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  Recording Reveals Details behind Fr. Katinas Suspension

Orthodox Reform [Dallas TX]
April 24, 2007

http://orthodoxreform.org/cases/fr-nicholas-katinas/07-02-21-recording/

New details have surfaced on the Fr. Nicholas Katinas sexual misconduct allegations. Orthodox Reform has received a sound recording of the sermon where the GOA assistant chancellor Fr. Michael Kontogiorgis revealed to a stunned Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church that their long time priest was suspended due to confirmed allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor.

This 29 minute presentation was delivered after a Presanctified Liturgy on February 21st, 2007 at Holy Trinity in Dallas. News reporters from the local press as well as an estimated 400 parishioners filled the church at this meeting.

Three points jump out as troubling:

• Instead of suspended him pending investigation, a priest accused of sexual misconduct with a minor is allowed to have continued access to children for many months while the archdiocese conducts a lengthy investigation.

• Instead of advocating zero tolerance and defrocking all clergy who commit acts of sexual misconduct, the archdiocese will sometimes forgo "disciplinary action" and instead use "forceful rehabilitation." Does this mean they allow priests guilty of sexual misconduct to continue in their ministerial position of trust with opportunity to abuse again? What exactly is "forceful rehabilitation"? The archdiocese needs to explain itself.

• They clearly paint a picture of Fr. Katinas as a sick man in need of "residential therapy." This is inconsistent — Archbishop Demetrios refuses to defrock Fr. Katinas (National Herald 3-24-07) saying "he has repented." How can they say Fr. Katinas is repentant if he refuses to receive the treatment his own spiritual leaders prescribe for his deep rooted sexual disorders?

Highlights from the recording with timestamps:

3:55 — Fr. Michael Kontogiorgis begins speaking

Fr. Michael Kontogiorgis says to forgive and not talk about this issue, "Let us not engage in gossip "… "ignore the juicy tidbits — otherwise we accomplish nothing" in lent.

14:00 — Fr. Kontogiorgis ends sermon and begins disclosure on Fr. Katinas situation

"I am here today from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America in my role as assistant Chancellor. The Chancellor — Bishop Savas — and I are charged with implementing the Clergy Sexual Misconduct policy that the Synod of Bishops of the Archdiocese…we have during those seven years conducted a number of investigations, some resulting in disciplinary action, others in a forceful rehabilitation, others in no action because of insufficient grounds."

It is obvious that the Archdiocese does not have a zero tolerance approach to sex offenders. The notion of "forceful rehabilitation" but leaving a someone who has abused their power and been found guilty of sexual misconduct in a clerical role is grounds for concern.

17:13 — Fr. Kontogiorgis affirms that the accusations were confirmed

"The statements we heard were corroborated by the accuser's childhood friends who are now well respected professionals in other parts of the country."

Fr. Kontogiorgis confirms the suspension is only after multiple witnesses gave testimony.

22:15 — Fr. Kontogiorgis describes Fr. Katinas' need for residential therapy

"We have urged him to take advantage of residential therapy at a facility not very far from Dallas and those of you who have a close relationship to him should urge him to follow through with this therapy."

How can Archbishop Demetrios say "he has repented" and imply he is no longer a threat to parishioners, while Fr. Kontogiorgis says Fr. Katinas needs residential therapy, which he refuses to get?

27:43 — Fr. Kontogiorgis ends talk

  
 
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