One of the first official visits by the newly enthroned Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Chicago wasn’t by coincidence.
Metropolitan Nathanael visited the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Milwaukee on pal Sunday and brought with him a 13-minute long message of renewal and forgiveness.
This is the parish whose former priest, Fr. James Dokos, embezzled more than $100,000, using the money to buy jewelry for his wife and other personal items, according to court records.
The matter divided the community and shattered the trust of many long-time members, watching the scandal play out in local and regional media over the course of several months.
Nathanael didn’t brush the issue under the rug. Instead, touching on it head on during his sermon after Divine Liturgy. He also told the parish that he came to listen to them and answer questions about accountability in the Church, a matter currently plaguing the national church headquartered in New York City.
“This week is a reminder of what the human condition is, and how we are really broken as people,” Symeonides said before the visit. “Holy Week is the telling and reliving of unconditional love that helps us overcome betrayal; the love that’s needed to forgive.”
Watch Metropolitan Nathanael’s sermon below:
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3 comments
Here’s great story of faith and inspiration. When the former priest, George Passias, left St. Spyridon in disgrace – and debt – a lot of the faithful wondered what was next for one of the most historic parishes in this country. Today, the church is restored to its original Byzantine glory, a testament to the immigrants who built it and the Greek-Americans who are still there from all across NYC. Palm Sunday saw a full house. We are excited about the future of a parish that has seen more than its fair share of difficulties. Would be great to send you pix of our beautifully restored masterpiece. “Behold, I make all things new again.”
Steve, your story is only partly accurate. You have been active in St. Spyridon’s board for decades and have always been surprised, surprised, surprised at the thefts going on. Why don’t you tell us how much was raised for the restoration and how it was spent? How about a full disclosure for the mortgages given to Stathis Valiotis so he could make marble-top desks for over $100,000 each? What are you and your cronies hiding, Steve? How much did the elevator cost and who is using it? Steve, I know you are a PR man, but don’t take us for fools. If you are too blind to see theft under your nose — going on right now — then just zip it. Don’t insult our intelligence by selling us this BS.
Lmaoooo