Andrea Kastanis Orton Responds to James Derby

Mr. Derby:

And yes, I will refer to you as "Mr." because I was raised to always be respectful. I find it utterly disgraceful that a parish council member could write such a one-sided, derogatory letter to such a hard-working, long-time servant of our community. Have you even been around long enough to know exactly what Nick Colessides has done for our community?

At least you have one thing right...yes!! Our church is in a crisis and there is no money for expenses to keep the church operating. Did you, the priests, or anyone else on the parish council ever stop to ask why? I've been waiting a long time and no one's ever approached me. No, because you all choose to ignore the truth! And unfortunately the only way we can seem to get your attention is by initiating legal action. When will you learn that we care immensely about the welfare of our community and we won't roll over and back down? I was taught to stand up for what I believe is right, and this, my friend, is one of those times.

The parish council, clergy, and metropolis are not here to serve our parish. They're here to conquer and divide. This is obvious given their actions over the past year. Your letter mentions that all "elected" parish council members from HT boycotted the swearing in, when what was the best time to be represented and heard in the form of a full parish council. Did you personally ever contact any of these individuals to ask why they did not attend? First of all, these HT members were not elected, they were appointed by Father Matthew as dictated by the Metropolitan. You mention to this day you'd like anyone to explain this bizarre behavior. What you have failed to mention was that of the five appointees from PE selected by Father Michael, only two accepted - you and Jim Priskos. You two were then added to the existing council, and Ron Steele was appointed, again by Father Michael, afterward. As a current member of the parish council, I'm appalled you even have to ask this question! The individuals who declined knew this wasn't in accordance with the precious UPRs that are continuously thrown at us. Have you forgotten the "cease and desist" order that was issued to ALL parties by the Holy Eparchial Synod until a formal decision was reached?

An audit committee submitted their 2009 findings over one year ago at our last General Assembly. Has the parish council done anything to enact recommendation made by this audit committee? It is any wonder why we believe the priests and parish council are "wolves in sheep's clothing"? You are here to deceive and manipulate. You only care about the money! And YES there IS money! Money was the whole purpose behind the recently cancelled Special General Assembly. Why else would the parish council write a demand letter to Nick Bapis regarding the signatories on the funds managed by The Bapis Group on behalf of High Tower Advisors? Why else would there need to be a vote for formal acceptance of the UPRs of the Archdiocese?

WE ARE STRONG AND WE ARE UNITED!! This is evidenced by the 613 signatures on the Call To Action Petition. We will not back down! Please tell your attorney that!