A Greek Orthodox priest from Sydney has denied allegations he sexually touched a number of women from one family, The Australian has reported.
Father Mario “George” Fayjloun was connected to the Central Mangrove Greek Orthodox congregation, and was charged in September 2021 with nine counts of aggravated sexual touching. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
His case was before Liverpool Local Court on Monday.
The court heard that Father Fayjloun allegedly made home visits to the family in Sydney, when he made unwanted sexual advances towards the mother and two of her children.
Father Fayjloun’s barrister Clive Steirn SC told the court the priest denies the allegations and claims the sexual touching between him and the mother was consensual.
Mr Steirn said defence would argue the daughters “fabricated allegations” to protect their mother.
Father Fayjloun’s hearing will run until Wednesday, July 12.
Source: The Australian.
