Press Release from Mrs. Catherine Metropoulos

Defrocked clergy who refuse to accept the fact that they have been returned to lay status are a menace to both the Church and to society.

The former Rev. Emmanuel Koveos is a convicted sex offender and child molester (State of Vermont vs. Koveos – Docket # 398-1-97) who was also defrocked by His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew in December of 1999. Yet last year this defrocked priest presented himself to the congregation of St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Hartford, Connecticut, as a clergyman. Consequently, he was allowed to partake in Holy Easter services and was permitted behind the altar at the church. When the St. George parish council discovered who Emmanuel Koveos truly is and about his criminal past, they immediately refused to allow him to continue serving at their parish, but what happened in Hartford is inexcusable!

Emmanuel Koveos’ presence at the St. George Cathedral, where he masqueraded as a priest in good standing not only placed the women and children of this unsuspecting community in jeopardy, it also exposed the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese to potential liability.

In response to the Hartford incident, the State of Vermont issued a new probation supervision agreement for Emmanuel Koveos. Under this agreement, Emmanuel Koveos cannot teach in any form unless given permission by his probation officer. This document defines teaching to include preaching and/or chanting to a congregation. If found doing so, Koveos will be in violation of his probation agreement with the State of Vermont.

It is my hope that the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese will soon publish on their website a permanent link listing those who have been disciplined for sexual misconduct. The Church must also do its part to protect the Faithful from those who would abuse a position of trust. The first step is letting them know who these men are.

Catherine Metropoulos
Burlington, Vermont