NY - SNAP statement regarding the removal of Greek Orthodox priest from ministry

For immediate release: Saturday, January 14, 2017

Statement by Melanie Jula Sakoda, Orthodox Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (925-708-6175[email protected])

The National Herald reported on January 13th that Father Luke Melackrinos has been suspended from ministry by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (GOA) for alleged inappropriate electronic contact with an adult female parishioner.

We are grateful that the GOA appears to be handling this matter in accord with their sexual abuse policy. However, to date no information about the charges or the investigation has appeared on the Church’s website. The GOA should be using every outlet available to it to publicize the allegations and to ask those with information to come forward.
We hope that every person who can shed light on these allegations will find the courage and strength to speak up so that the truth can be known. If anyone has been the victim of a crime, or witnessed or suspected criminal behavior, they should report to the police before going to church authorities.
Melackrinos was the priest at Saint Paul Cathedral in Hempstead, New York. The parish belongs to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Archdiocesan District. 
Saint Paul Cathedral (516-483-5700
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Archdiocesan District, Archbishop Demetrios Trakatellis (212-570-3500,[email protected])
(SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, is the world’s oldest and largest support group for abuse victims. Despite the word “priest” in our title, we have members who were abused in many different types of institutional settings. Our website is SNAPnetwork.org)
Contact – Melanie Jula Sakoda (925-708-6175[email protected]), Cappy Larson (415- 637-2006,[email protected])Joelle Casteix (949-322-7434[email protected])

SNAP Network is a GuideStar Gold Participant