Kalymnian Brotherhood apologises after prediction of ‘pre-planned outbreak’ proved wrong

The Kalymnian Brotherhood have apologised to Michael Gunner over a letter sent out alleging the Chief Minister would plant a fake Covid-19 outbreak in the Greek community.

UPDATED: THE Kalymnian Brotherhood have apologised to Michael Gunner over a letter sent out alleging the Chief Minister would plant a fake Covid-19 outbreak in the Greek community.

Multiple sources have told the NT News the Brotherhood have sent a second letter to Mr Gunner disavowing the conspiracy theory and claiming it was not authorised.

The original letter, which circulated on social media over a week ago, was written by Gerry Koukouvas of the Brotherhood.

It suggested the conspiracy would unfold on September 25, which never came to fruition.

EARLIER: A RIDICULOUS conspiracy theory alleging Michael Gunner would pretend to stage a Covid-19 outbreak in the Greek community is yet to be rebuked by senior members of the Kalymnian Brotherhood.

It can also be revealed that Chief Minister Michael Gunner videocalled Greek Orthodox Church of Australia Archbishop Makarios last week.

Mr Gunner apparently received affirmation from Archbishop Makarios of the church’s s commitment to encouraging its followers to get vaccinated against Covid-19.

The NT News a week ago published details of a letter circulating on social media written by Gerry Koukouvas of the Kalymnian Brotherhood, which suggested the conspiracy would unfold on September 25.

Mr Koukouvas declined a request for comment and is understood to be living interstate.

Despite the date for the “pre-planned outbreak” having passed, the Kalymnian Brotherhood have not yet sent out a letter condemning the statement.

What is he planning? Picture: Che Chorley

The Kalymnian Brotherhood did not respond to multiple requests for comment on Tuesday.

Rumours circulated on the weekend that the organisation would denounce Mr Koukouvas’ statement, but these did not come to fruition.

The lack of any action comes despite significant pressure being placed on the Kalymnian Brotherhood from across the Greek community.

Greek Orthodox Community of North Australia president Nick Poniris last week released a statement condemning the conspiracy.

“We feel extremely disappointed by the turn of events,” Mr Poniris said.

He also described the allegations made in the letter as “baseless”.

Darwin Greek Community President Nick Poniris condemned the letter. Picture Katrina Bridgeford.

The letter was also criticised by Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis, who last week said he “fell off my chair” when he saw Mr Koukouvas’ letter.

“I’m really disappointed, I’m really angry,” he told ABC Radio.

Mr Gunner’s office on Tuesday confirmed the Chief Minister had met with the Greek Orthodox Archbishop Makarios and other religious leaders.

In the meeting, Archbishop Makarios reportedly affirmed that anti-vaccination views published by Mr Koukouvas and other prominent Greek Darwinites did not represent the views of the greater Greek community.

The meeting comes after Darwin priest Father Joel Xanthos was revealed to have preached anti-vaccination messages at St Nicholas’ Church in Darwin’s CBD.

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