Intense disagreement between the Metropolitan and the Ecclesiastical Council of I.P. Myrtidia

Another dispute has arisen, centering on the long-suffering Metropolis of Kythira-Antikythira. As in the past, the case involves the Holy Shrine of Panagia Myrtidiotissa (claimed by the Metropolitan) and the (legal administrator) Committee for the Management of the Property of Kythira and Antikythira.

This time, the «tip of the iceberg» is the dispute over a former employee.

The background:

On July 22, 2024, Metropolitan Seraphim sent a letter to the President of the E.E.P.K.A., Mr. E. Venardos, expressing his concern about various problems in the operation of the Pilgrimage. The letter was also forwarded to the Ecclesiastical Council of I.P. Myrtidia (which by law falls under the jurisdiction of the Committee for the Domestic Property of Kythira and Antikythira) and specifically to members who are directly involved in the management of the site.

According to the Metropolitan's letter, there were incidents that were considered inappropriate and disruptive to the proper functioning of the Holy Shrine, particularly regarding the presence and behavior of a woman. The Metropolitan (probably after receiving information from the lady in question) raised objections about the management of the premises and the enforcement of regulations.

He claimed that Ms. G., while she began working or volunteering at the Holy Shrine, became the target of abusive behavior by the Church Council and other officials, resulting in her being forced to leave. In his letter, the Metropolitan refers to incidents concerning delays in cleaning and a lack of sufficient staff for the smooth operation of the site.

His response Ecclesiastical Council of I.P. Myrtidia:

The members of the Council (except for the Metropolitan, who is its president by law) responded with a lengthy letter. According to this letter, Ms. G. had indeed been invited to work at the Holy Shrine at her own request and on the recommendation of the Metropolitan, but her behavior was deemed inappropriate. The members of the Council report that the employee in question refused to perform her duties, citing various health problems, and in several cases avoided participating in important tasks, such as cleaning and caring for the Holy Shrine.

At the same time, the members of the Council note that Ms. G. refused to be insured and to receive her remuneration through a bank account... This would have led the contractor working with the Pilgrimage to risk fines for non-payment of insurance contributions. In addition, the lady in question is accused of making unreasonable demands and showing disrespectful behavior towards the members of the Council and other pilgrims.

The Council members point out that while she initially agreed to work according to the requirements of the position, she gradually began to cause problems with her behavior.

The members of the Council refer to her unjustified absences, emphasizing that in some cases she locked herself in her cell and did not fulfill her obligations. As a result, other employees had to take on most of her duties.

Finally, the members of the Council criticize the Metropolitan for his disparaging reference to an elderly volunteer, Mrs. A.H., who has been providing significant assistance to the Holy Shrine for years. As they point out, her contribution is invaluable.

The deeper causes:

This «contra» clearly has deeper causes and is based on the well-known claim of the Metropolis to take over responsibility for the Holy Shrine, which according to the law belongs to the Municipality of Kythira and is managed by the Kythira and Antikythira Local Property Committee. The Metropolitan's references to “misinformation” and “false claims” confirm that the issue is not limited to a former employee, but is a continuation of the Metropolis' claims regarding the Holy Pilgrimage.

In their letter, the members of the Council state that they feel wronged by the Metropolitan's attitude and express their disappointment with the handling of the situation. They point out that they all offer their services conscientiously and with respect for the Holy Shrine and the local community.

This dispute is likely to continue, as there are deep disagreements both on the substance of the issues (management of the Holy Shrine) and on the ethics of certain individuals.

P.S. Kythera News does not publish the letters exchanged between the Metropolitan and the Ecclesiastical Committee of IP Myrtidia, because they contain personal data for which we do not have the consent of those mentioned.