Steve Gamvroulas Responds to Metropolitan Isaiah

His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver
4550 East Alameda Avenue
Denver, CO 80246-1208

Your Eminence,

I have read your recent protocol regarding the Layman Katinas and I felt it my duty to respond to it. I have been bothered for some time about it and have thought seriously about several points that concerned me. This is not an easy letter to write, but I feel that it is the right thing to do.

The first point that bothered me was your denial of any knowledge as to the crimes perpetrated by Katinas. This is not backed up by the obvious facts. It is difficult to understand how one of the Metropolitan's was not briefed on the lawsuit and the ”allegations” made by Katinas' victims.

It is not the first time a metropolitan has been made privy to the improper, unethical, immoral, and at times illegal activities by some in the clergy. It has been the philosophy for far too long to excuse the clergy while making threats, real or perceived, of excommunication against those who would dare point out their fallibility. This is not to say all clergy fall into this category. There remain many committed to the growth and nurturing of our precious religion. Sadly, the others who are there for their own egos, profit and to take advantage of the most defenseless among us. remain in place.

I take great offense to your attitude towards the children that were irreparably victimized by Katinas. You see, I am a police officer. In the past two year I have been assigned to investigate the sexual molestation of children involving the Internet. Sadly, the majority of my duties involve investigating persons who produce, distribute, and collect child molestation videos and picture. As part of my duties, I am required to view those images and try to bring justice for those children. Instead of being an ”avenging angel”, I view my duties as a guardian angel. I truly believe, that yes, I have been chosen by our merciful Lord for this position. Because of His mercies I have been able to make an impact in the lives of children, some I have known, and some I never will meet because I have been able to prevent someone from abusing them.

I have been witness to the most hideous and vile acts during the past two years. Through those images I have been like a first party witness to the most unChristlike actions that any person can commit. I have looked into the sad eyes of children as they glance into the camera. I have seen utter terror in their little eyes, I have seen the pleading for someone to end the agony they are forced to endure. I am forced to listen to their screams and cries as they are debased by evil people. I continually feel the frustration of not having the ability to stop those predators from going through with their depravity. I recall one individual, whom I had arrested for molesting a six year old girl who was placed in his trust. He told me that he could not understand what the big deal was. After all he ”didn't kill anybody”. This statement made me shiver with anger and disgust. How could anyone be so flippant to disregard the suffering of innocent children?

As you can see I have a very strong opinion as to these crimes. By your reference to the victims of Katinas as ”accusers” you downplay the unending harm they suffered at his hands. These children are forever scarred by the actions of Katinas. They are the *only* victims in this entire debacle.

I appreciate that you continue to pray for the souls of sinners. I am the worst sinner among many and require your prayers. I also pray. I pray that no child is ever harmed again in the way those children were at the hands of Katinas. I pray that those children who have been harmed are healed. I pray they can forever forget the ordeals they were forced to contend with. This being said, I ask that you also pray for those children harmed so long ago. I ask that you pray for their families who were there to care for them as they faced their unnecessary nightmares for those many years.

I ask that you not only to lead your flock, but also to protect us. Protect us from all enemies, not only those outside of our walls but also those from within.

With respect and in His service,

Steve Gamvroulas

Stan Shinn, Dallas Parishioner, Challenges Statements Regarding the Katinas Trial

Moderators Note: In a recent e-mail to TOCB, Dallas parishioner, Stan Shinn, invited us to read his thoughts concerning the Katinas settlement. These can be read below or at http://pokrov.org/display.asp?ds=Article&id=877


”The lies conceal everything; the lies embrace everything, but not with any help from me. Live Not By Lies.” -- Alexander Solzhenitsyn

Russian author Alexander Solzhenitsyn wrote these words only hours before the Secret Police broke in and arrested him. He was subsequently exiled. A defender of the Orthodox Faith, Solzhenitsyn stood unwaveringly for truth. Following his example and heeding the demands of my Christian conscience, I cannot be silent in the face of recent statements by the GOA and Metropolitan Isaiah.

Our church officials are not telling the truth about the Nicholas Katinas lawsuit.

I am a parishioner at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Dallas Texas. I have talked personally to church officials, local witnesses, and victims both before and after the recent lawsuit alleging sexual abuse by (former) priest Nicholas Katinas. I am intimately aware of the details of this case.

A GOA press release (Oct. 30, ”Archdiocese Settles Dallas Lawsuit” ) claims ”The Archdiocese and Holy Trinity Church had no knowledge of Mr. Katinas’ wrongdoing prior to a complaint made to the Archdiocesan Chancellor's Office in late 2005.”

Nonsense.

A letter from Metropolitan Isaiah (Dec. 3, Protocol 08–27, sent to all parishes in his metropolis) says the accusations of a cover-up were false, the media lied, and to this day Metropolitan Isaiah has ”no knowledge whatsoever of what the Archdiocese knows regarding Nicholas Katinas.”

This is simply not credible.

Despite the untold millions the Archdiocese paid to prevent a public trial, many records were already released. Eye-witnesses (who have nothing personally to gain by speaking out) gave sworn testimonies in the legal pleadings in the Katinas case that a report was made to church officials around 1977. After reports of sexual assaults in the Olympia Fields parish, a parish council member in the late 1970s advised the GOA that Katinas ”should be kept away from boys” and to get Katinas out of their church. Unfortunately, church officials transferred Katinas instead of defrocking him.

Then in 1987, Fr. Nicholas Triantafilou, Vicar General for the Archdiocese, in his official capacity investigated Katinas after parents reported misconduct against their child. In the legal pleadings no fewer than five witnesses -- including Triantafilou himself -- testified this investigation took place (visit Pokrov.org and search on ”Katinas” for full documentation).

Texas law in the 1980's (Chapter 261 of the Texas Family Code) made it mandatory for Vicar General Triantafilou to report the abuse claim to the authorities. He did not. Had he followed the law -- or even common sense -- he could have prevented the dozens of sexually abusive crimes against children which Katinas perpetrated in the wake of this Archdiocese cover-up.

The Archdiocese should not mislead us saying they didn't know until 2005 of Katinas' sexually abusive tendencies. They knew in 1977 when they transferred him to Dallas. They knew in 1987 when Doe IV's father made a report. Yet they left Katinas in a position to abuse again. He did -- more than once.

The GOA must retract the misleading statement in its Oct. 30 press release. Church leaders must publicly rebuke Metropolitan Isaiah for his untrue and hurtful statements. The Archdiocese must admit the truth of what has happened, apologize, and act to reform our dangerous culture of clergy abuse and cover-up.

I called Tahira Khan-Merritt, the plaintiffs' attorney in the recently settled Katinas lawsuit. She has no objection to the release of depositions of church officials if the GOA agrees to their public dissemination (the only condition that names and personally identifiable information of victims and non-clergy witnesses be redacted).

Metropolitan Isaiah states he wishes the Katinas case had gone to trial so he could be vindicated. It is in Metropolitan Isaiah’s power to release his deposition as well as that of Fr. Christopher Constantinides. The GOA can follow suit and release the sworn statements of Fr. Nicholas Triantafilou, Fr. Michael Kontogiorgis, Bishop Savas, and all other church leaders deposed.

If there is nothing to hide, there should be no problem in releasing these documents.

Somehow, I think my request will be answered with silence.

This silence, and the untruthful information being released by the GOA and Metropolitan Isaiah, should give all Orthodox Christians pause.

May we all, as God commands, live not by lies.

Stan Shinn
Dallas, TX

The Metropolitan’s Labeling Concerned Parishioners as “Troublemakers” Is Disingenuous

January 11, 2009

Oδηγοι τυφλοι διυλιζοντες τον κωνωπα την δε καμηλον καταπινοντες
(Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. – Matthew 23:24)

Several members of our community have repeatedly asked for the Metropolitan’s help; we sought his help toward finding a resolution for the discontent which permeates our community. Instead what we received was his December 3, 2008 letter.

Please; there is no need for name-calling. Name-calling is not a persuasive argument. Only a weak argument requires name-calling to buttress an unreasonable and invalid position. The Clergy needs to take the time to learn to listen; none of us, and most especially the Clergy, should hold grudges.

We need Clergy who speak with love, even if the flock has strayed. The Prodigal Son parable provides the lesson. Those who attempt to teach us should follow their own teachings. Humility is a great beginning for consensus building.

We do not need Clergy who believe that they are in a position to pronounce an “indictment against the community.” We need bridge-builders and not a Clergy that creates further chasms in the life of the community.

It appears that no lessons were learned from his tenure in our community; neither as an assistant priest; nor as an auxiliary bishop; nor as the Metropolitan.

Enough said.

Nick J. Colessides