AK--Allegations of abuse at Orthodox school
For immediate release: Friday, January 16, 2015
Statement by Melanie Sakoda of Moraga CA,Orthodox Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (925-708-6175, [email protected])
A new website makes serious allegations of abuse at an Orthodox school in Kodiak.
So far on the site seven former students have described their experiences at St. Innocent’s Academy. Those statements paint a disturbing picture of physical, psychological and spiritual abuse by the head of the school, Father Paisius De Lucia.
Members of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, commend these young people for making their allegations public.
“All too often Church authorities quietly ignore allegations of abuse, and more people are hurt,” said Melanie Sakoda of SNAP. “But when victims have the courage to speak out publicly, it makes it very difficult for a cover-up to take place.”
“Criminal behavior is best investigated by the professionals in law enforcement,” continued David Clohessy, the executive director of SNAP. “We hope that anyone who experienced, witnessed, or suspected abuse at the academy will report to the police, get help and begin healing.”
Cappy Larson, also of SNAP, concluded, “We are very grateful to these brave survivors for coming forward and sharing their truth.”
St. Innocent’s Academy is a ministry of the Bulgarian Eastern Orthodox Diocese of the USA, Canada and Australia.
http://www.bulgariandiocese.org/ministries.html
Metropolitan Joseph Bosakov (212-246-4608 Chancery phone & fax, [email protected]) heads the diocese.
Contact - David Clohessy, 314-566-9790, [email protected]; Cappy Larson, 415-252-7969, [email protected]; Melanie Jula Sakoda, 925-708-6175, [email protected]
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