TORONTO (CANADA)
Greek City Times [Sydney, AU]
June 29, 2026
By Kosta Papadopoulos
The Greek Community of Toronto (GCT) has taken legal action against senior Greek Orthodox Church figures in Toronto, alleging corruption, donation misuse, and abuse within the church leadership.
The GCT has filed claims against the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto, its metropolitan Sotirios Athanassoulas, four priests and several individuals connected to the church network, accusing them of financial misconduct and systemic governance failures.
The lawsuit claims that church leaders benefited from donations without declaring income to the Canada Revenue Agency, and alleges that funds raised for charitable causes were misused.
According to the statement of claim, donations from a 2012 fundraiser for a seriously ill infant known as “Baby Alexander” may not have fully reached the intended charity. The GCT alleges that while more than $50,000 was raised, only a fraction was transferred to aid organisations.
However, Global Angel founder Gail Courneyea disputed the allegation, stating the charity’s records show it received the full $10,000 contribution and questioned the claims made in the lawsuit.
The GCT also alleges that priests engaged in abusive behaviour, including claims that a priest at St Irene Chrisovalantou Greek Orthodox Church verbally and physically mistreated members of a women’s group. The church network includes multiple parishes across Toronto, including St Demetrios in Thorncliffe and St John the Baptist in Scarborough.
Further allegations in the filing claim that church leadership knowingly allowed inappropriate appointments, including a case involving a priest previously charged in relation to sexual offences. The statement of claim alleges senior officials were aware of his background at the time of placement.
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis and its legal representatives rejected the allegations, describing them as “wholly without merit” and confirming they will be “zealously defended” in court.
A spokesperson for the Metropolis said the organisation would not comment further, while legal counsel confirmed that a formal defence has not yet been filed.
None of the allegations have been proven in court.