A monk in Cyprus is under investigation for attempted murder after allegedly attacking two men with a box cutter inside a historic monastery.
The violent incident happened Friday, Aug. 7, at Agios Neophytos Monastery in Paphos, according to local reports.
Authorities say a 51-year-old Romanian monk who had been staying at the monastery was asked to leave by a group of priests but refused.
The situation then allegedly turned violent.
According to reports, the monk grabbed a box cutter from a desk inside his room and attacked two people at the monastery.
A 53-year-old monastery technician suffered injuries to his throat and hand.
A second monk, 27, reportedly tried to intervene and was injured in the hand.
Both men were taken to a local hospital and treated for injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
Investigators reportedly believe the monk may have intended to attack Abbot Leontios, who had ordered that he be removed from the monastery.
The suspect had reportedly lived at the monastery for several years and occupied two cells, one of which had previously been used by his late father.
But his relationship with monastery leadership had allegedly deteriorated over time.
According to Philenews, the monk increasingly refused to follow the abbot’s instructions and the monastery’s daily schedule.
The tensions eventually reached the point where the abbot suspended him from his clerical duties several months ago.
Their relationship reportedly worsened after that decision.
Following Friday’s stabbing, police arrested the monk and opened an investigation into several alleged offenses, including attempted murder, acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm, wounding, carrying a knife and illegally possessing and carrying an offensive weapon.
A court ordered that he remain in custody for six days while investigators continue working the case.
The Paphos Criminal Investigation Department is reportedly leading the investigation.
Agios Neophytos Monastery and the department had not immediately provided additional comment.
