot of Mega Spilaio Monastery Arrested for Trafficking Icons

The abbot of Mega Spilaio Monastery in Kalavryta has been arrested for attempting to sell ecclesiastical icons and Gospels. The arrest was made by officers of the Cultural Heritage Department as he was preparing to sell two Gospels for €200,000.

The Metropolitan of Aigialeia and Kalavryta has dismissed the abbot and assumed his duties. The investigation began after information about the abbot's involvement in antiquities trafficking cases.

According to the police, the abbot had contacts with auction houses in Cyprus and Germany to sell relics. Posing as buyers, the police managed to infiltrate the ring and arrest the abbot and his associates.

The Metropolis of Kalavryta announced the replacement of the members of the governing council.