GOARCH Seeks Direct Management of New York Parish

Photo: Hellenic Orthodox Community of Astoria

NEW YORK — The parish of the St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Astoria, New York, is at risk of falling under direct management of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, according to reporting from The National Herald.

The Herald's sources also shared that the archdiocese would plan to demolish buildings adjacent to Ss. Catherine and George Greek Orthodox Church and build a residential center.

Ss. Catherine and George is part of the overall Hellenic Orthodox Community of Astoria and is owned under the St. Demetrios umbrella. The second church is located roughly 10 minutes down the street and was consecrated in 1975 to accomodate the growing Greek Orthodox community.

St. Demetrios Greek American School, located next door to the St. Demetrios Cathedral, would also be affected by a potential archdiocesan takeover. The potential relocation of students from the Ss. Catherine and George facilities to the main St. Demetrios campus could create logistical issues.

"At the same time, it should be noted that enrollment at the St. Demetrios Day School has remained steady this year at about 400 students, the same as last year, with the significant addition of 45 new students," The National Herald states. "These numbers, community members stress, call into question the Archdiocese’s reported decision, particularly given that the school’s finances are positive, while the parish itself is the one facing financial challenges and drawing resources from the school."

The parties involved still await a decision from the district attorney on the transfer of building ownership, and an extraordinary general parish assembly is expected to convene on Tuesday. Resistance to the archdiocese is expected.

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