The Church has again raised concern over what it claims is an increase in satanic worship on the island.
Father Christoforos Tsiakkas has been involved in dealing with the problems that youngsters face that leave them vulnerable to the temptations of the occult. At a news conference, Father Christoforos presented evidence of the presence of Satanism in Limassol and warned that a satanic temple had already been founded in the city.
“There is a circle of monuments around the leadership of five to six people. Their leader was initiated abroad and has founded a satanic temple in Limassol,” the priest claimed.
Christoforou said the ringleaders attracted troubled teenagers through sites on the Internet as well as books.
He said testimonies from parents whose children had been involved in satanic worship were indicative of the magnitude and spread of the problem.
“The leaders are initiated abroad and teach their practice in Cyprus,” he said.
“On June 14 there was a satanic conference in Greece, in which many Cypriots participated.
“Two to three families came to me for guidance and help on how to deal with their children being involved in Satanism; a mother of two boys aged 20 and 22 is struggling to get them away from drugs and Satanism.
“Recently, a soldier who was involved in similar activities tried to commit suicide thinking that it was the only way out.”
Father Christoforos said a school principal had asked for his help in dealing with the mass initiation of school students into Satanism.
“They promise them power, energy and they have a solution to all of their problems,” he said.
“But they are only turned into pawns.”
A conference on Satanism is expected to take place today in Limassol in an effort to deal with the growing problem.
The speakers will include Moscow University professor Dvorkin Alexander, Salonica University professor Stavros Baloyiannis, Father Chistoforos and Justice Minister Doros Theodorou.