Archbishop Makarios Sues Blogger for Defamation Over Allegations of Misappropriating Church Funds and Diabolical Behavior

Archbishop Makarios of the Greek Orthodox Church in Australia has initiated legal action against a blogger, alleging defamation. The archbishop claims the blogger has published false allegations describing his behavior as “diabolical,” including accusations of misappropriating church funds for personal use and covering up abuse and bribery.

The Greek Orthodox leader has appeared frequently on the Greek Flash News blog, authored by Alkis Morelas. During court proceedings, Archbishop Makarios’ barrister, Sue Chrysanthou SC, stated that Morelas lacked evidence to support claims that the archbishop had diverted hundreds of thousands of dollars from fundraisers into his own pockets.

Chrysanthou noted that the blog acknowledges $707,208 was distributed to Bega Valley Shire Council, Victorian and South Australian firefighters, and Port Macquarie Koala Hospital. A further $250,000 remains in an account, the blog claims, due to the archbishop’s delay in transferring the funds. “It’s hard to see how there can be any dishonesty when the money is just sitting there, just waiting to be distributed,” Chrysanthou remarked.

Morelas’ barrister, Tim Sowden, argued that the articles question the archbishop’s integrity in distributing bushfire funds, which were not sent to the Greek community as initially promised. The blog also criticizes the $6.5 million Millers Point apartment purchased for the archbishop as his official residence in late 2019.

In a translated article included in court documents, Morelas wrote that the archbishop and other church leaders are “not representatives of God but representatives of Satan, diabolical men hiding their filth under their cassocks.” The article also makes salacious claims against senior figures, including allegations of using “burning ice, ecstasy and coca instead of incense in our churches,” and suggesting links with “sex shops” and “peculiar monks” involved in affairs with married parishioners.

Chrysanthou described the allegations as “shocking” and noted that those targeted cannot defend themselves as they are not involved in the lawsuit. The blog also falsely accuses the archbishop of accepting a $1 million bribe to promote someone within the church and of bribing Greek media for favorable coverage.

The case highlights ongoing tensions between church leadership and critics, with legal proceedings addressing the validity of serious accusations against religious figures. The situation underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in matters involving public trust and financial stewardship.

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