November 1, 2017
My Beloved Priests, Monastics, Archons, Ambassadors, Philoptochos Presidents, Members of the Metropolis Council, Parish Council Presidents and Esteemed Members, And all the Faithful of Metropolis of Atlanta,
Nearly two weeks ago in New York, I was privileged to hear in greater detail, the plans the Archdiocese has put in place to correct its present financial situation. While the details of these steps are available for all to read on the official Archdiocese website, I feel it is my responsibility as your Metropolitan to give you some of the broad facts, in order to calm any misinformation surrounding the situation.
Plainly, much of the reason for the deficit stems from a lack of oversight, and excessive spending in various Archdiocesan departments. Therefore, beginning in August of this year, staffing was reduced, and expenses such as cell phones were either eliminated, or in the case of travel accounts, severely restricted.
In an effort to ensure that the proper controls are in place, new appointments have been made. These include His Grace Bishop Andonios, Chancellor of the Archdiocese, now acting also as Director of Administration, and Fr. Soterios Baroody as the first Chief Financial Officer of the Archdiocese. In addition to a Master of Divinity Degree, Fr. Baroody also holds a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration, as well as a Master of Accounting Degree. This newly created position means that the Director of Administration will no longer oversee finances in any way.
Since Fr. Baroody’s appointment in April 2017, his findings determined that the Archdiocese was operating with a deficit of approximately $4 million to $5 million dollars. Apart from the cost-cutting measures and restructuring, new qualified appointments have been made to serve on the Archdiocesan Audit Council through July 2018, when an independent Audit Committee (to be made up of CPAs and auditors) will be created as part of the Clergy Laity Congress. Furthermore, thanks to the generosity of two firms, a forensic audit concerning St. Nicholas will also be undertaken.
Allow me to also stress that transfers which were made from restricted accounts to cover the deficit have ceased, and will not reoccur, thanks to both the above mentioned positions, and further controls that are now in place.
While I understand the hurt and mistrust these actions can sow, I humbly remind you that the Archdiocese can only grow on this new path of transparency and proper boundaries, if we as parishes and Metropolises continue to uplift its good work. In this spirit of mutual understanding, I personally wish to stress that the Archdiocesan Council has accepted the Eparchial Synod’s recommendation that there be no increase in allocations for 2018; whatever allocations your community paid to the Archdiocese in 2017 shall remain in place. I support the Archdiocese’s efforts on this new path, and I pray that in a spirit of love and understanding, you will continue your support along with me.
In closing, I would like to leave you with the words of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America who writes, “While the pain and the memory of our past insufficiencies and mistakes will always remain with us, we are aware that we are a Church that does not preach despair, but rather, hope. Having this hope as our sure and steadfast anchor (Heb. 6:19), we echo the inspiring words of St. Paul: Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, we press on towards the goal (Phil. 3:13-14)”.
I remain with love and blessings,
Paternally yours in our Lord,
+ A L E X I O S
Metropolitan of Atlanta
October 20, 2017 NEW YORK – The Archdiocesan Council of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, under the chairmanship of Archbishop Demetrios of America, convened at New York’s Marriott Marquis Hotel for its regularly scheduled fall meeting Oct. 19-20.
During the meeting the Archdiocesan Council was updated on the financial situation of the Archdiocese. The Council reaffirmed its strong commitment to implement appropriate controls and procedures at the Archdiocese; and also reaffirmed its dedication to accountability and transparency.
His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America in his opening remarks first conveyed the blessing and love of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew who, as the Archbishop said, “is very aware of our meeting here and has expressed his love and care.” The Archbishop quickly enumerated some of the important events since the last meeting of the Archdiocesan Council, including the falling asleep in the Lord of Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago and Metropolitan Philotheos of Meloa, the beginning of the work for the new Saint Michael’s Home in Long Island, NY and the convening of the Eighth Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States.
The Archbishop spoke of “the discovery of serious financial issues which have been at the center of our concern and discussion.” His Eminence publicly acknowledged the very hard work for these issues of the Vice President of the Council George Tsandikos, the Secretary Cathy Walsh, the Treasurer Michael Psaros and the Chancellor of the Archdiocese, His Grace Bishop Andonios of Phasiane. “They are very much engaged,” said the Archbishop, “in the very intensive work to establish the means and ways of overcoming this difficulty.” Archbishop Demetrios also said that the Holy Eparchial Synod dealt with these matters in a very sincere and open way. Expressing his resolve for transparency and accountability in all matters relating to the Archdiocese, His Eminence said, “For us there is something more than transparency and accountability. For us the ultimate criterion is a divine criterion, a criterion in the Gospel and from the Gospel and that is the truth. We have to be truthful to ourselves individually and we have to be truthful among ourselves as a community and we have to make truth a central issue in a world of falsehoods, distortion, a world of the post-truth era. The truth is not negotiable.”
Mr. George S. Tsandikos, the Vice President of the Archdiocesan Council in his address to the Council urged unity and truth. “It has been a challenging and trying year for all of us and, most especially, for our beloved Archbishop,” he said, and explained that “we have been confronted with some serious financial issues which have affected the daily functions of our Archdiocese. It has been painful for all of us when we are forced to reduce staff and make necessary budget cuts.” At another point of his remarks Mr. Tsandikos said to the members: “My commitment to you and all the faithful is that with your cooperation, we will leave no stone unturned and we will use our full abilities and resources to continue our path to address both the structure and procedures of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.”
Further, Mr. Tsandikos said that the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America has stood the tests of time and has had a profound and lasting impact in transforming lives and institutions at all levels of society. “Our accomplishments have been exceptional due to the committed men and women, families and youth who comprise our omogenia. We cannot discount these achievements in the face of financial and administrative issues. In fact, it is during these times that our role becomes ever more relevant and significant. We have the talent, ability, will and spirit, to find creative solutions to address these difficulties, always speaking truth in love, as His Eminence has reminded us.”
Mr. Tsandikos concluded as follows: “… this is a time for unity. Not fragmentation. For the good of the Archdiocese – our National Church – do not let those who wish for weakness lessen our resolve to strengthen the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. We have accomplished so so much. Let us resolve to unite to continue the good work for the years ahead.”
Mr. Michael Psaros, Treasurer of the Archdiocesan Council, offered a detailed and comprehensive report about the findings to date and pledged that going forward there would be accountability and transparency. (See the full text of his address below)
Present at the meeting were Metropolitans Methodios of Boston, Alexios of Atlanta, Nicholas of Detroit, Savas of Pittsburgh, Gerasimos of San Fransisco and Evangelos of New Jersey.
Also in attendance were His Grace Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos, Chancellor of the Metropolis of Chicago; His Grace Bishop Sevastianos of Zela, Chief Secretary of the Holy Eparchial Synod and His Grace Bishop Apostolos of Medeia, Chancellor of the Metropolis of San Fransisco.
The Council, following the discussion on the finances, heard and deliberated on several presentations of reports from the departments, ministries and organizations of the Archdiocese. The Archdiocesan Council Committees had met the previous day and advanced the work of the Church. These reports included: Stewardship, Outreach and Evangelism, Archons, Administration, Development, Youth &Young Adult Ministries, Ionian Village, Communications, Ecumenical Office, Information Technologies, Internet Ministries and Center for Family Care.
Statement of Michael Psaros, Treasurer
Archdiocesan Council Meeting
October 20, 2017
Your Eminences, Your Graces, most Reverend Clergy, brother Archons of the Order of St. Andrew, and fellow members of the Archdiocesan Council,
One year ago at this meeting, Vice Chairman Archon George Tsandikos, Secretary Ms. Cathy Walsh and I were elected by this Archdiocese Council to serve as Officers. We serve only with the blessing of, and under the direction of, His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios, Geron of America.
INTRODUCTION: GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
We agreed to the following goals:
• The GOA had to fully realize, that it is by its nature and mission, an institution that must have accountability and transparency.
• From an accountability standpoint, the GOA must create a culture where every single dollar donated by every single member of the Faithful is treated with respect and humility. We understand that thousands of people donate hundreds of thousands of hours volunteering for our Parishes, often on their feet for days at Church festivals in order to satisfy their assessment to the GOA. We recognize that there is a general feeling of disappointment at the local Parish level with what has been interpreted as “broken trust” with the GOA as a result of its current financial position and circumstance. The GOA’s response must be both practical and cultural in order to rebuild the sacred trust between the GOA, the Metropolises and the Parishes. This specific healing process has started already.
• From a transparency standpoint, the GOA is willing and must provide the Faithful with comprehensive knowledge of its finances with total transparency. While the GOA has made verifiable progress towards this critical objective, please understand that a material amount of time and resources will be required to achieve true transparency. In the future, the GOA’s Annual Audit must be completed in a timely manner, then reviewed by a newly created independent audit committee that will brief the Executive Committee. Thereafter, the GOA’s Annual Audit will be posted online on the GOA’s website and published in the Orthodox Observer. A copy will be mailed to every Metropolis and Parish.
• Further, we recognize that Parishes have been asked to increase their GOA assessments for the next two years. The Parishes will not be asked to increase their assessments any more specifically as a result of the GOA’s current financial situation.
INTERNAL CONTROLS
The foundation for proper financial management in any organization is clear internal controls, practices and procedures. Every Government, every Church, every business and every not-for-profit institution is governed by rules, processes and procedures. This is the only way to ensure proper order, accountability and control. Further, these internal controls, practices and procedures must be documented, transparent, actively monitored and enforced.
The reason for the GOA’s structural operating deficit, accumulated financial obligations and the current acute cash funding issues it is experiencing today is very simple: a deficiency in proper internal controls.
Prior to even discovering the GOA’s financial difficulties, the Officers realized the GOA was deficient in internal controls, practices and procedures with respect to controlling expenditures. The discovery came in two forms. First, in the beginning of 2017, we reviewed the deficiency reports in the Grant Thornton audit reports from recent years. Second, we asked basic questions of management and staff. A logical question is why were the deficiency reports not addressed before? We do not have a concrete answer because this period predates our work, but we do have an observation: The reason is a problem of weak internal controls and processes. It is our understanding that the primary contact with Grant Thornton was the former Director of Administration and an audit committee that included the Chair of the Finance Committee, a breach of basic financial practices. The auditor should have met with an independent committee, or with the Finance Committee as a group, not staff or insiders. That is not done and will not happen again. This practice will be corrected promptly. Specifically, a new audit committee comprised of qualified Archdiocesan Council members will be appointed to serve through the end of July 2018. Improvements to the Regulations to establish a completely independent committee will be proposed to the 2018 Clergy-Laity Congress.
With the blessing of His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios, we started the process of implementing internal controls beginning in April 2017. Concurrently in May 2017, the GOA engaged Grant Thornton to conduct a thorough operations review intended to provide recommendations on how to create a world-class ecclesiastical not-for-profit institution from an internal controls perspective. This report cost $150,000, and was paid for by a private donor. The final report is expected to be received next month and will be shared with the Executive Committee.
Creating and implementing internal controls is a complex process that must be implemented with care. External resources will be required. Each process and procedure will need to be documented, implemented, communicated and enforced. This difficult and complex process will require time and resources, but is essential for order, structure and integrity in the operations of the Archdiocese.
In furtherance of establishing proper governance and internal controls, processes and procedures, with the blessing of his Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios, the following actions were taken:
• His Grace, Bishop Andonios, the GOA’s Chancellor, assumed key administrative responsibilities after the resignation of the former Director of Administration in September 2017.
• The Chairman of the Finance Committee was relieved of his duties in October 2017. Mr. Louis Kircos was named as the new Chair of the Archdiocesan Council’s Finance Committee.
• The Director of Finance of the GOA was relieved of his duties in September 2017.
• His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios, appointed Fr. Soterios Baroody as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Archdiocese in April 2017. Prior to his appointment, the GOA did not have the position of CFO. Father Baroody holds a Bachelor in Business Administration, a Master of Divinity Degree and a Master of Accounting Degree.
• Prior to the creation of the CFO office, the former Director of Administration had control of Administration and Finance. There has now been a clear separation of these functions.
• The Archbishop will appoint new members, with appropriate backgrounds in accounting and finance, to serve on the Archdiocesan Council Audit Committee through the end of July 2018. Thereafter, with the approval of the next Clergy-Laity Congress, a new Independent Audit Committee will be appointed. Members of the new committee will be required to have a professional background as CPAs and auditors. A vote of the Clergy-Laity Congress and the approval of the Ecumenical Patriarchate will be required to amend our GOA regulations to create this new Independent Audit Committee. Until the regulations can be amended, we will attempt to include as many independent and qualified members as possible on the standing Audit Committee. No longer will the auditor present its findings to GOA staff and insiders, but rather to this committee. This is similar to the conduct of publicly traded companies in the U.S. in respect of these matters.
• The GOA will engage an accounting firm to perform a consulting study of the GOA when practicable. Precatory accounting and booking work is required prior to beginning this process. The accounting firm will be asked, among other things, to verify the size of the GOA’s operating deficit and the current total obligations of the Archdiocese. This study will be funded by a private donor.
• PWC and Baker Hostetler have been retained to conduct an independent forensic audit of St. Nicholas. PWC will perform this service at a greatly reduced amount, and Baker Hostetler’s services are pro-bono. We thank both firms. This audit will also be funded by a private donor. These firms will report to an Independent Committee. Please understand that the Officers had no knowledge of, or participation in, the process involving the construction of St. Nicholas. The GOA will not have a comment, beyond the statement in its recent press release, regarding St. Nicholas until the forensic audit is completed. I can assure you, most personally, as the first $1 million cash donor to this project, that His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios, and the GOA remain committed to the construction of this National Shrine.
ACTIONS TAKEN REGARDING STRUCTURAL OPERATING DEFICIT
Upon becoming CFO in April 2017, Father Baroody conducted a ninety-day review of the GOA’s finances between April and the end of June. In July, less than four months ago, Father Baroody presented his initial report to His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios, and the Officers. In July, we were extremely disappointed when Father Baroody informed us that the GOA had an estimated structural operating deficit of approximately $4 to $5 million for 2017. Historically, a portion of that structural deficit was funded by gracious benefactors, some of whom have fallen asleep in the Lord.
With the blessings of His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios, and under the leadership of His Grace, Bishop Andonios, immediate and decisive actions were taken to reduce operating costs to bring revenues and expenditures into balance.
Beginning in August actions were taken to reduce the GOA’s operating cash costs by approximately $6.5 to $6.7 million. These actions included:
• Reducing staff across the board,
• Reducing general administrative costs, including staff cell phones, credit cards, travel and expense accounts which have been restricted and/or eliminated, and
• Implementing new vendor management protocols and controls
• Depending on the GOA’s receipt of assessments from the Parishes, additional cost reductions may be required in 2018.
I ask you, humbly and respectfully, to consider the magnitude of the cost and spending reductions that occurred within a month of discovering the scope of the structural operating deficit, and I ask you to reflect on how quickly and decisively we reacted to this discovery.
I can confirm that we are exceedingly disappointed that Father Baroody discovered transfers involving funds in restricted and custodial accounts of approximately $4.75 million. We believe that the funds in these accounts were transferred to fund the GOA’s legacy operating deficit. We are proceeding with an examination of all transfers, and will engage an accounting firm to confirm the specific nature of those transactions. We understand it is imperative that all avenues be explored to restore the proceeds to these accounts as soon as possible. We will pursue all options to do so. In the meantime, we believe that proper internal controls have been established to prevent this practice from occurring again.
FINANCE COMMITTEE AND THE BUDGET
The issue of the GOA’s “Official Budget” needs to be addressed. Every two years, the Clergy-Laity Congress approves the “Official Budget”. Speaking as the GOA’s Treasurer and as directly as I can, the facts demonstrate that this “Official Budget” does not reflect the actual financial status of the GOA. Anyone familiar with how organizations operate from a financial perspective, understands that budgets must be established from the ground up, and then monitored month-by-month, quarter by quarter and annually, for variances, in order to have any integrity. There is a strong recommendation that the Finance Committee meet with the CFO regularly to monitor variances in the new budget that is being developed relative to actual performance. Had that exercise occurred over the past two years, a more realistic and timely understanding of the GOA’s financial position would have been known 18-24 months ago.
REVENUE
The only way for the GOA’s operations and ministries to continue to operate is for the Parishes to fulfill their assessments. I pray that the combination of all the actions taken in the past few months, actions taken to ensure accountability and transparency will provide our Parishes with the level of trust and confidence required to fulfill their critical obligations to the GOA. These actions include new leadership, new people in critical senior management positions, a plan to implement new internal controls, practices and procedures, the establishment of new independent committees, the retention of accounting firms for various audits and reports, and very significant and immediate cost reductions. While we are working hard to transform the GOA, if the Parishes refrain from funding their assessments, the present and future of the Greek Orthodox Church of America will be impacted.
CONCLUSION
In a short period of time, by the Grace of God, the GOA has made strides to achieve its objectives of accountability and transparency necessary for its mission to proclaim the Gospel of Christ in the U.S.A and beyond.
The Officers, with the blessing of His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios, and the most Revered Hierarchs of our Holy Eparchial Synod, are working hard to bring order, structure and integrity to the operations of the Archdiocese.
We are people of faith and hope.
While our efforts may take time, we are making great progress.
Now is the time for all of us to work together for our future and the future of our children.
I ask for your prayers as we proceed with our endeavors. Everything I have said today is with respect and humility.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael Psaros, Treasurer
GREEK ORTHODOX METROPOLIS OF ATLANTA
ΙΕΡΑ ΜΗΤΡΟΠΟΛΙΣ ΑΤΛΑΝΤΑΣ
ATLANTA (Oct. 16, 2017) — Additional goals of the Metropolis of Atlanta Strategic Plan are complete and there is new content on the Web Portal for download. Parishioners are invited to use the new content found at www.atlstrategicplan.org/portal to enhance their efforts working for the Church and its many ministries. The new goals posted are the guides for implementing a Council of Ministries in your parish and a Comprehensive Stewardship Program.
All completed Goals as of today include: 1.1 Parish Strategic Planning, 1.3 Risk Management, 1.5 Council of Ministries, 3.3 Communications Director, 4.2 Orthodox Leadership Training, 5.1 Early Parenting, 5.2 Newly Married Couple Mentoring, 5.4 Seniors Program, 8.1 Spiritual Growth Resources, 9.1 Comprehensive Stewardship Program, 10.1 Metropolis Website and 10.3 Best Practices Metropolis Resource Center Portal.
For more information about the new content, please visit www.atlstrategicplan.org/portal or reach out to your Parish Champion. For more information about the upcoming Faith Forums in Atlanta during Archangel Michael Weekend on November 111, please visit www.atlstrategicplan.org/home/completed-goal-materials/faith-forums-at-archangel- michael.

Zoe Kafkes, Communications Director communications@atlmetropolis.org 404-634-9345 ext. 117
2480 Clairmont Road, NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30329
Web: www.atlmetropolis.org E-mail: info@atlmetropolis.org
October 13, 2017
My Brothers in Christ,
"It is of great significance if there is a person who truly prays in a family.
Prayer attracts God’s Grace and all the members of the family feel it...
...Pray always.” + Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica
I greet you with love and joy in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, praying that His blessings sustain and give us strength as we continue through this new fall season.
In the hopes of providing all our parishioners with plentiful resources, I write to you today to uplift the work of one of our own clergy families. Rev. Dr. Nicholas Louh is the priest at St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church in Jacksonville, Florida, and his Presbytera, Roxanne Louh, is also a licensed Clinical Psychologist. Together, they bring their educational and spiritual backgrounds to host a live internet radio show on Ancient Faith, called, “Healthy Minds, Healthy Souls” where they take listeners’ calls, providing an Orthodox perspective on topics such as conflict resolution, as well as myths in marriage and parenting. This live program airs on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 8 PM Eastern.
I strongly encourage each of you to support the work of one of your own priests and presbyteres. A forthcoming packet will include flyers for display on a table, inserts for your weekly bulletin, and a letter explaining “Healthy Minds, Healthy Souls” in more depth. In the meantime should you wish for more information on the program, visit facebook.com/healthymindshealthysouls. To contact Fr. Nick directly, use hmhsministries@gmail.com or at 904-704-1214.
We are blessed to have so many unique Orthodox Christian resources, and so I ask that you prayerfully consider lifting up this special ministry to your congregations, as a means of strengthening the Gospel we preach. I remain,
With paternal blessings and with much love in our Lord,
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+ A L E X I O S
Metropolitan of Atlanta
September 15, 2017
My Beloved Brothers and Concelebrants in Christ,
“O blessed Theotokos, open the doors of compassion to us whose hope is in you…” (From the Evening Prayers)
I greet you with love and joy in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! I feel blessed by Almighty God that I will soon be with you all next month, as part of our Fall Clergy Retreat, but I am especially thankful that on Thursday, October 12, we will all have the opportunity to participate in a Thyronixia, the Opening of the Doors for the first floor Conference Center of our Panagia Chapel.
I could not be happier when I think of all of my fellow co-workers in the Lord’s Vineyard gathered together for this special milestone in the life of this beautiful new temple which we are dedicating to our Beloved Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, our Panagia. I would also love to see many of the laymen from your communities join for this unique service.
Therefore, attached to this message you will find a flyer for the Opening of the Doors. I humbly ask that you share this message in your weekly and monthly bulletins, so that the faithful will be encouraged and uplifted to attend. Please note that we are asking the laity to RSVP with their priest or parish office by October 2, so that we may effectively plan for the appropriate number of participants. This means you will need to keep track of the number from your parish and communicate it to our offices.
I use the word participants to emphasize that we are blessed to experience something that is very rare in the lives of the Body of Christ. Very few are able to witness a service of this kind, and so this is why I call you participants, and not simply guests.
Together, I pray to see as many as are able to come, so that, all together—clergy and laity—we may raise our voices in prayer and glorification for all that God has done for us, through our efforts. I remain,
Paternally yours with love in the Lord,
+ A L E X I O S
Metropolitan of Atlanta
My dear brother in Christ,
If you have not visited our beautiful campus lately, you would be amazed to witness the newly heightened intellectual and spiritual zeal shown by our students as we begin the 2017-2018 academic year. You would be even more amazed to see that summer at HCHC, once a quiet interval between semesters, is now abuzz with activity all over the Holy Hill, thanks to an expanded range of programs for everyone from teenagers in the CrossRoad Institute to aspiring deacons to patristic scholars.
Although fall is upon us, we are already well into the planning of next summer’s offerings, as you will discover in the attached flyer. Please share it with your parishioners and encourage them to consider applying to one or more programs. As I’ve said, we truly have something for everyone!
Thank you for all you do to serve our Orthodox Faith. Please pray for the continued success of this unique and sacred school—your school—as we pray unceasingly for you.
With fraternal love in Christ,
Rev. Fr. Christopher T. Metropulos, D.Min.
President
Hellenic College, Inc.
Sometimes, the scriptures say things that really unsettle me. But I’ve learned when that happens, that’s a clue that I am approaching a place in my own heart that needs attention. And it’s beginning to dawn on me that most of the time I am unsettled by the wisdom of the Faith it’s because this wisdom is touching on suffering.
