Greek monk Nikolaos Tsigozis missing in Turkey

The disappearance of a 58-year-old Greek Orthodox monk, Nikolaos Tsigozis (known in his monastic life as Joseph), has sparked an urgent search in Turkey. He departed from Neo Mylotopo, Giannitsa, on July 23 with the intention of visiting Pontus and Cappadocia to reconnect with his ancestral roots and live as an ascetic.

Family members reported that after he left, they discovered a bus ticket issued in his name for travel to Turkey. The Greek Consulate in Istanbul confirmed that a man matching his description, though not wearing monastic robes, visited the consulate on July 25 seeking information on how to reach Trabzon.

Despite these leads, Tsigozis has not been heard from in nearly three months. His sisters have shared his monastic history, noting his previous time at Mount Athos and the Holy Trinity of Lagadas. The family has contacted Interpol and Greek authorities, requesting focused searches in the regions he intended to visit.