ARKANSAS
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
for immediate release: Monday, March 23, 2015
Statement by Melanie Jula Sakoda of Moraga CA, Orthodox Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests ( 925-708-6175, melanie.sakoda@gmail.com )
The Bulgarian Eastern Orthodox Diocese of the USA, Canada and Australia (BOD) announced on its website on Saturday, March 21st that Archpriest Paisius DeLucia would be defrocked.
[Bulgarian Eastern Orthodox Diocese]
[Bulgarian Eastern Orthodox Diocese]
SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, is relieved that the founder and former head of Saint Innocent’s Academy (SIA) in Kodiak has been removed from a position of authority. However, they agree with the publishers of Academy Abuse that more remains to be done.
DeLucia was accused by at least 18 former students of physical, emotional and spiritual abuse. The spiritual court concluded that he publicly shamed kids, used vulgar language, engaged in unbecoming behavior while serving the sacraments, including interrupting liturgy to discipline attendees, violated confessions, and used “improper pastoral approaches toward the faithful.”
[Bulgarian Eastern Orthodox Diocese]
“First is must be said that this decision would not have been possible without the bravery and persistence of all the former students who testified at the spiritual court,” said David Clohessy, the Executive Director of SNAP. “We congratulate them on their victory and applaud their courage.”
Cappy Larson of SNAP added, “However, the diocese also needs to step up and explain what they will do in the future to prevent further abuses. As a mother it’s very disturbing to me that Saint Innocent’s was billing itself as a treatment center for troubled youth without any oversight from the Church or from the state. Kids with problems deserve a qualified and credentialed staff.”
“And are the BOD and Christ the Saviour Brotherhood (CSB) going to take responsibility for what happened to the students who attended the academy?” wondered Melanie Jula Sakoda, also of SNAP. “Father Paisius’ victims may need counseling and therapy as they try to heal.”
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