BILL PAULOS EXTENDS CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEWLY ELECTED P.C.

Congratulations to all of those willing to serve our community.

Clearly we have all won a tremendous victory by filling our parish council with strong, courageous people with a vision for local control and a unified future.

To the new members: you have an opportunity to be one of the most historically significant parish council’s in the history of our community. Stay strong, show courage to make the tough decisions.

Let’s provide the leadership to change the direction of our community:

1. New leadership 
2. Local control of decision making
3. Balance the budget (as a result of the new leadership and re-connection of the disenfranchised)
4. Be one community 

I salute each of you for taking this opportunity and I am volunteering to support you in any way you wish.

Thank you again and congratulations,

Bill Paulos

OUR NEW LEADERSHIP

We would like to congratulate our newly elected Parish Council.

• George Adondakis 
• Yannis Armaou
• Nick M. Bapis
• Gus Colessides
• Steve Gamvroulas
• Dr. Maria Oneida Hardwick
• Dr. Phillip Kithas 
• Alicia Kastanis Mares
• Thomas Peters
• Chris Sakellariou
• Sakis Sakellariou
• Pete Saltas 
• Pete Sefakis
• Dr. Demetrios (Tykie) Skedros
• Dimitrios Tsagaris

Thank you as well to all who voted today.

Let us all truly hope this is the beginning for a fresh start for our beloved and united church community!

THE STUFF OF "LEADERSHIP"???

Mr. Floor, as president of the interim parish council, was recently asked by the director of the St. Sophia School at Prophet Elias to hold off on refinishing the gymnasium floor at Prophet Elias until the conclusion of the current school year at the end of May. Mr. Floor disregarded this sensible request and almost immediately allowed work to begin on refinishing the gym floor. The resultant fumes have caused students and faculty at the school to become ill, and have forced the school to hold classes outside in the pavilion. The situation has generally disrupted academics during the final month of the school year. Some parents have been forced to keep children home, have had to readjust work schedules, etc. Further, the Board of Health was called in to investigate and found the fumes to be highly noxious. Based on the health inspector's recommendations, it was required, last night, that the door be opened, and that fans had to be brought in, further that security had to be arranged for - all, in order to help mitigate the noxious odors. Surely, the well-being of people - especially school children! - ought to have taken precedence over finishing a gym floor!

Mr. Floor claims the issue has been "politicized". If it has, it is he - and ONLY HE - who has caused it to be so! There is nothing "political" or unfair in judging the actions and consequences of actions of one who purports to be our leader. Time and again Mr. Floor  has made arbitrary decisions without considering the potential consequences to others or, ultimately, to the community. (We assume, however, he will be magnanimous! He will, of course, be willing to forgive the people who have complained about headaches and nausea, along with a disrupted school year for children and parents, due to his poor judgment!) If this is the stuff of "leadership", may our Lord please spare us from such "leaders"!

It has also come to our attention that at the Metropolis Council meeting in Denver, on May 5th, the assessment of the Archdiocese for the years 2011 and 2012 for our community was discussed.  Interestingly, it appears that $100,000 has been credited to our community for 2011 from the "cushion" the Metropolis holds (by simply assessing all other communities for our community's debts, along with those of any other community whose assessment might be in arrears) leaving a balance of $37,000 for 2011, plus $146,000 for 2012.

Having been present at the meeting, at what point was Mr. Floor planning on sharing this information with the community?  Surely such information warranted a letter, a blast e-mail - something! - to the members of this community? At our general assembly, the budget shown reflected the entire amount of  $137,000 for 2011.  Oddly enough, our weekly bulletins at church inform us of clergy trips to monasteries, yet Mr. Floor cannot manage to include - somewhere, or anywhere - this extremely important information?  

Additionally, it appears that Mr. Floor may have reached an agreement with the executive board and the finance committee of the Metropolis as to how our community's outstanding balance will be paid.  He's acting in haste. It is not yet known if he will hold any position which would allow him to "negotiate" on behalf of this community's interests in such a discussion. If at the moment he has brokered a "deal", would this not also be important information for Mr. Floor to share with the parishioners of this community - those who ultimately will pay this balance?  The stewards of this community deserve to know exactly what kind of an agreement did Mr. Floor reach?

One would think that having been rebuked over and over again for his past oversights, omissions, mistakes and transgressions, ones that would have compelled in our parents' and grandparents' day a resignation, surely Mr. Floor would have been more circumspect in his judgments and more transparent in his actions. Apparently, not. Clearly we can expect the same old secrecy with Mr. Floor's re-election.

Phill Floor now claims, along with candidates: Mr Mylonakis, Mr. Priskos, Mrs. Kiriev (who should not be allowed to run since her spouse serves as Deacon, but only at P.E.), Mrs. Manatos-Shand, and Ms. Zambos, to be UNITERS! 

All along the record shows that these particular nominees have worked TIRELESSLY to DIVIDE, NOT UNITE, our community! Let us consider these circumstances when we vote. Let us remember persons who are not in any way supportive of UNITY for our beloved Greek Orthodox Community of Greater Salt Lake.

LET THE DIVIDERS STOP, AND THE UNITERS START!

As we look forward to the first free and fair elections in this community in nearly three years:

• let us remember who was strong in their support for this community's unity and progress; 
• let us support those who stood, and who will stand, for this community's healing; 
• let us cast our votes for stewards who squarely defended, and continue to defend, the legacy of our wise and visionary Greek Orthodox ancestors. 

Let us further encourage that when voting we consider candidates:

• who did not previously participate in, or seek to justify, unbalanced, one-sided, non-elected councils that represented only a very small minority; 
• who did not stand by and watch faithful stewards castigated, and unethical behavior condoned, and offered excuses such as, "well, the bishop or the priest wants it this way"; 
• who did not allow, or who thwarted, audits mandated by both the UPRs and civil law in order to ensure proper and transparent governance; 
• and, who were not engaged these past years in stifling stewards from participating in their own community's governance. 

Several people who served on, or who condoned, these unelected, unrepresentative, appointive councils are running again, claiming NOW to be FOR UNITY! These same people served, contrary to the UPRs, as unelected "leaders" for far too long.

It is now time for others - for people of good will, for people who are fair - to serve on the Parish Council in this community. It is well past time that other stewards are given the opportunity to humbly, honestly and ethically serve this community. We should look for leaders who will work with each other - even though they might disagree at times.


We should also look for leaders, who, while being respectful to the clergy, will seek and assert a more balanced role for the laity. This is a problem which, sadly, has persisted here, and in other Greek Orthodox communities in this country, for far too long.


Be sure when you cast your ballot that you have marked AT LEAST 8, AND NO MORE THAN 15 CANDIDATES. After marking your choices, carefully COUNT the number of "X"s you have placed on the ballot and make sure you have no fewer than 8, no more than 15. Otherwise the ballot will be declared invalid. 


Also, please make sure you vote on May 20th, or, if you cannot be present, please make sure to get an absentee ballot and cast your vote by calling: (H.T 801-328-9681 P.E 801-277-2693) 


EVERY VOTE IS IMPORTANT! (See unofficial ballot)


Note: for our Greek speakers/readers, this article is also translated in Greek. See the previous article.

ΑΥΤΟΙ ΠΟΥ ΘΕΛΟΥΝ ΝΑ ΔΙΑΙΡΕΣΟΥΝ ΑΣ ΣΤΑΜΑΤΗΣΟΥΝ, ΚΑΙ ΑΣ ΑΡΧΙΣΟΥΝ ΑΥΤΟΙ ΠΟΥ ΕΠΙΘΥΜΟΥΝ ΝΑ ΕΝΩΣΟΥΝ

Περιμένοντας τις πρώτες ελεύθερες και δίκαιες εκλογές της κοινότητάς μας μετά από σχεδόν τρία χρόνια:

• Θυμηθείτε αυτούς που στήριξαν δυναμικά την ενότητά της - 
• Ας υποστηρίξουμε όσους προσπάθησαν και θα συνεχίσουν να προσπαθούν για την βελτίωσή της - 
• Ας ψηφίσουμε γι’ αυτούς που υπερασπίστηκαν και θα συνεχίσουν να υπερασπίζονται την κληρονομιά των προγόνων μας.

Θα σας παρακαλοὐσαμε όταν ψηφίσετε να υποστηρίξετε υποψήφιους:

• Που δεν έχουν λάβει μέρος ή δεν προσπαθούν να δικαιολογήσουν μονομερή, μη-εκλεγέντα συμβούλια που αντιπροσώπευαν μία μικρή μειονότητα - 
• Που δεν αδιαφόρησαν όταν έβλεπαν πιστά μέλη της κοινότητάς μας να τιμωρούνται αλύπητα, και όταν ανέντιμη συμπεριφορά παραβλέπονταν με δικαιολογίες όπως «ο μητροπολίτης ή ο ιερέας το ζήτησε» - 
• Που δεν επέτρεψαν ή προσπάθησαν με κάθε μέσο να εμποδίσουν τον έλεγχο λογαριασμών που σύμφωνα καί με τους κανονισμούς της Εκκλησίας καί με τον νόμο της Πολιτείας είναι απαραίτητος για την κατάλληλη διακυβέρνηση της κοινότητας - 
• και που δεν ασχολήθηκαν αυτά τα τελευταία χρόνια με το πώς θα εμποδίσουν τους υπόλοιπους ενορίτες από το να συμμετέχουν στη διακυβέρνηση της ίδιας τους της κοινότητας.

Αρκετοί από αυτούς που συμμετείχαν ή που υποστήριξαν αυτά τα μη εκλεγέντα, μη αντιπροσωπευτικά, διορισμένα συμβούλια, είναι υποψήφιοι σε αυτές τις εκλογές και ΤΩΡΑ ισχυρίζονται ότι είναι υποστηρικτές της ΕΝΟΤΗΤΑΣ! Είναι αυτοί οι ίδιοι που υπηρέτησαν στα διορισμένα συμβούλια ενάντια στους κανονισμούς της Εκκλησίας.

Είναι καιρός άλλοι – δίκαιοι και καλοπροαίρετοι – ενορίτες να εκλεγούν στο Κοινοτικό μας Συμβούλιο. Πρέπει να δοθεί η ευκαιρία σε άλλους που επιθυμούν να υπηρετήσουν ταπεινά, ειλικρινά και έντιμα αυτή την κοινότητα. Πρέπει να εκλέξουμε ηγέτες που θα μπορούν να συνεργαστούν μεταξύ τους, έστω και αν υπάρξουν ορισμένες διαφωνίες κατά καιρούς.

Επίσης, πρέπει να εκλέξουμε ηγέτες που, παρόλο θα δείχνουν σεβασμό στους ιερείς, θα μπορέσουν να διεκδικήσουν ένα πιο ισορροπημένο και σημαντικό ρόλο για τους μη κληρικούς. Και αυτό είναι δυστυχώς ένα μεγάλο πρόβλημα που έχει εμφανιστεί τελευταία τόσο εδώ, όσο και σε άλλες Ελληνικές Ορθόδοξες κοινότητες της χώρας.

Βεβαιωθείτε ότι όταν συμπληρώνεται το ψηφοδέλτιό σας, να ψηφίσετε για ΤΟΥΛΑΧΙΣΤΟΝ 8, ΑΛΛΑ ΟΧΙ ΠΕΡΙΣΣΟΤΕΡΟΥΣ ΑΠΟ 15 ΥΠΟΨΗΦΙΟΥΣ. Αφού σημειώσετε τις επιλογές σας, μετρήστε προσεκτικά τα «Χ» που τοποθετήσατε ώστε να είστε σίγουροι ότι έχετε όχι λιγότερα από 8, ούτε περισσότερα από 15. Διαφορετικά το ψηφοδέλτιό σας θα είναι άκυρο.

Μη ξεχάσετε να ψηφίσετε στις 20 Μαίου. Αν δεν μπορέσετε να είστε παρόντες, ζητήστε να σας σταλεί το ψηφοδέλτιο ταχυδρομικά. (τηλέφωνα Α.Τ. 801-328-9681, Π.Η. 801-277-2693) ΚΑΘΕ ΨΗΦΟΣ ΕΙΝΑΙ ΣΗΜΑΝΤΙΚΗ! (δείτε εσώκλειστο ανεπίσημο ψηφοδέλτιο)

Please come to Denver...

...to see the snowfall...

"Please come to Boston"...

The above lyrics from the beautiful song (with apologies to Dave Loggins) could be the next destination of the proistameno-of-Prophet-Elias-only.

Not exactly Boston, as he made that attempt, and was rejected.

We are in a position to know that there will be a position open in Denver. Since his Eminence holds the  Proistameno-of-Prophet-Elias-only in such high regard, perhaps he can accommodate him, and have him close to him.

In 2002, the Proistameno-of-Prophet-Elias-only triumphantly declared that he was being assigned to our community because he was a trouble-shooter.  After almost 10 years, we have come to realize that the trouble-shooter is, and has been, instead, a trouble maker!

Mercifully, his time here IS UP!

- Yannis Armaou

LET THE GAMES GO ON, AND ON, AND ON .......

We recently posted a couple of blog articles (Let the Games Begin / Let the Games Continue) that a member of the finance committee objected to; specifically, he had a problem with our comparing the impasse we keep witnessing to “a game” to be won or lost. The irony of this statement is obvious.

The reference to "let the games begin" is an historic allusion to the Roman period, where so many early church members met their fate in the arena. It is also an accurate description and apt metaphor describing a small minority's ongoing and continuing attempts to split the community. They want this to happen no matter what they have to do to accomplish it, or how badly it continues to damage our community and its parishioners.

Instead of simply holding the upcoming assembly, looking for ways forward, and having an election, we are witnessing ongoing gamesmanship on the part of this minority that clings to power and to a discredited set of aspirations (please specifically see the “policies” section buried at the end of the assembly packet) they still seek to foist on the community.

We are told that there is no appreciation for the time and efforts of these people. Regrettably, there has been a lack of appreciation all around. Throwing other hard-working, dedicated stewards under the bus including stewards who have served for several decades, members of the Audit Committee, elected HCF board members, nominees who have been culled, largely for simply daring to disagree, secret negotiations for dividing the community, clergy and hierarchical threats of sanctions, etc. - all seem to have become standard procedure these past years.

We didn't hear or or see this person being overly upset when others were castigated, culled, called "robbers", were banned from entering their own church, were forbidden to take part in services, had their faithfulness and reputations questioned, and, in one of the most egregious instances, had their livelihood and that of their family threatened. No one saw this gentleman, or his like-minded cronies, step forward in defense of other equally dedicated stewards.

Further, he asserts that there was a poor management model in running two churches under one council. Major companies run operational entities throughout the world under one overall Board of Directors. Are we to believe that two relatively tiny entities, each within a 20-minute driving distance from the other within the same city, in the age of the Internet, cannot be effectively governed by one Parish Council? It is not the model that is flawed; it is the management team, its intent and its style.

We agree that Parish Councils - fairly ELECTED ones - might name a variety of their members to various committees without appointing unelected “consultants”. The UPRs do not mention “consultants”, referring most likely to intra-council expertise. But, fine, we acknowledge it's been done in the past. During a time when the rest of this nonsense was not occurring, unelected committee appointees probably would not be an issue. Right now, however, we have yet another unelected, appointed person, representing a minority view, telling a sorely tried majority what they must do.

This nonsense should have stopped long ago. The survey told them, the Archbishop told them, several votes have told them, the Special General Assembly told them – they don’t have the numbers.

The gentleman asserts that the majority’s resistance efforts and rhetoric has driven an "irreversible" wedge in this community. In fact, that wedge exists and persists because a small group of people, along with clerics, still trying to "save face", continue to wrangle for things this community does not want or need.

They still seek to shove through their own agenda, to eliminate the Hellenic Cultural Foundation (which was overwhelmingly enacted by the General Assembly as a fundraising model utterly similar to Leadership 100 - and whose members were ELECTED), to see this community foreswear its historic legal exception that allows it to own its own assets. The answer was NO last November despite threats and intimidation; it should be NO now.

Finally, there is the assertion that the dissension and game-playing overshadows the church's mission of salvation. That is the real point, isn't it? Our hierarchy and clergy, thanks to the misbegotten new charter and UPRs, are now becoming Machiavellian politicians, CEOs, fundraisers, tax collectors, day-to-day administrators, apparently more interested in their own prerogatives than in their apostolic duty toward their flock - ALL their flock - among whom they have sown further dissension.

George Santayana, philosopher, said it best. "Fanaticism is redoubling your effort when you've lost your aim."

URGENT! - URGENT! - URGENT!

Dear Parishioners,

Please be aware that the General Assembly package contains 3 policies relating to financial matters.

These 3 policies should not be passed or adopted for the following reasons:

First, they attempt to implement the two resolutions, defeated soundly by a 3-to-2 decision of the Special General Assembly in November 2011, while some of us were left out waiting in the cold.  The Metropolitan still is trying to make an end-run around the Parish Assembly.

Second, there are no safeguards for the community; and,

Third, the “policies” have not been thoroughly vetted by our community.  The “policies” need to be discussed, by experts from our community, and then placed before the general assembly for consideration.

Anything and everything that diminishes the right of the General Assembly to be in total and complete charge of our financial health, should not be passed.

Any other reason given by the proponents for the passage of the policies is bogus; they only want to do the bidding of the Denver Metropolitan.

Let’s us be ever so vigilant to safeguard our community.  Let us NOT be intimidated; we must not succumb to anyone’s threats.

Please come and attend the General Assembly next Sunday.  Please fill out and return your stewardship pledge.

Best regards,

Nick J. Colessides

PART 2 - LET THE GAMES CONTINUE! (see previous blog: LET THE GAMES BEGIN!)

A member recently sent us an e-mail and "requested/suggested" that the blog moderators post a “rebuttal” in answer to the Audit Committee Report for the year 2009. The member implies that since the Audit Report of 2009 has been discussed on the blog, it might be “fair” to post such a response. The gentleman making the request is a member of the "Finance Committee." (One might be tempted to consider what a swell job they have done! Oh, and by the way, under what authority does such a committee exist? Appointment/election by the General Assembly? No. Mentioned in the much-vaunted UPRs? NO.) At any rate, he and that committee, whoever they may be, hold absolutely no authority according to the UPRs, subsequently leaving his request - or is it a demand? - somewhat moot.

No matter. He brings up an old and dead issue that could have easily been addressed in a more timely manner. Instead it is brought up nearly TWO YEARS later. After all, we've had all kinds of other decrees, demands and assertions sent out by the various unrepresentative, appointed parish councils these past long years, who have had unlimited control over this community’s checkbook, haven't we? (We would further point out that the Audit Report was discussed on this site AFTER its presentation to the community and not before.)

The fact is, the ELECTED Audit Committee did NOT exceed its reach or its duty. The committee reported on the documentation for that year that the existing parish council and clergy ALLOWED them to see. They were delayed for weeks due to stalling, demands for signatures on questionable confidentiality agreements, etc. Nowhere did the Auditors – again, ELECTED by the General Assembly – exceed their authority. In fact, they probably were overly gentle in their conclusions, despite outrageous provocations, hoping, vainly, to unite and to heal this sorely tried community.

Furthermore, a "rebuttal" to an audit committee's work is apparently heretofore unheard of and questionable. We have taken time to inquire as to the issue to several out-of-state ecclesiastical contacts – thus far, we have found that this just hasn't happened anywhere else. We should also consider that the last audit we had, again, by a duly elected, properly qualified, audit committee was in 2009.

It is now 2012! Under these same UPRs, that these people are so fond of cherry-picking and quoting, should we not have had further audits? Especially under these trying circumstances? Surely.

We have also learned that the justification given by those who have pushed for this rebuttal NOW, is that they are simply reporting and answering the questions from the audit in the next "regular" general assembly. Strangely enough, however, the minutes from the June 6, 2010 meeting where, in addition to the Audit Committee’s report to the community, other key motions passed and were to be part of the official record, have not been copied and distributed. Official records which are key to the type of discussion THEY wish to hold are NOT included in the packet! (We would herein note that the 2010 meeting was also videotaped by a member, since resigned, but then serving on the parish council. There is NO EXCUSE as to why this record is not included!)

Is it not curious that current appointed parish council members, who were also serving at that time as well, have claimed that they did not send a the rebuttal earlier since this Sunday's meeting will be our next "regular" General Assembly - a damning statement in and of itself! The UPRs they LOVE to quote clearly spell out how often communities are to hold REGULAR GENERAL ASSEMBLIES!

So - you want the rebuttal posted here, Mr. Finance Committee Member? Fine. Produce the minutes from that last “regular” General Assembly held nearly TWO YEARS AGO, and we will gladly post everything!

We recognize only too well that this so-called “request” and “rebuttal” is merely the latest ploy designed to allow those who, like you, have sought to split our community, sully our heritage, and who have sundered this community, in order to justify the unjustifiable.

Say, assert what you will. Play the games you want. Fact is: We WILL NOT permit it!

PART 1 - LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

The packet parishioners have picked up from church for the general assembly on Sunday contains the January 31, 2010 minutes, the November 20, 2011 "Special Parish Assembly" minutes, but not the June 6, 2010 General Assembly minutes!

This is a bizarre omission! These minutes, from what was, supposedly our last official scheduled General Assembly, are critical to our community and should be included. At that assembly the Audit Committee presented its report - a report which is highly important to the official record.

Also at this meeting, Mr. Nick Bapis presented a report to the Assembly that was ultimately accepted as part of the official record of the meeting. That record/report should be included in the packet. At that time, Mr. Bapis had initially attempted to introduce and to have placed on the agenda discussion regarding this proposed resolution. His request, perfectly legal and normal, was denied by then-appointed Parish Council. The document was, however, distributed to the attending membership at the assembly in hard copy.

Despite the Parish Council's refusal to place this discussion on the agenda, a resolution, based on the initial document, was ultimately discussed, passed and was voted to be included in the official record and minutes of that June 6, 2010 meeting.

Additionally, in that meeting, the assembly accepted to remove from the Treasurer's (Mr. Floor’s) report the $1.2 million as a loss. That amended detail should be attached to the original report, AND, that report should be included in the packet.

A FURTHER QUESTION: Where is the report? WHERE, IN THE CURRENT “OFFICIAL” PACKET, IS THE OFFICIAL RECORD FROM THE LAST “REGULAR” GENERAL ASSEMBLY? 

We are being asked to consider a now-two-year-old-response to the 2009 AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT, so why aren’t we allowed to see the MINUTES from the same general assembly where the report was presented?

THE ULTIMATE QUESTION: WHY ARE THE MINUTES OF OUR LAST REGULARLY SCHEDULED GENERAL ASSEMBLY NOT INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE FOR THIS GENERAL ASSEMBLY!?

WE HAVE BEEN VINDICATED

We have celebrated the Joyous Event of Our Savior’s Resurrection.  May our Resurrected Savior teach all of us lessons of forgiveness and humility.

We fought the good fight.  The community has been fully vindicated in its struggle with the Metropolitan of Denver.  We are not for sale … for trianta argyria.

            With the hiring of an outside law firm:

1.  We prevented from taking place, an unlawful general assembly, called by a then unlawfully appointed parish council; and

2.  A general assembly soundly defeated by a 3 to 2 majority the proposals espoused by the Denver Metropolitan; and

3.  A Utah State Court assumed jurisdiction of our lawsuit, and ruled in plaintiffs’ favor so that we get the necessary information and the desired lists.

Coupled with the Archbishop’s letter of March 24, 2011, we have won the right to have UNRESTRICTED general assemblies and elections.

Let’s exercise those hard fought for and earned rights.  Please make your stewardship pledge; all of us should actively participate in our Community’s affairs, and consider becoming a candidate for the Parish Council.

We can all be thankful to all who participated in the effort.

Please also make your contribution to the “Fund for the Defense of the GOCGSL.”

This is strictly my personal point of view, as an attorney who assisted with the lawsuit.

 /s/

Nick J. Colessides

Attorney at Law

466 South 400 East, Suite 100

Salt Lake City, Utah, 84111-3325

Tele: 801-521-4441

Fax: 801-521-4452

Email: nick@nickjcolessides.com

Please Help Our Community to Stay United

RELIGIOUS TERRORISM AT ITS BEST

Dear Parishioners,

The lawsuit was started because the Denver Metropolitan, his appointed Clergy, and their appointed parish council (who were then in charge), refused to provide the community with a list of eligible members.

It took a Judge to enter his Order forcing them to give us the list. And the list that they gave us was deficient and had many errors. For that we paid and we are paying legal fees. The defendants’ legal fees have been paid by the Church’s insurance policy.  As you all know there is no such a thing as a free lunch. The Church’s insurance premium will be raised by the insurance company from now on, since there has been a call made upon the insurance company to pay for litigation costs. Thus we shall again pay for their legal fees.  And all, because “the few, the proud, the ‘...” refused us our rights; the right to know who is eligible to participate in a general assembly and to vote in the elections which were never scheduled.

It is a travesty and we should not stand for it. We do not need forgiveness for what we are doing; it is the “right thing” to do !!  It is the fair thing to do !!

We offered to stipulate to a “stand-still” agreement (freeze all legal proceedings) to save litigation costs, pending the promised free general assembly and elections. They have refused the offer.  We hoped for healing of this Community.  They continue to press with the litigation.  We need to resist their affront.  It just isn’t fair.

WE NEED YOUR HELP.

Please help and ask your friends to help, with raising the necessary funds to continue to defend our rights as parishioners.

Please make your contributions to: “FUND FOR THE DEFENSE OF THE GOCGSL” and mail it or give it to the committee (c/o Yiannis Armaou, 2751 Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah 84106) who has undertaken a “yeoman’s efforts” to save our community and to stay united.

Kalo Pascha to all.

Best regards,

Nick

Nick J. Colessides

Attorney at Law

466 South 400 East, Suite 100

Salt Lake City, Utah, 84111-3325

Tele: 801-521-4441

Fax: 801-521-4452

Email: nick@nickjcolessides.com

A Hope of Resurrection for Christ's Church in this Valley?

On April 13, this blog will have been operating for five years. This same time a year ago we commented on the true costs - the lost opportunities - that this community has endured for nearly a decade. We have tried our best to bring light to the injustices, yet to provide hope in documenting the efforts made by so many parishioners to restore our community to its former vibrance. We, along with others who write and comment here, are proud to be just one small part of that effort. Each year at this time, during the Lenten period, we reflect on the community's ongoing situation, and pray that this will be the year of its resurrection.

Our forebears were progressive and visionary. Such a mindset has been currently discouraged for far too long in this community. This, unfortunately, is the case in other Greek Orthodox parishes throughout this country as well.

At a time when our faith should be a beacon, not just to its faithful, but to all peoples, it is becoming fossilized by its own arcane rules and regulations designed to consign the laity to a regimented, unthinking conformity.

Yet, there is room for hope. Much has been accomplished. The laity in this community, along with others in the country, has declared that it will not foreswear or forsake its legacy.

Twice a majority of the parishioners (in addition to letting its will be known via the Parish Council's own survey) in this community met and asserted that the community would avail itself of the "dispute resolutions" found in the Uniform Parish Regulations currently imposed upon us. This majority did everything to prevent legal action. Many contacted religious and secular leaders. Six went to New York - at their own expense - to meet with our national religious leaders. This community followed the dispute resolutions to the letter, yet found itself thwarted by the local and regional clerics and their minions. They refused to implement the direction of the Holy Synod and Archbishop Demetrios. Thus, sadly - and only after EVERY other option was explored - the civil courts, necessarily, became the last resort. Nothing else seemed to provide any impetus to remedy an intolerable and stagnant situation.

Only our sheer will to do what our parents and grandparents would have done, to refuse to split, to refuse to be intimidated by dire threats of sanctions, excommuications, etc., has persuaded the agents of stagnation. Although the progress seems achingly slow, we have, in the face of relentless adversity, accomplished much:

• The court recognized that it had jurisdiction, albeit limited to civil conduct, to help the community address questions of proper and transparent governance.
• We have succeeded in gaining representation on yet another interim parish council. 
• We have conducted a special general assembly at our church and have freely elected a corporate board.
• The elected corporate board members - to their immense credit - have determined to foreswear any sort of unseemly showdown and allow the current interim parish council the opportunity to implement, in a timely manner, our first fully sanctioned General Assembly since June 2010. 
• Further, the interim parish council has announced a parish council election at the end of May, where all eligible stewards may run without fear of clerical interference. (We pray this is true.)

Finally, we remain hopeful of a Lenten period this time next year free of the heartache we have endured the past five-plus years; and, with the wishes for a true Resurrection of our Risen Lord's Church in this community and throughout the World, we, the Moderators thank each and every one of you and wish you all    

Καλό Πάσχα και Καλή Ανάσταση!

Sincerely,

Yannis Armaou - Barbara Billinis Colessides
Γιάννης Αρμαου / Βαρβάρα Μπυλίνη-Κολεσίδη

What's the Hold-Up?

Some positive developments have apparently occurred during and since the Metropolitan's recent visit to the community.

• Heard was that elections, on May 20th, as stated in the Interim Parish Council's letter to the community, would in fact be conducted.
• Further heard, not as yet confirmed, was that no one would be barred from running in those elections.
• Further heard was the Metropolitan Isaiah met with those wishing for a split community and asked that the illegal corporations delineating Prophet Elias as a separate entity were to be voided.

As of this date, the third item, one that can be effected IMMEDIATELY, has not occurred. A quick search of the State of Utah's business corporations site still shows a corporate entity with Mr. Mylonakis as the registered agent, as well as one with Mr. Shand, Dr. Beck, and Ms. Chachas.

These erstwhile folks kept telling us all along, particularly former president and current vice president, Mr. Mylonakis, that they were merely doing the bidding of the Metropolitan. Now that the Metropolitan has informed them that these need to be disbanded, what is the reason or excuse to delay?

DISBAND THE PE CORPORATION(S) - IT'S ABOUT TIME!

It has been about a year since His Eminence, Demetrios, the Greek Orthodox Archbishop of the United States of America, said the following:

"The ecclesiastical charter that was issued on April 10, 2010 is to be considered inapplicable and consequently withdrawn. Similarly, the Prophet Elias corporation will be formally dissolved and no separate trade names will be filed with the State of Utah for Holy Trinity and  Prophet Elias".

To date there has been been no attempt from the local clergy or any of their appointed Parish Councils to follow the directive from the Holy Synod and the Archbishop with regard to the dissolution of the corporations filed with the State of Utah in the name of Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church.

We are sure that this parish council finally will act on the Archbishop's directives and work toward the dissolution of BOTH ILLEGAL ENTITIES immediately. We further contend that Mr. Mylonakis, having created an illegal, quasi-related church entity in the name of one of the assets of this community, will either dissolve the corporation he set up, forthwith, or he will and MUST resign from the parish council, forthwith!

It is further distressing that long-time parishioners, one of whom was named as an archon, should also have set up a similarly illegal entity.

It is well past time for both to be disbanded. The community as a whole has spoken - SEVERAL TIMES, IN FACT - that it does not wish to be divided.

Nor has any general assembly given any of these people authority to set up a corporation describing a separate church entity in this community. Again we say, if you want YOUR OWN CHURCH, GO BUILD ONE! You won't get away with attempting to take one, on behalf of a minority, from the united Greek Orthodox Community of Greater Salt Lake!

COMMUNITY ELECTIONS HELD

Thank you all for coming out today to vote in the elections. We had close to 300 votes. Here is the outcome of the elections:

• Angelides, Nick
• Colessides, Gus
• Fuskandrakis, Jim
• Gamvroulas, Steve
• Kapos, Georgette
• Kastanis, Jim
• Kithas, Phillip
• Mares, Alicia
• Mastakas, John
• McGrath, Tom
• Peters, Tom
• Sakellariou, Sakis
• Sifantonakis, Jim (Dimitri)
• Tsagaris, Dimitrios
• Yengich, Connie Kandas

They will all meet and determine any leadership positions and what the next best course of action will be for our community.

EXTRA - EXTRA - EXTRA!!!

Moderators' Note: printed with Mr. Colessides' permission.

HOT OFF THE PRESS!!!

Dear Parishioners,

And just to add to the great news of today, the UNITY GROUP has achieved a great legal triumph with today’s decision as entered by Judge Howard. See the judge's decision here.

The decision impacts directly and is adverse to the Denver Metropolitan’s letter of 02/23/12.

The Court recognized our rights to be involved as a corporate entity, and to determine our own destiny.

Please tell the Metropolitan to stick to religious issues, and let us alone to be engaged in the governance we deserve.

Once again we can be free of outside interference.

Let us reiterate our request; we need to remove from our parish both Fr. Kouremetis and Fr. Gilbert. Let us be resolute about our goals, when any one of us speaks to the Archdiocese in New York and the Holy Eparchial Synod.

This is going to be a great weekend! We are going to have some great elections! A great way to start Lent.

The heartfelt thanks of the Unity Group to ALL of our parishioners who have struggled for two and a half years, and that stayed the course, for this ultimate great victory.

Best regards,

Nick Colessides

Letter from N. Colessides Regarding Metropolitan Isaiah's 23 Feb 2012 Correspondence

Moderators' Note: printed with Mr. Colessides' permission.

THIS IS MY PERSONAL OPINION.
IT ONLY REFLECTS MY OWN POINT OF YOU.

Please feel free to distribute as widely as possible.

February 24, 2012

Dear Parishioners,

Conflicting and incongruous statements seem to continuously flow from the Denver Metropolitan.

If what he is saying in his latest missive [dated February 23, 2012] is correct, he should follow the Archbishop’s directive to rescind and discard the “Prophet Elias Corporation” from the records of the Utah Division of Corporations.

It is indeed unthinkable for him to recognize the status of the “2010 corporate entity” that he ordered created, and to disregard the legal status of a one hundred seven (107) year institution, lawfully and continuously existing in our state.

The Denver Metropolitan is creating serious IRS problems for the contributors to our religious corporation as a legal entity.

Our parish’s participation in the Denver Metropolitan’s directives, is as voluntary as a Confession during the Spanish Inquisition.

Best regards,

Nick J. Colessides

P. S. This Sunday, please come, one and all to vote at the elections. If you were a member during 2011, or the last three (3) calendar years, you do not need to otherwise qualify to vote. If not please file and submit the most recently mailed stewardship form, and pledge whatever your conscience dictates. I did it about two weeks ago, and I pledged $25.00 for the year. All of us shall come to the financial aid of our parish immediately upon the removal of the appointed clergy. That is the leverage we have and we should all collectively exercise.

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

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

Letter from Metropolitan to Parish Council, 23 Feb 2012

Moderators' Note: the original of this letter may be viewed HERE.

+ GREEK ORTHODOX METROPOLIS OF DENVER

February 23, 2012

Rev. Michael Kouremetis,
Rev. Matthew Gilbert,
Mr. Phillip Floor, Council President
The Esteemed Parish Council
The Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake City
Holy Trinity Cathedral – Prophet Elias Church
c/o 279 South 300 West
Salt Lake City, Utah 84101

Beloved in the Lord,

I am in receipt of your letter informing me that the fifteen parishioners who accepted to be on the Interim Parish Council for 2012 have taken the Affirmation of Office as prescribed by our Archdiocese Regulations and are now working as one entity for the growth and progress of the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Salt Lake City area.

I hereby accept the fifteen parishioners as members of the canonical parish council of the Greek Orthodox community and parish for the year 2012, as provided by Article 26, Section 5 of the Uniform Parish Regulations.

As I mentioned in my letter to you dated January 12, 2012, the Parish Council is to facilitate the continuity of all parish ministries for the good of the members. It shall also prepare to have canonical parish council elections as soon as it is practical.

Having received word from your president, Mr. Phillip Floor, that by consensus you believe that a general assembly for proper parish council elections should be held soon after the Great Fast and the glorious Paschal celebrations, I accept the date of Sunday, April 29, 2012 which you have proposed to me, as practical for such an assembly.

Information has come to me that a group calling itself the Greek Orthodox Church of Great Salt Lake has proposed elections for its “CORPORATION” in the near future. Clearly, this has nothing to do with you and your parish, since the Church is not a “corporation” but a cell in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, which is under the Ecumenical Patriarchate. It is obvious that attempting to reduce the Body of Christ, which has existed for nearly 2,000 years, to the status of a modern secular organization is absurdity.

I express my complete confidence in all fifteen members of the parish council to work together as sons and daughters of our loving God, Who established His Church in the world for the salvation of His people.

With paternal blessings,
/s/
+ Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver

Parish Elections, Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012, starting at noon thru 3:00 p.m.

Moderators' Note: Please click HERE to download and print this letter and distribute it to other parishioners.

Dear Parishioner:

During the January 29, 2012 Special General Assembly held in the Memorial Building at Holy Trinity Cathedral, the 309 persons attending voted overwhelmingly to conduct elections for a new parish council on February 26, 2012. This email is to inform you that we believe the elections should and will take place as scheduled at both Holy Trinity and Prophet Elias this Sunday. The voting booths will be open from noon to 3:00 p.m. All persons who have been in good standing at any time during the past three years are eligible to vote.

You will also have the opportunity to fill a pledge card for calendar 2012, on Sunday, and we encourage you to do so. Ballots have been printed in both Greek and English and voting instructions will be provided. We expect that you have heard rumors that the election has been postponed, or that you might be instructed not to attend. In either case, be informed that the elections will occur. The will of the majority of persons in this community can no longer be denied. Also understand that regardless of whether the new parish council will be formally and immediately sanctioned or not, that we will at least have a group of persons in place should efforts by the appointed Interim Parish Council for a free and fair General Assembly and Parish Council election sanctioned by the Metropolitan fail.  Unfortunately, we have seen this before.

Fifteen persons from the following candidates will comprise our new Parish Council. Each was duly nominated during the Special General Assembly and agreed to run.

Good luck to each of them.

Angelides, Nick   *   Colessides, Gus   *   Fuskandrakis, Jim 
Gamvroulas, Steve    *   Kapos, Georgette
Kastanis, Jim   *   Kithas, Phillip   *   Mares, Alicia   *   Markogianis, George
Mastakas, John   *   McGrath, Tom   *   Melissas, George    *   Peters, Tom
Sakellariou, Sakis   *   Sifantonakis, Jim (Dimitri)    *   Teseros, Nick
Tsagaris, Dimitrios   *   Yengich, Connie (Kandas)   *   Zarkos, Jim

Thank you for your continued and strident concern for the betterment of our beloved community.

The Unity Group