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Greek Orthodox Children’s Home Files for Court-Supervised Reorganization

14 November 10:52 Author Tobias Straney

Photo: Saint Basil Academy - Licensed Greek Orthodox Resident Child Care Facility / Facebook

Saint Basil Academy is seeking court-supervised reorganization to address five abuse lawsuits while continuing its residential programs.

GARRISON, NY — As reported by the National Herald, Saint Basil Academy, a Greek Orthodox children’s home in Garrison, NY, has filed for court-supervised financial reorganization after being named in five civil lawsuits alleging sexual abuse of children during the 1980s.

The lawsuits were brought under New York’s 2019 Child Victims Act, which temporarily extended the period during which survivors of childhood sexual abuse could bring previously time-barred claims. The Academy said it pursued reorganization on the advice of its financial advisers and attorneys, emphasizing that its residential programs will continue operating during the proceedings.

“Our responsibility is to approach these claims seriously and respectfully while protecting the children and families in our care today,” said Dr. Steven Gounardes, president of the Academy’s Board of Trustees.

Gounardes explained that the institution relies entirely on charitable donations, many of which are restricted and cannot be used to settle legal claims. The proposed reorganization would provide for “a court-supervised resolution of the claims” while allowing the Academy to continue its work.

Founded in 1944 through the vision of then-Abp. Athenagoras, who later became Ecumenical Patriarch, Saint Basil Academy began as an orphanage and operated its own school until 1997. It now provides residential services for children and teenagers, young adults preparing for independent living, and single mothers and their children experiencing homelessness, poverty, or domestic violence.

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (GOARCH), also named as a defendant because of its affiliation with the separately incorporated Academy, said it would continue responding through the legal process. The Archdiocese reiterated its commitment to zero tolerance for sexual abuse and to its child-safety policies.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Saint Basil Academy celebrated its 78th commencement with Archbishop Elpidophoros presiding.