Kykkos Monastery has found itself at the centre of controversy following a deceptive report claiming its monks have discovered a miracle cure for serious illnesses. This false narrative suggests that the monks are selling this miraculous preparation online, raising concerns within the community.
The misleading report features an alleged interview with the monastery’s abbot, who supposedly announces this groundbreaking treatment. However, the authenticity of this interview has been called into question, especially as it includes AI-generated images purportedly showing the abbot with doctors from Larnaca. These doctors allegedly approached the monastery after their patients were said to have been cured by the herbal remedy.
The website promoting this miracle cure describes the concoction as a blend of various herbs, accompanied by testimonies from individuals claiming to have benefited from the treatment. These claims, however, lack credible sources and have sparked alarm among officials.
Christakis Efstathiou, a spokesman for the Church of Cyprus, addressed the issue, stating unequivocally that no such miracle cure is being sold. He urged the public to exercise caution and not to be misled by these fraudulent claims. Efstathiou confirmed that the Church would refer the matter to Kykkos Monastery, which is expected to release a statement to clarify the situation.
The monastery’s reputation has been put at risk by this misinformation, and the community is keenly awaiting further clarification. The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by misleading online content, particularly regarding health-related claims.