“In recent days, fragmentary and out-of-context conversations involving third parties have circulated, attempting to implicate me,” Melchisedek said in a statement.
He emphasized that his interactions with individuals now under police investigation were purely pastoral and part of routine contact with parishioners.
“I never requested mediation, nor did I offer relics or favors in exchange for my election,” he said, referring to his bid to become bishop of Hania and Apokoronas, a position scheduled to be filled in October.
Authorities have reportedly investigated a network of local figures, including businesspeople, officials and clergy, accused of bribery, extortion and illegal land sales.
Court documents suggest that a hotel owner allegedly tried to influence Melchisedek’s ecclesiastical election and requested religious relics as favors. The priest said all such exchanges were legitimate and in line with Church practice.
Melchisedek also criticized what he called “dark circles” opposed to the Ecumenical Patriarch, accusing them of exploiting the controversy to sow division within the Church. “I urge the faithful not to be scandalized and to pray for the truth to prevail,” he said.