St. Basil Academy Abuse Case Moves Toward Trial

St. Basil Academy. Photo: businessyab.com

BOSTON — A decades-old abuse case involving Greek-American Christopher Bowen, a former resident of St. Basil Academy in Garrison, New York, is expected to proceed to trial soon after years of delays. Bowen, now 55, says he endured sexual, physical, and emotional abuse at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America–run institution between 1982 and 1987, following the death of his mother. At this time, he was 12-17 years of age.

According to reporting from The National Herald, Bowen publicly identified his alleged abuser in 2024 as Finley Everett Eubanks, a former music and religion teacher and dorm supervisor who died in 2002. In an interview last year with TNH, he recalled experiences that would “take too long to list… In the older boys’ dorm, it was a regular Friday night event for Everett to put a porno tape on in our TV room for all of the boys to view. There were many instances of inappropriate comments, touching, fondling,” Bowen said. He further alleged Eubanks had no qualifications to work with children.

Christopher Bowen when he was at St. Basil Academy. Photo: Christopher Bowen, as provided to The National Herald

St. Basil Academy told TNH it takes “allegations of sexual misconduct with the utmost seriousness, particularly those involving children,” stating that while it cannot comment on ongoing litigation, the institution “absolutely condemns any form of sexual abuse and remains committed to the safety, dignity, and well-being of every child entrusted to its care.”

After completing a lengthy discovery phase, Bowen says his legal team filed a Note of Issue on October 29, signaling readiness for trial. Opposing counsel did not move to extend discovery by the November 18 deadline, clearing the way for the court to schedule a trial date within roughly two months.

Bowen described the moment as a significant milestone: “After a year full of delays, we finally finished the discovery phase… we’re hoping to get a court date, a trial date in the very near future.”

Bowen has spoken openly about the long-term trauma he battled for decades, including complex PTSD, anxiety, and depression. He said the “grooming process” left him believing the abuse was his fault. A suicidal episode in 2016 prompted him to seek help. “I promised [the hotline] that I would stick around long enough for my daughter because she needed me,” he said.

Christopher Bowen is now 55 years of age and awaits a trial date for his case. Photo: Christopher Bowen, as provided to The National Herald

He underwent intensive outpatient therapy and came forward in 2017. He said anger ultimately drove him to speak out: “I’m bearing this cross that’s not mine to bear… I’m not going to let it hurt my child.”

He described his decision to pursue justice as an act of defiance. "You couldn’t get me to keep your secrets, and I’m still here," he said.

Now nearing trial after decades of silence and years of litigation, Bowen said he feels “exhausted,” but relieved to be approaching the end. “I’m happy that I was able to diagnose what was wrong with me… but really just relieved and excited to hopefully go to trial and tell the story.” His hope, he said, is simple: “the truth will come out, and then it’s out of my hands and in God’s hands.”

Bowen is one of five former St. Basil residents pursuing legal action over alleged abuse dating back more than 40 years.

Full statement from St. Basil Academy to The National Herald:

“St. Basil’s Academy takes all allegations of sexual misconduct with the utmost seriousness, particularly those involving children. While we cannot comment in detail on pending litigation, we can state unequivocally that the Academy — both today and in decades past — absolutely condemns any form of sexual abuse and remains committed to the safety, dignity, and well-being of every child entrusted to its care.

The claims at issue relate to events alleged to have occurred more than forty years ago. We believe we have strong defenses to these allegations, and we will address them respectfully and appropriately through the judicial process. Out of respect for that process and all involved, we will not be making further comment at this time.”

Previously, UOJ reported that a judge allowed a sex abuse survivor's defamation suit against Gateway Church to proceed.

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