Greek Community Files Lawsuit Against Greek Orthodox Church Leadership Over Corruption and Abuse Claims

The Greek Community of Toronto (GCT) has initiated legal proceedings against senior figures within the Greek Orthodox Church, alleging systemic corruption, financial misconduct, and abuse. The lawsuit targets the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto, its metropolitan Sotirios Athanassoulas, four priests, and several individuals associated with the church network. The claims include the misappropriation of donations and governance failures within the organization.

According to the statement of claim, church leaders allegedly failed to declare income to the Canada Revenue Agency, raising concerns about financial transparency. The lawsuit also alleges that funds raised for charitable purposes, such as a 2012 fundraiser for a seriously ill infant known as “Baby Alexander,” were not fully transferred to the intended aid organizations. The GCT asserts that while over $50,000 was collected, only a fraction was directed to the charities.

Global Angel, the charity that received contributions for Baby Alexander, has disputed these allegations. Founder Gail Courneyea stated that the organization’s records confirm it received the full $10,000 contribution, casting doubt on the claims made in the lawsuit. This discrepancy highlights the complexity of verifying financial transactions within religious institutions.

The GCT also alleges that priests engaged in abusive behavior, including instances of verbal and physical mistreatment of members of a women’s group at St Irene Chrisovalantou Greek Orthodox Church. The church network spans multiple parishes in Toronto, including St Demetrios in Thorncliffe and St John the Baptist in Scarborough. These allegations underscore concerns about the conduct of clergy within the community.

Further claims in the lawsuit assert that church leadership knowingly allowed inappropriate appointments, such as placing a priest previously charged with sexual offenses in a position of responsibility. The statement of claim alleges that senior officials were aware of the individual’s background at the time of his placement. This raises questions about accountability and oversight within the church’s hierarchical structure.

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto and its legal representatives have rejected the allegations, calling them “wholly without merit.” They have confirmed that the organization will “zealously defend” itself in court. A spokesperson for the Metropolis stated that further comment would not be provided, while legal counsel noted that a formal defense has not yet been filed. The case now awaits further legal developments.

Source: Read the original report