Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia suspends Father Leslie from Leichhardt

·

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia has placed Father Leslie Kostoglou from St Gerasimos Greek Orthodox Church in Leichhardt, Sydney on “ecclesiastical suspension,” according to a statement released on Wednesday.

In the statement, the Archdiocese said the ecclesiastical suspension will be reviewed once Father Leslie “returns to the treasury of the Parish of St Gerasimos in Sydney, the money he has embezzled or there is a relevant settlement with the Board of Directors of the Parish.”

This allegation of misappropriating funds comes as The Greek Herald first reported last week that the Parish committee were considering a proposal to move Father Leslie to St Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church at St Marys.

Parishioners at St Gerasimos launched a petition at the time, calling on the committee “to reconsider” their proposal to move Father Leslie.

The petition said that whilst parishioners “understand that the committee may have valid reasons for wanting to move Father Leslie to St Marys,” their proposal would be “detrimental” to the Leichhardt community and parish.

“Father Leslie is not just a priest, but a friend, mentor, and spiritual leader to us. His departure would leave a void that would be difficult to fill,” the petition said.

So far, the petition has received close to 5,000 signatures.

The Archdiocese’s latest announcement on Facebook received multiple comments from angered Greek community members. They were voicing their disappointment at the suspension of Father Leslie, and said it was inappropriate to make public allegations of embezzlement prior to a proper investigation.

The Archdiocese has since limited who can comment on the post.

This latest suspension comes as the Archdiocese also suspended Father Eleftherios Tatsis (Papa Lefteris) from Red Hill, Victoria in October 2022. Papa Lefteris has since been defrocked by decision of the Ecumenical Patriarchate due to “a series of ecclesiastical and canonical offenses he committed.”

*The Greek Herald has reached out to Father Leslie for comment.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Kimberly Guilfoyle vows to deepen US-Greece ties in defence, energy and trade

Kimberly Guilfoyle, nominee for US ambassador to Greece, emphasised Greece’s role as a pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Greece calls for de-escalation after Houthi attacks on ships in Red Sea

Greece has strongly condemned recent Houthi attacks on two Greek-owned, Liberia-flagged cargo ships in the Red Sea.

Greece suspends asylum applications on Crete amid migrant surge from Libya

Greece has temporarily suspended asylum applications for migrants arriving on the island of Crete, following a surge in arrivals from Libya.

‘I will never forget you’: Emotional farewell for Greek Consul General in Sydney

An emotional Greek Consul General Yannis Mallikourtis delivered his farewell speech on Monday evening at Business Sydney’s Event Centre.

Adelaide’s St Sophrony Parish raises funds for hall construction

The newly established St Sophrony of Essex parish in Hectorville, Adelaide, held its first official fundraising dinner on Sunday, June 29.

You May Also Like

Explore the Cyprus Community of NSW Greek School: A unique cultural journey for kids

The Cyprus Community of New South Wales’ Greek School stands apart as a beacon of Greek and Cypriot cultural heritage in the state.

Evzones to visit Western Australia for the first time to mark OXI Day

Greece's Presidential Guard will visit Western Australia for the first time in November to attend events marking Greek National Day (OXI Day)

Greece’s Alternate Interior Minister: Look forward to meeting with Greeks in Australia

Greece’s Deputy Interior Minister, Theodoros Livanios, will be in Australia from March 21 this year to meet with the Greek community.