The Greek Orthodox Metropolis has responded to a lawsuit filed against it by the non-profit Greek Community of Toronto (GCT), denying any wrongdoing the charity organization has pinned on the Metropolis.
“The spurious allegations made against our Metropolis are not grounded in fact and we eagerly await the opportunity to zealously defend ourselves using the appropriate process through Canada’s justice system,” a release from the Metropolis read.
CBC News initially reported that the Metropolis would not be commenting on the statement of claim.
GCT’s lawsuit claimed that the Metropolis, the Metropolitan (archbishop) Sotirios Athanassoulas, four priests, members of the church’s women’s auxiliary and the wife and children of Father Philip Philippou had misappropriated funds meant for the sick, homeless, and poor.
In 2012, a fundraiser was held to pay the cost to airlift baby Alexander Karanikas from Greece to Toronto for heart surgery at the Hospital for Sick Children. According to GCT, donations were well over $50,000, but most of the money never reached the child’s family.
The Metropolis denied embezzling the funds in its statement, saying it has always adhered to the highest level of financial accountability. The group also maintained that the four priests named in the suit – the ones assigned to GCT parishes participating in the fundraiser – did not personally benefit from donations.
The lawsuit also alleged that the church had “negligently appointed” known sex offenders as priests.
GCT’s lawsuit also alleged that members of the women’s auxiliary who “didn’t keep their oath of office” were supposedly excommunicated. The Metropolis denied such claims, and added that those members should go to confession and receive the Holy Communion.
“The latest attempt by the GCT against our Metropolis is recognized by all for what it is: yet another desperate attempt to divert attention from the issues it faces and discredit our Metropolis,” the statement read.
“Our Metropolis will vigorously defend itself and its reputation in court.”
Related stories:
Lawsuit filed against Toronto’s Greek Orthodox Metropolis
Quebec Court of Appeal green lights class-action lawsuit against Catholic organization
