St. Demetrios Saga Continues as GOARCH Dismisses Parish Council President

The saga continues at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Astoria, as several members of parish council have been dismissed by the Archdiocese. Photo: The National Herald

NEW YORK — There has been yet another development in the ongoing saga at the St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Cathedral parish in Astoria, as the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America has removed the parish council president and a council member. This comes weeks after the parish had agreed to a "partnership" with GOARCH.

As reported by the National Herald, President Kelly Manetas and council member John Stroumbakis were let go following the earlier dismissal of five other council members, "many of whom had decades of service and made significant financial and volunteer contributions." As the Archdiocese was demanding signatures for a document that would transfer full administrative control of the parish to the Archdiocese, these members were said to have raised concerns or opposed the proposition.

This action came at the advice of the parish's own attorneys, who warned that signing the document would not only give the Archdiocese control over parish governance, but also parish assets.

In an action that further reveals the intentions of the Archdiocese in this situation, Gov. Kathy Hochul amended the Religious Corporations Law on Sept. 26, 2025, recognizing the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America alongside other hierarchical churches such as the Roman Catholics and Anglicans. This means that the sale, mortgage, or long-term lease of parish property will no longer require the approval of the Attorney General - all that is required is the consent of Abp. Elpidophoros. Seemingly, this news was so significant for the Archdiocese that it even put out a press release. 

While this can be considered a win for the Orthodox Church as far as recognition along with other religious bodies goes, the circumstances and lobbying of the Archdiocese on this particular issue as it relates to the St. Demetrios community raises questions. 

The National Herald further reported that the parish council maintains its position of rejection of the proposal despite warnings that the community will be left "to God's mercy." 

"Parish representatives also note that individuals recently appointed by the Archdiocese have already caused serious difficulties," the National Herald reports. "A prominent example involves a settlement with a former school principal, reportedly amounting to $150,000–$200,000 including legal fees. The settlement stemmed from claims that a priest assigned by the Archdiocese made derogatory comments about the principal’s intelligence. Parish sources said the entire amount was paid from community funds."

Despite questions about the Archdiocese's intentions and involvement, the historic parish that was once the largest in all of GOARCH is not without its issues. In a story published by the National Herald on Wednesday, it was reported that an emergency meeting was held to address the financial crisis at the cathedral Tuesday afternoon.

"It was stated that the situation had reached the point where the community could not pay the salaries of the priests and the school’s teaching staff without the Archdiocese contributing $700,000," journalist Theodore Kalmoukos writes.

"According to information obtained by The National Herald, it was reported that because the New York Attorney General delayed approving the sale agreement for the community’s building — under which the Archdiocese would acquire 39% ownership for $3 million, as previously detailed by TNH — the Archdiocese requested that Greek-American state legislators in New York change the law to allow communities to buy or sell property without the attorney general’s approval. This process is expected to be completed by the end of October, at which point the Archdiocese will be able to pay the remaining $2.3 million to acquire the 39% stake in the building."

This information provides the backdrop for the governor's recent amendment.

Tensions have run high in Astoria since the Archdiocese threatened to bring St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Cathedral under direct Archdiocesan management in early September. Concerns stemmed from plans to demolish buildings near Ss. Catherine and George Greek Orthodox Church, part of the St. Demetrios community, to construct a residential center. The second church, consecrated in 1975 to serve Astoria’s growing Greek population, is located ten minutes from the main cathedral.

The adjacent St. Demetrios Greek American School, with steady enrollment of 400 students, including 45 new additions, faces potential logistical challenges if students from Ss. Catherine and George are relocated. While the school’s finances remain strong, the parish struggles financially and has reportedly had to use school funds to operate.

Previously, UOJ reported that 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.

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