A double lesson

The Rev. Emmanuel Koveos is scheduled to report tonight to the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility. When he trades his black robes for an inmate’s uniform, the legal journey toward justice will begin.

But the journey toward spiritual healing will be much more difficult for those who pray behind the stained glass windows of the Dormition of the Mother of God Church in Burlington.

The Greek Orthodox congregation that put Koveos on a moral pedestal now finds him crashed in a heap on the ground – guilty of fondling a 12-year-old member of the church while he taught her Greek on church property.

He committed two crimes: one against a young girl and one against a group of people who asked him to be guardian of their faith. These are terrible sins from a man who is supposed to teach others not to sin.

Koveos asked to be spared jail while he appeals his conviction for lewd and lascivious conduct; Vermont District Court Judge James Crucitti did the right thing by refusing the request.

If anyone deserves jail, it’s Koveos. And if anyone deserves praise, it is the brave girl who, after being victimized by Koveos, risked her reputation by saying out loud what no one wanted to hear. This girl should be proud that her testimony exposed a man undeserving of his position.

There are larger issues with this case. The people who prayed with Koveos must wrestle with a truth that is like a kick in the gut: The protector is guilty of exploiting a child who was a part of his flock.

The failings of the Rev. Koveos are unfortunately not unique in the world of religion today. Other denominations and faiths have been confronted with similar betrayals by religious leaders.

Too many times the response has been denial instead of accountability. Koveos repeats the pattern by refusing to face his mistake. Crucitti put it bluntly when he described the priest this week as “an untreated sex offender in complete denial.”

Under the laws of his own God, Koveos deserves forgiveness. Mortal observers might be more willing to grant the same if this fallen priest expressed remorse. Perhaps this emotion will come easier to Koveos as he prepares to settle into jail.