Andrea Kastanis Orton Responds to Elleney Soter

Moderator's Note: Andrea Kastanis Orton submitted this letter in response to Elleney Soter's recent letter to Carol Mikita. Ms. Soter's letter has been circulating throughout the e-mail chain in the community, but we cannot find it on the ksl.com Web site, and therefore cannot link to it. We do not have Ms. Soter's permission to reprint her thoughts expressed through e-mails. For those who have read Ms. Soter's e-mail, Mrs. Orton provides this response.


Ms. Elleney S. Soter

Dear Ms. Soter,

I, too, am a member of the Greek Orthodox Church in Salt Lake City. I’ve been attending Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox church for the past 40 years and have been a faithful member of Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Choir for the past 36 years, of which I recently received a distinguished years of service award. I personally take GREAT offense of the comments you sent Ms. Mikita.

I am a member of regular attendance at Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church and was in attendance at the “unsanctioned” meeting on Sunday, October 24th. No, my face was not included in Ms. Mikita’s camera footage, nor were several others who are regular attendees at Prophet Elias. However, several others who do attend Prophet Elias regularly were. Obviously your facts and response to Ms. Mikita were not properly researched. How did you vet your sources before addressing Ms. Mikita’s report? As a result, your response to her story is greatly distorted and has no basis or fact. This was an open meeting and everyone was invited and had a choice to attend and vote or not. Did you choose to stay away just because it was an “unsanctioned” meeting?

I’d like to know how certain individuals took it upon themselves to make this a done deal when the proper channels to do so were not followed as stated in the historical documents of the Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake’s minutes of their meeting in April, 1968. A meeting was held in April 1968 authorizing the building of Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church and minutes to that meeting outline what procedures must be followed in the event the churches of the Greater Salt Lake Community decide to become separate parishes. (For your information, a vote for unity was taken back then too, and the result was for unity!) Isn’t it amazing how the former Parish Council President and a former Parish Council Member of that historical decision regarding Prophet Elias back in 1968 where there in attendance at the “unsanctioned” meeting on Sunday October 24th and verified that proper actions were not taken regarding the “split” of the parishes. How can you deny this fact from living eyewitnesses who are dedicated servants of this community?

If a decision had “already been made,” why was this such a surprise when it was announced to the community a few weeks ago? Furthermore, why were the articles of incorporation for Prophet Elias Church of Holladay, UT filed “in secrecy” back in March, 2010 and not disclosed to the general membership of the Greater Salt Lake Community until October 2010? Why were the incorporation papers filed by unauthorized individuals who are not even members of our “appointed” Parish Council? As you know several of our Parish Council members were not elected through General Assembly as indicated in your letter. Clearly this deceitful and underhanded. If this was the desire of the majority, why was this not public knowledge back in March? Since when are secrecy and lies better than total transparency, including media coverage?

The meeting of Sunday, October 24th was not an attempt to bait the media into attending a Mini Greek Festival. It was a way for concerned members of our church to meet and express their true thoughts and concerns without being constantly squashed and shut down at previous General Assemblies. Had you been in attendance, you’d know this. It’s about time we had a chance to be heard! Where were you when back in 2007 a vote was taken and the decision was for unity, just as it was on Sunday, October 24th? So, NO, the decision has not been made!

If we are not a “GREEK” Orthodox church, why does our building state, Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church. Why did you state this in your response to Ms. Mikita? You’re correct; Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church is comprised of Greek, Russian, Serbian, Antiochian, Albania, and Coptic Orthodox as well as many other converts who have joined the orthodox faith. Had you attended the meeting Sunday you’d know two converts spoke in favor of unity.

As a steward of this community, I’m sure both churches could function as independent and thriving communities. The fact is, our desire is to remain AS ONE!! If this can’t be sanctioned by the Archdiocese today, how did they allow us to build Prophet Elias back in 1969 as part of a united Greek Orthodox Community of the Greater Salt Lake area? Unfortunately, there are a few “rogue” stewards who cannot accept this fact and refuse to work together for the betterment of our community. Instead, they continue to undermine and pit brother against brother, sister against sister. Is this an example of Christian love? If things are that unbearable at Prophet Elias, leave and start your own Orthodox Church, but don’t steal Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church from the Greek Orthodox Community of the Greater Salt Lake area. We worked too hard and sacrificed too much for Prophet Elias. What is so unbearable at Prophet Elias? Why is there a need to split the churches? Are there valid reasons for this split? Do we or will we worship any differently or is this just a matter of money, power, and the ability to do whatever without any checks and balances? Elleney, as a Greek Orthodox member, don’t you feel the importance for your family to know their Greek language, heritage, and history?

By the way, how do you know who was and wasn’t in church on Sunday, October 24th? I was, as were a majority of the members who attended this “grand banquet for the media.” Ms. Soter, I do remember what I learned in Sunday School….faith, love, and humility. Where were you??

Regards,

Andrea Kastanis-Orton
Member of the Greek Orthdodox Community of Greater Salt Lake City

Bill Paulos Responds to Elleney Soter

Moderator's Note: Mr Paulos submitted this letter in response to Elleney Soter's recent letter to Carol Mikita. Ms. Soter's letter has been circulating throughout the e-mail chain in the community, but we cannot find it on the ksl.com Web site, and therefore cannot link to it. For those who have read Ms. Soter's e-mail, Mr. Paulos provides this response.

Elleney,

I would first like to say welcome back to our Church; I haven’t seen you at the services for a while. I received a copy of the letter that you sent to Carol Mikita and was compelled to write you. In your letter you describe misinformation presented by KSL in their story on the Salt Lake City Greek Orthodox Community split and the meeting among parishioners to discuss the issue, but the truly important misinformation did not come from the KSL story but from you in your letter.

It is clear that the meeting was not sanctioned by the Church for fear that if they sponsored a vote of the people it would truly show how disproportionately the community is in favor of NOT splitting up our community.

Your statement that this meeting was set up as some sort of “mini Greek Festival” just makes me laugh. If that is how you envision a Greek Festival, you should really question referring to yourself as Greek. There was no Greek food, Greek dancing or Greek music at this meeting. The meeting was conducted in a very organized and professional manner and everyone had the opportunity to speak their mind. You had that opportunity, but unfortunately you chose not to attend.

The next item that I take issue with is your statement “It is not a Greek church.” Elleney, two sentences later you state the name of our Church: Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church. If I’m not mistaken the word Greek is in the title for a reason. We know and understand that there are many other individuals that come to our Church. Russians, Serbians, Antiochians, Albanians and converts to Orthodoxy are all welcome, but they are coming to a Greek Orthodox Church so they should expect Greek to be spoken in the service and respect this tradition. We welcome all to our Church but that doesn’t give them the right to change it.

Your comment that you could only see one person in the TV footage that was from Prophet Elias is again another misstatement on your part and is obviously intended to give the impression that everyone at Prophet Elias is in favor of the split. I was there and we had an equal showing from both Church’s at the meeting. I can assure you that there are many individuals who attend Prophet Elias regularly that are opposed to the split. Unfortunately our clergy and Metropolitan won’t allow us to take an “official” vote to see how everyone really feels about the split. I think that they are afraid to allow it because they know that it will result in an overwhelming majority opposed to the split, as was the case in 2007 when we were allowed an “official” vote on the subject.

In closing, I believe the person who should have done more research on the subject and vetted their sources was you. With that I will leave you with a sentence straight out of your letter. “As a result, your story is greatly distorted and has no basis in fact.”

Sincerely,

/s/

Bill Paulos, Member of the Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake.

BREAKING NEWS!!: A Chance for the Majority to Be HEARD!

Moderator's Note: This document (text below) was received early this afternoon via fax. Click here to read the scanned original.

GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA
THE HOLY EPARCHIAL SYNOD

October 28, 2010

Mr. Nick Colessides
466 South 400 East, Suite 100,
Salt Lake city, Utah 84111-3325

Dear Mr. Colessides:

May the Lord be with you.

I am writing to you on behalf of the Holy Eparchlal Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

Your appeal dated September 13, 2010 was received and discussed by the Holy Eparchial Synod on October 27, 2010.  At the request of His Eminence Metropolitan lsaiah of Denver and in accordance with the Regulations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, a Synodal Committee has been formed to review the issues you have raised. The Committee, which includes His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios, of Boston. His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit, and Legal Counsel, will contact you, in the very near future, to schedule a meeting to discuss your case. In the meanwhile, should you have any questions or further information you wish to provide, please do not hesitate to contact me at 212-774-0542.

All involved in this matter are advised to refrain from any further action whatsoever related to the issues raised, pending review and resolution of the matter by the Holy Eparchial Synod.

On behalf of the Holy Eparchial Synod, I kindly ask for your patience as we diligently work to resolve the concerns you have raised in a manner that will establish peace and promote spiritual growth among the faithful people of Salt Lake City.

Conveying to you, on behalf of the Holy Synod. the blessings from God. I remain,

/s/

+Archimandrite Sebastian Skordallos
        Chief Secretary

cc. His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver
His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios of Boston
His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit
Rev. Fr. Matthew Gilbert
Rev. Fr. Michael Kouremetis
Cathy Walsh

On a Cold, Rainy October Afternoon: A Call to Action

Moderator's Note: Today, Sunday October 24, 2010, 350+ Greek Orthodox Christians met and let it be known that they would not be railroaded into seeing their community torn asunder by their "leaders" and remain silent. Each person attending and registering was handed a meeting packet. Almost 350 registered; 339 cast ballots on 3 measures. The results of those votes may be viewed on the site sidebar. The meeting concluded with an address (below) and "A Call to Action" to those assembled by Mr. Kostas Katsohirakis. As always we include the original document which may be viewed here. We ask those reading it to print it, (be sure to click the "print" button after the document comes up in order to format the document properly) and sign it. Documents with names printed and signed may be sent to:

Nick Colessides
466 South 400 East, Suite 100
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111

================================================================


ADDRESS by Kostas Katsohirakis
to the Members and Supporters of the Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake

October 24, 2010

“Hope with Perseverance” is the theme of Archbishop Demetrios’ recent Archiepiscopal Encyclical address to commemorate the Ecclesiastical New Year (Orthodox Observer September 2010 edition). As the Archbishop writes in the Encyclical, the Apostle Paul in his Epistle to the Romans stated “But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance” (Romans 8:25). In a similar fashion, we too, the undersigned Concerned Members of the Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake, with the hope of believers that is not an empty hope, and with the power of perseverance which emanates from our faith, our teachings, and our protopori forefathers, wish to have our voices heard!

We are deeply dismayed to receive a letter dated October 6, 2010 from Metropolitan Isaiah outlining his proposed separation or split of our community. We categorically reject his allegation that he “is responding to the wishes of the large majority of the people”. The results of a vote that was taken in our community in 2007 demonstrate that the people of this Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake, by an overwhelming majority of 87% expressed a desire to remain as one community!

In the mailing of October 6, 2010, we also received a solicitation from the Parish Council, requesting feedback and comments. As such, note the following:

CALL TO ACTION

● We wish to remain as one united community! Our protopori came here with nothing, and by collecting their nickels and dimes, they established our Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake. That generation built two churches and created a structure that has served the needs of our united community for over 100 years; the needs of the immigrants, the needs of their children and grandchildren, and the needs of many converts and philhellenes. Orthodoxy has flourished here for 100 years, because we controlled our own destiny, and because we have actively solicited the will and needs of our local people, and the support of our local community. As Metropolitan Isaiah stated so well in his letter to our community of November 15, 2005, ”every Greek Orthodox parish is owned by the general membership…in the matters of revenue and property, the general membership makes all the decisions”.

● We recognize and appreciate the Call for Unity letter from Nick S. Vidalakis, PhD (dated October 20, 2010). As a long time member of this community, and someone who has served tirelessly and selflessly as a founding member and leader of the unified community of our Holy Trinity and Prophet Elias churches, as well as a recognized leader of our Church at the national Archdiocesan level, Dr. Vidalakis is uniquely positioned to share his thoughts on the intent of our founders in creating the structure that has served us so well for over forty years now. The Board Members listed in Dr. Vidalakis’ letter will be forever memorialized in the history of our community as builders and uniters. Our very own Nick P. Sefakis was the President of that Executive Board. Will our current Parish Council be remembered with similar fondness?

● We wish to see the immediate election of a new Parish Council. There should be a broad representation of our entire community in the Parish Council, and those who wish to run and serve should not be prevented from having their names placed on the ballot. Elections have always been held in our community in a fair, open and democratic process for over 100 years now, and only in recent years have we seen the advent and widespread use of appointing, not electing a Parish Council.

● All complaints, harassment, and other unsubstantiated allegations against members of this community be immediately stopped, rescinded, and revoked:

▫ In his letter dated April 16, 2010, Metropolitan Isaiah makes very serious and unsubstantiated personal accusations totally without merit, referring to the actions of certain individuals as “robbery”, and to these people as “lovers of self, lovers of money…lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God (2 Timothy 3:1-4)”. His reference to excommunication is a tactic of fear and intimidation, and something that one expects from a playground bully. These are certainly not the appropriate words and spiritual and ecclesiastical leadership from a shepherd to his flock!

▫ The SEC complaint that has been initiated against Nick Bapis / Hightower Associates should be immediately rescinded and revoked, along with the threat of a FINRA complaint. Nick Bapis has been a beacon in our community his entire life, has tirelessly served in numerous leadership and fundraising capacities, and in addition at the national level he is a member of Leadership 100, and an Archon. The filing of this complaint at the behest of Metropolitan Isaiah is a petty, unwarranted, and despicable action.

▫ The statements attributed to Fr. Kouremetis and recorded in the Parish Council minutes dated March 27, 2010 regarding the integrity and ethical standards of Nick J. Colessides, are baseless allegations and have no merit. Mr. Colessides was representing the interests of his client, the Skedros Family.

● We praise and reaffirm the current fundraising efforts today. These initiatives benefit both the Holy Trinity campus and the Prophet Elias campus in an effort to rebuild our infrastructure, as well as expand new facilities. These fundraising efforts have been voted upon and approved by prior General Assemblies. This process was nearly identical to the process followed in 1968-69 for the construction of the Prophet Elias Church.

▫ The Hellenic Heritage Campaign Committee (HHCC) raised the funds, renovated and restored the Holy Trinity Cathedral, and completed the project on time with no debt whatsoever. The remaining funds (approximately $1.2 MM), should remain with Hightower Associations, under the custody of Nick Bapis, to be expended only pursuant to general assembly action by the members, and only for the purposes for which they were donated.

▫ The fundraising efforts of the Hellenic Community Foundation (HCF) should be encouraged and supported as described in their letter to our community dated July 16, 2010, and is posted at the website www.hcfslc.org. Much like Leadership 100, a well recognized and respected institution at the national Archdiocesan level, HCF is a local fundraising organization that is dedicated to promoting and perpetuating our Greek Orthodoxy and the Hellenism that our protopori and grandparents (yiayias and papous) brought to Utah so many years ago.

▫ The fundraising efforts of the Gregory Skedros Family, as described in their letter dated April 21, 2010 should be supported and encouraged. We hope that others will follow and participate in this wonderful example of giving.

● We condemn the creation of the new Prophet Elias corporate structure. As captured by the Parish Council minutes dated March 27, 2010. Three people were directed to file for the creation of this new entity without proper General Assembly approval. We also condemn the failure of the Parish Council to inform our community of this action.

We are disappointed that His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, and the Holy Eparchial Synod of Bishops of the Archdiocese of America have failed to acknowledge and act on the Appeal dated September 13, 2010. We also express our disappointment at the Parish Council and local clergy for failing to remedy the improprieties documented in the Audit Report that was presented at our most recent General Assembly in the Spring of 2010. What corrective actions have been taken? Where is the acknowledgement of this matter by Metropolitan Isaiah?

Finally, in a constructive and positive manner, with Christian love, we encourage any group who feels that their ecclesiastical needs are not being met to move on and initiate the creation of a new Orthodox church. They can raise their own funds, maintain separate finances, establish their own Parish Council, buy land at a new site in the Salt Lake valley, and design and build their own church, along with any facilities they choose. This is what was done many years ago with the founding of the Ogden Greek Orthodox Church. And this is what was done recently with the founding of the Russian St. Peter and Paul Church. We need more Orthodox churches in this valley!

As Dr. Vidalakis states in his letter, our unified Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake has been a bright star for Orthodoxy in America. Our forefathers worked hard to build what we have today. It is our will to preserve our community! Our children expect this of us. Our hope is that our voices will be heard. We will persevere!

We respectfully submit this CALL TO ACTION to:
(1) His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios
(2) His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah
(3) Rev Father Michael Kouremetis
(4) Rev Father Matthew Gilbert
(5) Parish Council of the Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake

Signature___________________________ Printed Name_______________________

On the Shoulders of GIANTS!

During the past few weeks we have had glimpses of the processes that took place when our parents and grandparents were planning for the expansion of this community. Some wanted two separate churches and two communities. Others wanted a united community. After much wrangling, and a survey, nearly all agreed to pursue whatever course the majority decided. The majority were committed to unity; the rest is history. Was it always perfect and without disputes? No. Nothing is perfect in this imperfect world. But there was respect and there was cooperation.

There is also one very striking aspect to the wonderful letter and exhibit that Dr. Nick Vidalakis shared with this community. If one reads the minutes in the exhibit, one discovers that the HCF and HHC are not new concepts. The Building Committee in the years that Prophet Elias was being built was comprised of parishioners who were not serving on the Parish Council at the time. The Committee had its processes, its work, its own checking account and accounted properly to the membership at each General Assembly.

No one started harangues about "secular" entities, nor did Parish Council members feel "undermined" and accuse anyone of "robbery", nor did any cleric threaten excommunication, self- or otherwise. Projects were delivered and completed (as with the HHC) on-time and under-budget, often with monies left over! And, most of all, NO ONE - even those who wanted two communities at that time - would have DREAMED or DARED to establish a separate corporate entity in secret, in collusion with the clergy and the Metropolis, against the wishes of the majority of the membership. Unthinkable!

We have stood on the shoulders of giants. Our current leaders have forgotten this! Let's remind them! Let's unite and show everyone - most especially our kids - that we are worthy of the legacy our parents, grandparents and great-grandparents left us.

- Barbara Billinis Colessides

A Letter from Nick S. Vidalakis, PhD

Moderator's Note: We thank Dr. Vidalakis for sharing this letter with the community, and for his many years of service to our Church in this valley and throughout the country. His original letter may be accessed by clicking here.

October 20, 2010	VIA FEDERAL EXPRESS
His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios	His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Headquarters	Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Denver
8 East 79th Street	4550 East Alameda Avenue
New York, NY 10075	Denver, CO 80246
Rev. Father Michael Kouremetis	Rev. Father Matthew Gilbert
Prophet Elias Church	Holy Trinity Cathedral
5335 S. Highland Drive	279 South 300 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84117	Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Members of the Greek Orthodox Community of Salt Lake City, Utah

RE: A call for unity

Dear Archbishop Demetrios, Metropolitan Isaiah, Reverend Fathers Michael & Matthew, and Members of the Greek Orthodox Community of Salt Lake City:

It is with sadness and great distress that I am compelled to write this letter. The Greater Salt Lake Community has been among the top Greek Orthodox communities in the United States. A small splinter group has emerged in the past few years and is attempting to divide our Community. These efforts are in violation of the principles of our Church, the will of the vast majority of our members, and the law. It is our spiritual, moral and legal imperative to resist these efforts and keep our Community united, as it has been for more than 40 years.

I write this letter as an 82-year-old who has been a member of the Greater Salt Lake Community for 70 years. I love our Church and have devoted a meaningful amount of my time, talent and treasury to it. With a happy heart and joy for our beloved Church, I have been blessed to have worked on many Church endeavors on both local and national levels.

As someone who has served on the Executive Committee of the Archdiocesan Council, as a founding member of Leadership 100, and as a Board Member of Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology, I understand that a dispute such as this can have devastating effects on the Church at the national level, apart from imperiling the morale and financial health of the Church at a local level.

I am moved to write this letter because I have firsthand knowledge of the intent of our founders in legally uniting our Holy Trinity and Prophet Elias churches and communities. A unified community was the will of the Church clergy, leaders, and laity in 1968, and it has served us well for more than forty years. It remains the will of the Community today. It is my understanding that more than 80% of those responding to a recent survey of the Greater Salt Lake City parish stated that they are in favor of the Community remaining united.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, I had the honor of working with Father Elias Stephanopoulos and Father George Stephanopoulos, along with many others from our community in founding the Prophet Elias Church. I was appointed the Chairman of the fundraising committee to build Prophet Elias, and as the lead negotiator for acquiring the properties adjoining Prophet Elias and Holy Trinity Cathedral that we now own.

Members from throughout our community joined together to raise around half a million dollars, a staggering sum at the time, to found Prophet Elias. There was a similar joint community effort, with donations large and small to raise more than a quarter of a million dollars to purchase the properties adjoining Holy Trinity, and subsequently those adjoining Prophet Elias.

Exhibit A (attached) is the minutes from the Holy Trinity General Assembly meeting of April 18, 1968. Page 2 of the minutes shows a motion I made to ensure that any motion to separate or divide the greater Salt Lake area Greek Orthodox parish in any way would require 6 months written notice, General Assembly action, and a minimum vote of 75% (amended from 2/3) of the total eligible membership of the total parish. This motion was unanimously approved and is the binding legal structure that must be followed to divide the Greater Salt Lake Greek parish.

Attempting to divide the community now without meeting the requirements set forth in 1968 is not only illegal, it is a travesty to the memories of Father Elias and Father George Stephanopoulos and to all the dedicated past and current members of our community who have worked so hard over the last four decades to build our community and keep it united.

It is important to underscore that our Church Heirarchs have not been given the true facts and legal circumstances and that indeed many misrepresentations were the basis of a proposed charter for separation.

Some clergy and laity members of the separatist splinter group have claimed that dividing the churches would provide many benefits, along with more money for the Metropolis and the Archdiocese. This is a myth with no basis in reality. We have seen in many communities throughout the United States that divisions all too often cause frictions and competitiveness between two Greek Orthodox churches. Division would produce less money from separate giving to the national ministry.

The truth is that separation would cause many negative effects rather than produce positive results. The unified Salt Lake parish has been a bright star for Orthodoxy in America. The Salt Lake Community was among the first in the United States to establish a Hellenic Cultural Museum, which was a joint endeavor of both churches. This museum preserves our history and provides a venue for visitors to appreciate the depth and breadth of our Greek Orthodox community and our involvement in the greater community. 

The unified parish has been a great promoter of Orthodoxy and Hellenism in Utah. Salt Lake now has one of the largest and most prominent Greek festivals in the country. Many non-Greeks from throughout the state, along with political and community leaders attend the festival and enjoy the food, dancing. and tours of our Church, which enlighten those attending on Greek Orthodox Church history and Hellenic culture. Division would obviously diminish our presence in the Utah community.

The small minority in favor of separation has used horrific tactics in an attempt to intimidate the majority into acquiescing to their demands for an illegal separation. Great insult and harm have been done to some of the most hardworking. dedicated long-time leaders of our Church. There has been one excommunication, several threatened excommunications, and many other threats and intimidations to long-standing parishioners who have served the Greater Salt Lake Community for decades.

Such turbulence has led people to reduce their church attendance, stewardship, and fair share contributions. Prior to the actions of the separatists, which have devastated the function of the parish, we were among the most thriving parishes in the country. We were always loyal givers to the national ministry of our Church and active in philanthropic efforts.

Separatist clergy and laity have accused members in favor of unity oftheft and misappropriation of funds. This is nonsense and there is no basis for these accusations. In fact, the truth is that the splinter group has attempted to illegally and inappropriately confiscate funds earmarked for specific projects. An audit has shown that more than six hundred thousand dollars has been misappropriated by the separatists and spent without the authorization of the General Assembly and other necessary legal authorization.

The splinter group of separatists is proposing to take Prophet Elias and its considerable landholdings, including the Saint Sophia School. The Saint Sophia Parochial School was started by those who are for a united parish. The highly-regarded school has students from Holy Trinity and Prophet Elias. In addition, there are many non-Greek students. The separatists' have no claim or jurisdiction over the school, as it is an independent corporate entity, with its own 501(c)(3) tax exempt IRS status, subject to the laws, rules and regulations of the Utah Education Department.

The separatists propose to take all of this without any of the time, talent, and treasury it takes for establishing a church such as Prophet Elias and all of its programs and facilities. The separatists have accused those in favor of unity of theft. The real theft would be if this small splinter group were allowed to steal the assets of Prophet Elias.

If the separatists want their own Church, they are welcome to establish one. They can go somewhere in the Greater Salt Lake County area, buy the land, raise the money, and design and build their church, along with any other facilities they choose. They can go from a mission church to a thriving, established church, based on their time, talent, and treasury.

This is exactly what the united community of Salt Lake did to found the Prophet Elias Church. This is also what was done to found the Ogden Greek Orthodox Church. I served on a committee of three, along with Con Skedros and the late John Papanikolas in identifying and acquiring the property and raising the seed money to help the Ogden community found the Ogden mission church, which is now a well established and thriving church community.

The escalating mean-spirited tactics and untenable position of the separatists may ultimately compel legal action to preserve the integrity of the community. Formal legal action could cost the Archdiocese millions of dollars and would cause a terrible rift in the Church. Our national Church should not be burdened with a costly and unnecessary lawsuit to indulge the illegal desires of a small minority separatist group.

Our Church leaders should provide Christian leadership with wisdom and compassion. I urge you, both clergy and laity alike, to do the right thing-to keep the community united and to heal the damage that has been done by a small separatist splinter group. This letter comes from me out of love and concern for the Greater Salt Lake Community, our Metropolis, and our beloved Greek Orthodox Church at large.

Yours in His Service,

/s/

Nick S. Vidalakis, PhD

==============================================================

EXHIBIT A

HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
REGULAR GENERAL ASSEMBLY
April 28, 1968

ATTENDANCE: Rev. Fr. Elias Stephanopoulos Rev. Fr. George Stephanopoulos
EXECUTIVE BOARD: Nick P. Sefakis, President Jim Colovos, Vice President Andy Katsanevas, Secretary Pete N. Gustas, Treasurer
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Jim Funtas, John Chipian, Dr. George Hatsis, Spyro Harkis, Basil Anton, Andy Dokos, George Adondakis, Jim Kastanis, Nicholas Rhodes

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Steve Poulos, James Cayias

NEW CHURCH BLDG. COMMITTEE: Sam Souvall. Geoxge Furgis, Con Skedros and Nick Vidalakis were also present.

Father George opened the General Assembly meeting with prayer. Reading of the November 5, 1967, General Assembly minutes were read and approved as read.

John Sargetakis complimented the Parish Council and New Church Building Committee on the fine work they are doing. Mr. Sefakis gave a report on the money paid to the Archdiocese, number of people having paid $52, number having paid more than $52, number of senior parishioners, total on mailing list, total members in good standing, total enrollment of Sunday School, average Sunday church attendance and total enrollment of Greek school. A copy is a part of these minutes.

Mr. Furgis gave a report on the Theological Endowment Fund. Mr. Furgis stated that the board has budgeted $1,000 for the Theological fund. There has been a donation of $1,000, making a total of $2,000 less what has been sent to Mr. Manousakis in Salonika. Mr. Furgis stated that the money is presently in the general fund, but will be transferred to a separate account so that it can be administered by the Theological Endowment Committee. John Sargetakis made a motion to accept Mr. Furgis’ report, Seconded by Mrs. Tujios. Motion carried with one opposed. Father Elias said he has received many letters from Mr. Manousakis thanking the parish for their help. Mr. John Sargetakis suggested that a program should be set up to get more young people interested in going to Theological school. No action taken.

Mr. Rhodes gave a report on the certified public audit to year ending December 31, 1967, made by Elmer Fox & Co. A copy is a part of these minutes. Motion made by Mr. John Delis to accept report on certified public audit. Seconded by Jim Funtas. Motion carried unanimously.

The 1968 budget was presented by Mr. Sefakis. A copy is a pan of these minutes. After considerable discussion, Mr. Sam Souvall made a motion to approve the 1968 budget. Seconded by Mr. Zahos. Motion carried with one opposed.

The Clergy-Laity Conference in Greece was discussed. Motion made that insasmuch as Mr. Gustas will be in Greece at the same time as the Clergy-Laity Conference that he be elected to be a delegate representing Holy Trinity. Motion made by John Sargetakis that Pete Gustas be our delegate to the Clergy-Laity Congress. Mr. Gustas will pay his own expenses except for the registration which will be paid for by the church. Seconded by Jim Funtas. Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Sefakis suggested that Father Elias represent our parish at the Clergy-Laity Conference. After a brief discussion, it was agreed that Father Elias would attend the conference. Mr. Nlck Vidalakis made a motion that the board be allowed to set the amount for Father's expenses to the conference. Seconded by Con Skedros. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Vidalakis said we should consider the possibility of sending our president. Mr. Sefakis to the Conference. Mr. Sefakis stated that this was discussed by the Board and decided against it inasmuch as we did not budget for it. Mr. Maverakis moved that we accept the decision of the Board. Seconded by Mr. Barbouletos. Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Sam Souvall gave a report on the new church building fund. Mr. Souvall stated that to April 19, 1968, our total receipts are $109,091.29. Our expenses were $25,555.35 which gives us a balance of $83,535.94. A copy is a part of these minutes. Mr. Souvall thanked the members of the parish for their fine support. Mr. Souvall said that bids would be let out May 15, 1968. Mr. Maverakis asked why were letting out the bids now rather than waiting a while. Mr. Souvall said that the new church building committee have discussed this with various builders and other experienced contractors and they have suggested that now is the time to let out the bids plus the fact that our people are anxious to see us get started.

Mr. Vidalakis gave a report on the new church building fund solicitations. He said that as of April 28, 1968, 60% of our members have pledged $392,753.00. He said many more have said they will pledge. Mr. Vidalakis said he had several motions he would like the members to consider. Mr. Vidalakis made a motion that -- any motion to separate or divide the greater Salt Lake area Greek Orthodox parish in any way would require:

1. Minimum of six months written notice with full particulars.


2. General assembly action.


3. A minumum vote of three hundred (300) or two-thirds (2/3) of the total eligible membership of the total parish (not the number which may be present at any given general assembly) whichever number is greater. Seconded by Andy Katsanevas.After some discussion, Mr. Con Skedros asked Mr. Vidalakis to amend the two-thirds to 75% in his motion, Mr. Vidalakis agreed. Motion carried unanimously. (emphasis added)

Mr. Vidalakis made a motion that the new church building committee be empowered and directed to investigate the feasibility of and acquire options for:

1. Establishment of the Hellenic St. Luke's Home for senior parishioners.

2. Acquisition of property adjoining the third south and second west property.

3. Add three additional members if necessary by majority vote of a quorum to help in accomplishing 1 and 2 above.

4. To implement 1 and 2 above and organize a fund-raising drive aimed primarily not at those loyal parishioners who have already good new building pledges, but:

• a -to those who have pledged nothing to date.
• b -to those who have pledged too little.

Seconded by John.Sargetakis. After considerable discussion for and against, Mr. Harkis made a motion that Mr. Vidalakis amend his motion eliminating #4 of his motion. Seconded by Mr. Nick Cozakos. Mr. Vidalakis agreed with reluctance to eliminate #4 of his motion. Motion of Mr. Vidalakis' carried unanimously.

Mr. Vidalakis made a motion that the new church building committee be empowered and directed to proceed with the new church project at 5335 Highland Drive by:

1. Soliciting competitive bids from at least five (5) qualified contractors.
2. Awarding the contract for construction on a bonded basis to the lowest qualified bidder.
3. Construction to begin and be finished as soon as is reasonably possible.
4. Arrange interim and other financing as necessary. Seconded by Jim Funtas. Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Sefakis gave a financial report to April 26, 1968. A copy is a part of these minutes. Father Elias closed the meeting with prayer. Meeting adjourned at 5:10 p.m.

AK:kf

Letter to Metropolitan Isaiah from John T. Speros

Moderator's Note: Mr. Speros' original letter may be viewed by clicking here.

October 20, 2010

Via fax: 303-333-7796

His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah
Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Denver
4550 E. Alameda Avenue
Denver, CO 80246-1208

It is with true sorrow, a heavy heart and crystal-clear resolve that I write this letter to you today. Last week I had an opportunity to read your letter dated 9/16/10. Your decision to divide this community coupled with a lifetime of personal grievances with the church and its clergy has finally forced me to act on my instincts. Like you, I too "have been observing and monitoring the existing situation in the life of the Greek Orthodox people in greater Salt Lake City." The only difference is, I've been doing it for the past sixty years; ever since I was a child and thought I wanted to become a priest. Please allow me to briefly recount the most poignant, shocking and life-altering observations I've made while "monitoring" this community.

I was really taken with the first priest I remember in this community. He was so handsome and commanded such respect from everyone. I was sure I wanted to be a priest. Within a relatively short period of time, he had a sordid affair with a single female parishioner, took off his collar: and left his wife and several children for parts unknown. My father was the president of the community and I remember all the phone calls to the archdiocese and the anguish it caused the community. Several years later, I admired another priest. He was eventually apprehended, after several episodes, in the gully behind my family's home, exposing himself to all the little girls in my neighborhood. Again, more phone calls to the archdiocese, the police department, and the Mormon bishop who was in charge of the Bonneville Ward House near our home¬ -- thank goodness for the benevolence of that man. He understood the explosive nature of what had happened and he allowed the police to book the priest without "Greek Orthodox Priest" behind his name. We lived in a neighborhood with very few households that weren't LDS. We lived in fear for years that our neighbors would find out who the perpetrator was and that we would never be able to overcome the outrage and the embarrassment. I guess that kind of killed any ambitions I had to become a priest. I'm relating these things to you now because 1want you to know that I have come by my phobia of the clergy and my cynicism honestly! Albert Camus wrote: "The worm is in the man's heart." Believe me, after those sterling examples of orthodox Christianity, this worm has been in this man's heart a very long time!

As a result of these experiences, I agree there is a "cleavage" within this community, but it exists between the parishioners and the clergy/archdiocese because of their lack of vetting the best men to be priests. That's not to say that all the priests who have come through this community were bad; many have been exceIlent spiritual guides, yourself included. You were an asset to the youth in this community. You were involved with Jr. and Sr. GOYA. You were always there. We were friends. Or at least I thought we were. You almost resurrected my desire to become a priest. We spent time together, we talked about life. We dragged State Street together in your low-slung, two-door Mercury with dual exhausts. And then, as the life of a priest in Salt Lake City went, you were gone. I accept that life changes all of us. Nobody stays the same. Some men became more powerful. Now, as I try to reconcile my memory of you as a young priest with this decision, I wonder how relevant Lord Acton's words might be to this situation? "Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men." That is not a judgment, just a query of relevance. Who would I be to judge you because we disagree?

For most of my adult life, I have not been an active member of this community and I have never been a terribly religious person. But just because I haven't gone to church doesn't mean that I haven't cared or paid attention to what happens. Out of respect for my parents and relatives, I have always been respectful of the community and what it has tried to accomplish in spite of its clergy. As such, perhaps I don't have any right to complain and be critical. I have so much respect for so many people, many of whom are dead, who spent their lives in service of this community, who were: "the generation" that built these two churches, overcame all the obstacles and brought this community to where it is today. There have been times when I have taken pride in what has been accomplished by other parishioners on behalf of the Greek community, in spite of the petty and constant bickering that has persisted and plagued it since my childhood. However, as I've described above, there were times when I was terribly ashamed. I have never been able to get over all the havoc and embarrassment wreaked upon this community and my heart by some of its arrogant, pompous, self-serving and ill-prepared clergy. As an adult, I have finally been willing to accept that they were mere men who have sinned and made mistakes just like every other man and are worthy of understanding and forgiveness. It hasn't, however, made me any less cynical. But it would seem, that these days, the clergy and archdiocese representatives regard themselves to be "god-like" and, as such, I would consider their human frailties and greed to be unacceptable in anyone's eyes and therefore, worthy of our scorn, not our continued forgiveness and respect. If the archdiocese, the clergy and the Parish Council had spent all the time and energy that they've spent in a power struggle and instead focused on all things "Christian," I dare say you would have accomplished so much more for this Greek community, Salt Lake City and the State of Utah. There is so much need. But it doesn't appear that you, Father Michael or the Parish Council are willing to compromise your egos and step away from your personal agendas to achieve the greater good. I feel your goals are shallow, petty, short-sighted and maniacally egocentric. Now that the communities are divided, they have been pitted against each other! How Christian! Now the Parish Councils will spend all of their time trying to attract all the new members and they will compete to get the wealthiest to change churches. Will they advertise? Offer coupons? In any case, I obviously don't agree that they will prosper divided. And speaking of the Parish Council, I do have one suggestion: they need to be elected by the parishioners, not hand-picked by the priests or the archdiocese. That's a little too self¬-serving. The parishioners no longer have a voice. But I guess that leads to a well-tended flock. Unfortunately, I feel that these shepherds are leading this flock astray.

I must also admit, that apart from the great pride and the excruciating embarrassment, I have carried a personal grudge for over thirty years, having endured the loss my first son. On that day that my second son was born, the doctors told me he would not live through the night. I left the hospital and came to the church to pray. I was turned away ''because my jeans had holes in them and I was not properly dressed to enter the church." So, do I have the right to be angry? I had holes in my jeans! The archdiocese appointed the men whom I've described above to be this community's spiritual leaders and a member in desperate need of spiritual guidance was rejected. Needless to say, I have never been back as an active member! And, as long as this will be my last correspondence, I must add that no one seemed to notice. No one, ever, not one priest or any other church official, has ever asked why they don't see me on Sundays. Why am I not more active in the church? Perhaps, because all of my family is involved, I guess everyone just assumed I was a heathen. Even the last time we were together, after all these years, you made sure I kissed your ring, but there was no query as to the health of my spiritual life. Perhaps there wasn't enough time. Perhaps I assigned too much significance to our association all those many years ago. But I guess that's why I'm so embittered, because it doesn't matter.

The church takes my family's money, which was given freely and with love, and nobody really cares about anything else. Case in point: your letter addresses how much or how little a random number of people have given to the churches. Maybe that's all they could afford. You seem to know that they could have/should have given more. Obviously that's all they chose to give. I can't imagine that the church isn't happy with whatever is given without demanding more. I'm so tired of hearing about the money, and I don't even go to church! What you didn't address was the possibility that perhaps, as the clergy have become more brazen, contemptuous and greedy, the Greek people in greater Salt Lake City have stopped getting their money's worth of spiritual guidance and eternal salvation! Or that maybe everybody's so worried about money, the church has stopped meeting the religious needs of its membership, young and old alike. I assume, however, that Father Michael, being a man of God, will also be a man of his word and honor his personal assurances to me and my family that the money donated by my parents, Theodore J. and Katy P. Speros as the "Speros Family Educational Trust" will remain, as such, in perpetuity. My parents, "may their memory be eternal," are probably rolling over in their graves watching all you "Christian men fighting for control of the money and church properties.

At this time. I would request that my name, John T. Speros (not my grandfather or any other member of my family) be stricken from the official church register. I guess I can excommunicate myself? Don't know! But I assume you'll let me know. Or perhaps you won't. I appreciate that this is no great loss to this community, but I can no longer stand by and pay homage to a God, apparently yours, who would direct mere men and would-be, self-appointed "gods", however small, to disrupt, disrespect, dismantle and destroy the life-time accomplishments of the very people who give Him life.

My father used to tell me stories about his life, growing up in Bingham Canyon, how the non-Greek children used to push him off the sidewalk, beat him up and call him names. I never quite understood the reasons behind the name-calling. During my childhood, I was hung by my ankles from street signs because I was a Greek. I have forgiven those children, some of whom are still friends, and I will always be proud of my Greek heritage. But now, I just thank you and Father Michael. Because of your covert and unchristian actions, with regard to splitting this community, you have finally helped me to grasp the concept and meaning of what those kids may have meant when they disparaged my father.

I know, in my heart, that the God I will continue to hold dear will forgive me for writing this letter, as he does the sins of all men, including yours. Your God, however, probably won't. Based on my assessment of your "Christian" actions and the vindictive nature of the "powers that be" around here" they will want to crucify me for my irreverence or perhaps, as long as they get their way, He just won't care!

I apologize for the catharsis. It's been a long time coming. I guess, if I had to unload on someone, it might as well be on an "old friend." Someone who has a chance of understanding the pain in my heart. And please, at this time, don't concern yourself with my eternal salvation. My family knows where my ashes are to be spread. To quote Edvard Munch, "From my rotting body flowers shall grow and I am in them and that is eternity."

Respectfully,

/s/

John T. Speros
169 South Main Street
Salt Lake City, Utah
84111

Cc: His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, via fax: 212-570-3592
Rev. Fr. Michael Kouremetis, via fax: 801-424-1296
Rev Fr. Matthew and the Esteemed Parish Council, via fax: 801-328-9688
Nick Colessides, via fax: 801-521-4452

A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words!

Explanatory note:

The results of those who sent in their surveys were:
Against the split: 370 - 87% For the split: 57 - 13%

In terms of primary church attendance the votes broke down in the following manner.

Those who attended primarly Holy Trinity voted 110 - against, and 5 - for.
Those who attended primarly Prophet Elias voted 104 - against, 46 - for.
Those claiming they attended both churches fairly equally voted 119 - against, 2 - for.
Those who claimed no attendance preference voted 37 - against, and 4 - for.

The margin for error in this survey is as follows:

1,325 surveys whether to split the community were sent out, 427 were returned.

Down the memory lane!

December 6,2007
letter from his Εminence,Metropolitan Isaiah,

"Almost ten years ago, more or less, when Father John Kaloudis was your proistamenos and Mr. Nick Bapis was the council president, the topic of two separate parishes was very much alive. After much discussion with Mr. Bapis, I told him that I would not force the community to become two parishes. I like to believe that I am faithful to what I say. One reason for this is that I believe in the exercise of one's free will. In my forty-five years in the clergy, I have never forced anyone to do my will. Each person must be free to exercise his or her own free will, especially in matters that deal with God and the Church. I challenge anyone to say that I forced someone to do or not to do a particular thing."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Survey results
November 17,2007

The survey results are in.
 Of the 1,325 surveys sent out, 427 were returned.
The results of those who sent in their surveys were:
Against the split: 370 - 87% For the split: 57 - 13%
In terms of primary church attendance the votes broke down in the following manner.
Those who attended primarly Holy Trinity voted 110 - against, and 5 - for.
Those who attended primarly Prophet Elias voted 104 - against, 46 - for.
Those claiming they attended both churches fairly equally voted 119 - against, 2 - for.
Those who claimed no attendance preference voted 37 - against, and 4 - for.

Αραγε τι εννοουσε ο ποιητης?

1968 - THE WILL OF OUR FOREFATHERS

Click on the image to see a larger view.

Lessons in Statistics

It has been suggested by our Metropolitan in his letter, December 2007, and others that the number of people who cared to respond to the survey sent out in 2007 - the one our Metropolitan and our lay leaders said they would abide by - was not really a "majority" since only 427 responded when 1325 surveys were sent out. Thus, the contention is that it is not "really" 87% who are against splitting the community.

Anyone who has completed high school (or watched an election) knows that this is patent nonsense. Statistics is an actual mathematical science. It operates on observable and measurable numbers and not on wishful thinking.

The assertion by those who did not care for the results of this survey is that too few participated, as though the trend was not clear. Participation by about one-third is MORE THAN ENOUGH for an accurate assessment.

To hear some of these people, our Metropolitan included, one would think that those who did not participate would have ALL voted to split, but just didn't get around to responding.

A breakdown of the results (see previous blog) is further indication of just HOW unpopular the notion is. Even the PE respondents' results indicate a strong desire to remain united.

Below is a table that shows just how accurate a statistical sampling of 427 respondents vs. 1325 sent surveys would be:

(The Web site to generate these results may be found at: http://www.custominsight.com/articles/random-sample-calculator.asp)

Only the 13% that is disproportionately represented in the make-up of the Parish Council (and not by accident, as we all know) has caused this division and dissension and has blown it out of all reasonable proportion. This minority, along with our clergy, has used the division THEY have sown in order to justify an outrageous attempt to generate a takeover by devious means of this community's assets that were built by the community AS A WHOLE and that are OWNED by this community as a whole. If it is to split there is a methodology and a process in place. That minority is aware based on the survey that this is unlikely and so they resorted to secrecy and lies, instead of having the GUTS to do what our grandparents did and BUILD THEIR OWN CHURCH. Instead, they expect the majority to simply accept this land grab, under these outrageous circumstances, as a "done deal".

- Barbara Billinis Colessides

Kostas Katsohirakis' Letter to Metropolitan Isaiah

Moderator's Note: The following letter (the original can be viewed here) was printed with Mr. Katsohirakis' permission. It was also forwarded to the Parish Council in response to their request for "feedback". We thank Kosta for his thoughts that express brilliantly the feelings of the majority in this community.

October 10, 2010


FROM:
Kostas Katsohirakis
Member of the Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake
6241 Shenandoah Park Ave
Salt Lake City, Utah 84121

TO:
Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver
Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Denver
4550 East Alameda Avenue
Denver, CO 80246-1208

Dear Metropolitan Isaiah,

Once again I am shocked, appalled, and dismayed to read yet another letter from you, this latest one dated September 16, 2010. The reaction from my immigrant 82 year-old mother, who asked me to read and translate this letter into Greek for her, was even more horrified. She asked me, “Ti ehei autos o anthropos?”, “what is wrong with that person? I have a hard time reconciling how my wife and I can share this letter, or any recent letters from you, with our three young children, as examples of Orthodox Christian leadership.

As the spiritual leader of our Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake, we as your flock are supposed to look to you as our shepherd for positive ecclesiastical guidance. Yet it has become very clear that through your words, your actions, and your direction, you seem to prefer lately a more confrontational and incendiary stance with us here in Salt Lake City. Directly and indirectly, you attack us as a community, as well as disparage respected, honorable individuals who have tirelessly and freely given in a very positive way of their Time, Talents and Treasures for the betterment of our community.

• Your vassals have recently filed a complaint with the SEC against a former President of the Parish Council for alleged financial improprieties. This gentleman has been a beacon in our community his entire life, has tirelessly served in numerous leadership and fundraising capacities, and in addition at the national level he is member of Leadership 100, and an Archon. The two people who signed this SEC complaint (presumably at your behest) should be ashamed of themselves for their petty, unwarranted, and despicable action! 

• You have previously removed one member from the Parish Council, and without merit imposed severe ecclesiastical sanctions. When you recognized the folly of your way and the petty nature of your action, you then reversed course. 

• You forced the resignation of the previous President of the Parish Council. This gentleman has served for a long time, was very well respected, and did absolutely nothing wrong when he correctly signed for the proper transfer of certain funds, as approved by previous General Assemblies. 

• You repeatedly prevent numerous, upstanding, respectable, life-long individuals of this community from running on and serving on the Parish Council…yet at the same time, you ask us to recognize the authority and leadership of this predominantly appointed (not elected) Parish Council, many of whom were not on the most recent ballot that was voted upon by our community, and are therefore NOT leadership representatives of the community. 

• You sent yet another inflammatory letter April 16, 2010, in which you make very serious, unsubstantiated personal accusations, and totally without merit. You refer to the actions of certain individuals, myself included, as “robbery”. These funds that you refer to were not “stolen”, quite to the contrary, they are safely preserved, the overall value of the portfolio has increased substantially, and they will be used for the purpose that the donors intended. I am stunned that you invite us to “free[ly] join any other religious body that they so chose…” My grandfather and father helped to establish our faith here, and I will not leave to join another as you request. You further refer to excommunication, an unsubstantiated threat, which is a tactic of fear and intimidation, and something that one expects from a playground bully. These are certainly not the words and actions that exhibit spiritual and ecclesiastical leadership from a shepherd to his flock! 

• Yet at the same time, you cast a blind eye to the improprieties documented clearly in the Audit Report, as presented at our most recent General Assembly in the Spring of 2010. What corrective actions have you taken on this matter? Where is your letter on this matter to the Proistamenos and the appointed Parish Council?

In your September 16th letter, you refer to the “cleavage” in our community. There was NO such “cleavage” until very recently. In fact, as you well know, the results of a vote that was taken in our community in 2005 demonstrate that the people of this Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake, by an overwhelming majority of 87% expressed a desire to remain as one community! Being one community has served us well for close to 100 years now.

However, your appointment of the current Proistamenos to this community in 2002, appears to have been with an agenda, that of “separation” of our community. If there is now a divide in our community, it is directly as a consequence of your actions, and those of your vassal. For example, you have created two separate Philoptochos Societies. You are the one who makes constant and persistent references to a separation in all of your letters. In another of your recent letters you refer to us as “bigamists”. You continue to nurture division rather than unity. I ask you for what purpose are you doing this? Why do you continue to turn brother against brother, and sister against sister in this community? This has become our community’s modern-day scourge; similar to what slavery was to this country in the early/mid 19th century!

You disparage us as a community for a downturn in stewardship. What else do you expect when you unilaterally invalidate the actions and votes of prior General Assemblies, do not allow for any discourse or dissenting opinion, do not allow for representation of the people (laos) on the Parish Council, strike down requests for agenda items at General Assemblies, and ignore requests for special General Assemblies to discuss urgent and salient matters to our community? Consistent with the principles of the founding fathers of our country, our people are simply asking to be heard and their wishes respected. Unfortunately, stewardship has now remained as the only course many people feel they have left to express themselves. This is sad indeed. But, apparently, the declining financial status of our community is now getting your attention.

History has shown us two notable examples of what can happen with the excesses and poor leadership of a people ruled oppressively by a tyrannical, hierarchical despot. The 13 fledgling colonies united against King George III of England, and formed the United States of America. Additionally, the Reformation movement in Western Europe was in response to many years of excesses from the Christian leadership in Rome, which unfortunately splintered Christianity in much of the Western World.

I don’t wish to see these disastrous consequences for our Greek Orthodox Community in Salt Lake City! The bulk of the letters and telephone calls that you have been listening to and acting upon has come from a very small group of people, and there is clearly a small, disenfranchised minority. Unfortunately, some are acting upon personal differences with others in this community. I have seen this personally on numerous occasions in the nearly ten years that I have been involved in the Hellenic Heritage Campaign, the Holy Trinity Cathedral Renovation, and the Hellenic Cultural Foundation.

Working together with you in Christian love and in a positive manner, we should separate the personal issues and the needs of this disenfranchised minority from the overall fundraising efforts as desired by the rest of the community. These are two separate and distinctly different matters. Note below:

• In a constructive and positive manner, perhaps we should encourage this disenfranchised minority to move on and initiate the creation of a third, separate Orthodox church, as a separate Parish with their own separate finances at a different site in this valley. As demonstrated by the explosive growth of the Russian St. Peter and Paul church in a different part of our valley, there is the need and interest for more Orthodoxy in this valley. 

• Much like Leadership 100, a well recognized and respected institution at the national level, HHC and HCF are local fundraising organizations that have been created as a way to promote and perpetuate our Greek Orthodoxy and the Hellenism that our protopori and grandparents (yiayias and papous) brought to this country so many years ago. Leadership 100 is not referred to disparagingly at the national level. Quite the contrary, there are many positive references to this organization frequently in our monthly Orthodox Observer. In a similar fashion please do not refer any longer to our people who are part of these efforts locally as “lovers of self, lovers of money…lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God (2 Timothy 3:1-4)”, as you did in your letter April 16, 2010.

In summary, I had the honor and privilege of making your acquaintance personally during your visit to Salt Lake City in October 2005. Per your letter dated November 15, 2005, you will remember that Chris Gamvroulas, George Metos, and I presented you with a tentative plan regarding the proper use of the properties owned by the members of our community around the Holy Trinity Cathedral, and across the street on 300 West. We were all very encouraged by your inspirational words in that letter, “I commend the gentlemen with who I met on October 29, 2005, and am most appreciative to them for sacrificing much of their time and using their God-given talents to help breathe new life into the Cathedral.” Much work still needs to be done at the facilities of both churches.

Our protopori came here with nothing, and by collecting their nickels and dimes, they established our Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake. That generation built two churches and created a structure that served the needs of our united community for over 100 years; the needs of the immigrants, the needs of their children and grandchildren, and the needs of many converts and philhellenes. Orthodoxy has flourished here for 100 years, because we controlled our own destiny, and because we have actively solicited the will and needs of our local people, and the support of our local community. As you stated so well in your letter of November 15, 2005, ”every Greek Orthodox parish is owned by the general membership…in the matters of revenue and property, the general membership makes all the decisions”. This community can and will continue to thrive for many more years to come as it has been structured to date. But our generation today needs to do more. And for these efforts to come to fruition, we need your blessing, support and encouragement for a united, harmonious community.

Respectfully,
In His Service,

/s/

Kostas A. Katsohirakis

The Real Lessons of History

Moreover, I thank our loving Lord Who has heard the prayers
of your past family members who wrote to the Holy Trinity Parish Council
on August 12, 1965, "The survey further reveals that of those people
reporting, the majority favor a new facility under an independent parish."
We must finally honor the efforts of those who conducted the survey in
1965, and who were truly visionaries in wanting to see our holy faith
grow in Utah. Among them were George Adondakis, Bill Ligeros,
George Papanikolas, Sam Soter, Sam Souvall, William Souvall and George
Zeese. May their memories be eternal. They were truly progressive and,
most importantly, lovers of the Church.
- Metropolitan Isaiah, Letter to Father Matthew Gilbert, et al., October 6, 2010

===================================================

Letter to the Community, October 1965

October 12, 1965

Eastern Orthodox Progressives
P.O. Box 15376
So. Salt Lake Branch
Salt Lake City, Utah 84115

To: The Parishioners of Holy Trinity.

We indicated in a previous mailing that we would disclose the results of the survey which we have been conducting regarding the development of a new church facility to serve the Salt Lake area and vicinity.

We have received a sufficient number of questionnaires which, in our opinion, represents a good cross-section of parish opinion. By an overwhelming majority the people have declared that they want a new church facility at 5335 South Highland Drive and that the construction program should proceed at once. They further declared that they were ready, willing and able to support such a program. This was strongly demonstrated by the contributions which the parishioners indicated they were willing to make, over and above their annual pledges. The average amounts of these indicated contributions were very substantial and beyond our fondest expectations.

Finally, the people declared that they wanted a new church facility as a part of a united community and a definite majority indicated that they were willing and determined to become members of an independent parish if a united community program did not materialize.(emphasis added)

We now feel, that in the best interests of all concerned, another general assembly should be held in hopes that action can be taken to insure that the community remain united. Our recommendations to the parish will be that every effort be exerted in the direction of maintaining unity. lf it develops that this is not possible then the only alternative will be to organize and develop the independent parish as rapidly as possible, in accordance with the wishes of the people.

The Eastern Orthodox Progressives have very recently contacted the communities which have experienced similar problems as ours. In reply, we are receiving very valuable information as to helping us propose the best possible legal and administrative corporate structure necessary to accommodate our proposed multi-church program.

We have decided, therefore, to continue and complete this study and subsequently recommend a plan within which a united community, having several parishes can operate smoothly and efficiently

Our study should be completed within ninety days and at that time we will request the board to schedule a special general assembly. At the assembly we intend to propose the adoption of certain resolutuions (sic) which, if adopted should insure our having a united community with two churches (emphasis added) and a firm base upon which to expand and add future parishes as the need arises.

EASTERN ORTHODOX PROGRESSIVES

Peter Vrontikis, Chairman

(reprinted here, with permission from Constantine J. Skedros, research notes, The History of the Greek Orthodox Community, page 125. For those interested, Mr. Skedros original notes, from pages 119 - 131, may be accessed by clicking here.)

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Postscript: One further historical fact of interest:

At the regular General Assembly held in April of 1968, the Parish members unanimously voted that any attempt or motion in a special General Assembly to separate or divide the Greater Salt Lake Greek Orthodox Community would require the following:

1. Minimum of six months written notice with full and detailed particulars as to the proposed division or separation.

2. General Assembly discussion

3. A minimum vote of 300 or 75 percent of the total eligible membership of the Parish (not the number which may be present at any given General Assembly), whichever number is greater.

(reprinted here, with permission from Constantine J. Skedros, research notes, The History of the Greek Orthodox Community, page 130-131. For those interested, Mr. Skedros original notes, from pages 119 - 131, may be accessed by clicking here.)

By What Right, and Under Whose Authority?

On March 30, 2010, before the letter from the Archdiocese granting a new charter to Prophet Elias, a corporation was established with the state of Utah under the name "Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church of Holladay, Utah." (click here for a larger view)

If, as the Metropolitan of Denver states, he held on to the letter from the Archdiocese for five months "to be absolutely convinced that the church-going members indeed wanted to see two separate parishes, each with its own parish council, its own income and its own property," how was it that this new corporation was established so long ago? How can the Metropolitan of Denver say that the responsibilities of the interim parish councils will include "establishing new non-profit entities," knowing that a "new" one had already been established?

Article 31 Section 1 of The Uniform Parish Regulations, which are cited and adhered to by the Metropolitan of Denver and the current regime when it suits their needs, and ignored when they do not, states: "A Parish Assembly may be convened for matters other than those involving canonical and dogmatic issues. The Parish Assembly is the general meeting of the Parishioners in good standing of the Parish and the general policymaking and appropriating body of the Parish."

In addition, the Metropolitan of Denver has asserted that the people, through the General Assembly, are to make such decisions. How then did THREE people, two of whom are not even elected, or appointed, members of the Parish Council, have the right to establish a new corporate entity without a General Assembly, special or otherwise, and secure his help in obtaining the Archbishop's granting of a charter? (click on the image for a larger view)

We invite you to draw your own conclusions.

The Deceits Arrive Unabated!

Today, October 9th, we can recall the words of the late President, Franklin D. Roosevelt:

"a date which shall live in infamy..."

Upon returning from the mailbox, Saturday, October 9, 2010, most of us received the following packet of letters (click here), along with the letter from Archbishop Demetrios, which we posted in the previous blog article.

To say that this high-handed, self-serving, set of letters is an outrage would be to UNDERSTATE the level of perfidy and deception involved. Our parish council "representatives" should be ASHAMED, each and every one! To have held this information for five months while important decisions were made involving our community behind our backs and against our expressed wishes is nothing short of SINFUL. It involves bearing false witness, slandering the names of good and faithful stewards of years' standing, and generally thwarting the spiritual well-being of this community's faithful. Our priests and our Metropolitan have set an example of incompetence, of lies, of greed that is staggering in its breadth. What would Jesus do? Surely not this!

The timing of these letters is further damning. "Prophet Elias Church" has been a de facto separate entity since April. Yet no announcement (was this the portion of the letter from the Metropolitan that Michael Petrogeorge was told NOT to read at the June General Assembly?) was made until today.

Let's see, what has transpired since April of this year:

• Nick Bapis, along with other long-standing stewards known for their tireless efforts and generosity to Orthodoxy were vilified and slandered.

• Members of the HCF were threatened with excommunication, in effect blackmailed.

• The Parish Council, with the express support of the Metropolitan, demanded that the Skedros family return monies to the control of the Parish Council.

• An audit of 2009, finally granted, revealed several glaring improprieties and general incompetence in day-to-day operations (this, by the way, did not seem to move the Metropolitan at all).

• Funds have been spent by the Proistamenos-of-Prophet-Elias-only without General Assembly approval for his pet projects - all of which were at Prophet Elias.

• The Metropolitan, our priests, and this not overly competent (to say the least) parish council have asserted their questionable right to control all monies. This, despite the specific vote that fundraising efforts should be undertaken through a separate entity under the auspices of the general membership - NOT the parish council. (The audit should caution against such, even though the Metropolitan, the clergy and the council saw a way to use this controversy for their larger purposes!)

• The festival and its attendant revenues came and went in September. It's quite obvious WHY the proponents of this outrage waited five months, isn't it? Those monies are specifically mentioned. Surprised?

• And, finally, last night, before anyone had any word of today's outrages, we had the St. Sophia School fundraising dinner. By the way, one could count on the fingers of ONE HAND the number of people from Prophet Elias attending and donating. NO parish council members were in attendance. Yet, not once but several times, does the Metropolitan designate that St. Sophia now falls under the sole auspices of Prophet Elias Church as a separate entity. One wonders how this bombshell would have affected the donations yesterday evening.

A further item of interest: when addressing his letter to Fr. Gilbert, our Metropolitan expresses his "sincere thanks for your response to my letter of September 16, 2010," thanking him for acknowledging the Metropolitan's "insight and observations regarding the present situation in Salt Lake City. This letter was sent out TWO WEEKS later. No one is given the benefit of knowing Fr. Gilbert's response - yet it is mentioned right at the onset.

The letter is yet again insulting in that it asserts that this split was "inevitable". In fact this egregious action, despite the Metropolitan's previous "assurances", was a "τετελεσμενο γεγονος" a foregone conclusion. The THIRTEEN PERCENT minority, who, along with the "politically correct" Parish Council, Metropolitan and the Proistamenoi, wanted this community divided never intended at any time to honor the will of the majority. They engineered a situation where the cherry-picked "facts" could be interpreted absurdly to effect the outcome they desired. Their collective deception is unchristian and despicable. Our Lord NEVER asserted that the end justified the means.

The final insult is to the memory of those fine men who helped found Holy Trinity and Prophet Elias, and who, almost to a man (and woman) asserted that our community must remain united. Our Metropolitan conveniently quotes a letter on August 12, 1965 where he says the founders conducted a survey that reported the majority in favor of Prophet Elias being an independent parish. Again, the timing is interesting, no?

Considering the Metropolitan's obsession to split this community over the past several years, is it not interesting that this supposed "fact" is just NOW coming to light? The fact ACTUALLY is, that the MAJORITY of these men were committed to a UNIFIED COMMUNITY. Those of us who remember them know this and know many of them would judge these actions against their beloved church community harshly.

Let's get real! The Metropolitan may be entitled to rationalize his misguided opinions; however, he is not entitled to recreate historical "facts". Many of us KNEW and/or were related to the leaders of this era. Most assuredly, if these community leaders and the majority had not been committed to a unified community, the present situation would not be troubling us today. To assert otherwise is simply not true, but then, the truth has certainly been a casualty in this ongoing tragedy.

Yes, these leaders were "truly progressive and, most importantly, lovers of the Church." They are surely rolling over in their collective graves and weeping today.