Eastern Orthodox Church Financial Mismanagement and Fraud Allegations in Toronto and Knoxville, Tennessee

Former St. George Greek Orthodox Church treasurer Constantine D. Christodoulou sought bankruptcy protection after stealing $415,950 from the church coffers. He became publicly exposed in 2017, seeking relief from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Knoxville. The church forgave him, but the state prosecuted him. His wife also filed for bankruptcy. This case is not isolated; similar financial mismanagement has been reported in North America.

In Toronto, Canada, a “Greek church civil war” has emerged, involving the misappropriation of donations for a sick infant, the appointment of known sex abusers, and the skimming of funds meant for the poor. A baby named Alexander Karanikas required $100,000 for lifesaving heart surgery. The Greek-Canadian community raised thousands through a fundraiser announced by the Metropolitan of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto. However, only $1,450 of the $50,000 raised reached the family.

The lawsuit alleges that the Metropolitan, church women’s auxiliary, four priests, and Father Philip Philippou misused funds intended for the “sick, homeless and poor.” Known sex abusers were installed within the Greek Community of Toronto (GCT). Demetre Tsevlikoes, a sexual predator and pedophile, was placed at St. Irene Chrisovalantou. The lawsuit also names former Bishop Georgije Djokic, who was defrocked for “allegations of indecent sexual behaviour.”

The Metropolis and priests are accused of using hundreds of thousands of dollars raised through tithing and donations for the “disabled, widowed and orphaned, Sunday schools, food banks and physical upkeep of the churches.” These funds were allegedly used unlawfully. Verbal abuse and physical assault were reportedly common within the GCT, with Father Vitouladitis accused of perpetrating such acts against the Women’s Auxiliary at St. Irene Chrisovalantou Greek Orthodox church.

The lawsuit directly claims that the Metropolitan, the Metropolis, the priests, and the Women’s Auxiliary were aided and abetted in the fraud. These allegations highlight systemic issues within the Greek Orthodox community, raising concerns about accountability and transparency in financial and pastoral leadership. The cases underscore the need for integrity in handling church resources and protecting vulnerable individuals.

Source: Read the original report