Holy Trinity Cathedral Priest Placed on Leave Amid Archdiocesan Investigation
NEW YORK – The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America has opened a formal investigation into allegations of inappropriate communications with an adult by a clergyman at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Manhattan, according to a letter sent Friday by National Chancellor Bishop Diokleias Nektarios to the cathedral’s Board of Trustees.
The probe, conducted under the Archdiocese’s Clergy Misconduct Policy, concerns Fr. Chrysostom, who is cooperating with investigators and will not serve the parish while the matter is pending. The Archdiocese emphasized that no conclusions have been reached and is calling on anyone with relevant information to contact the Office of the General Counsel or submit reports anonymously through EthicsPoint. The full text of the letter, signed by Bishop Nektarios and addressed to Board President Elias Lamberis, follows below.
“Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Χριστός Ανέστη! Christ is Risen!
With prayerful concern for our parish family, we write to inform you of a matter that requires careful and responsible attention.
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is committed to fostering parishes that are safe, respectful, and grounded in Christian love and integrity. In furtherance of that commitment, the Archdiocese maintains and enforces a Clergy Misconduct Policy designed to ensure that concerns involving clergy conduct are addressed promptly, fairly, and responsibly. ‘
The Archdiocese has received allegations concerning Father Chrysostom involving inappropriate communications with an adult individual. Pursuant to the Clergy Misconduct Policy, the Archdiocese has commenced an investigation into these allegations. Father Chrysostom is cooperating with the investigation.
At this stage, the investigation remains ongoing, and no final conclusions have been reached regarding the allegations. Because the Policy contemplates a thorough investigation that includes providing an opportunity for individuals with potentially relevant information to come forward, we ask that anyone who believes they may have information relevant to this matter contact the Archdiocese. Information may be provided directly to the Office of the General Counsel at george@goarch.org . Anonymous reports may also be submitted through EthicsPoint via the oniline reporting system at https://goarch.ethicspoint.coni/ .
We recognize that news of this nature may be difficult and painful for many members of the parish community. We therefore ask for your prayers for everyone affected, and for patience and restraint while this process proceeds carefully and responsibly. Out of respect for all involved, we ask that parishioners avoid speculation, assumptions, or the spreading of rumors while the investigation is ongoing.
Father Chrsyostomos will not be serving the parish during the pendency of this investigation. The Archdiocese will work closely with the parish to ensure continuity of liturgical, sacramental, and pastoral care for this beloved community.
May our Lord Jesus Christ grant peace, wisdom, discernment, and healing to all.
Faithfully Yours in _the Service of our Risen Lord,
Diokleias Nektanos
National Chancellor”