Today, October 10, 2025, in the courtyard of St. Demetrius Church in Astoria, a protest gathering of parents, community members, and friends of the historic school took place. The mobilization came in response to the decision of Archbishop Elpidophoros of America to dismiss six members of the board and replace them with new faces, a move that many perceive as an intervention in the internal affairs of the community.
The atmosphere was particularly tense. The priest of the church, Father Athenagoras, attempted to speak to the crowd that had flooded the courtyard and the street in front of the school, but the voices and the boos did not allow him to do so. In a fit of disgust, the gathered people sang the National Anthem and the hymn "Thi Ypermacho", while there was no shortage of harsh descriptions towards the priest, who was described as a "Turk". He reacted strongly, declaring: "I am not Turkish; I am Greek and I am shouting it".
The crisis has its roots a few days ago, when the Archbishop presented a plan to strengthen the community with funding of 3,5 million dollars. The amount would be accompanied by the concession of 39% of the ownership of the building opposite that the community had erected with its own resources. Despite the promise of an immediate payment of one million, the proposal provoked strong reactions and was seen by many as a degradation of the community's self-government.
The Archdiocese of America, realizing the escalation, held a press conference on Monday, October 6 at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New York, presenting the financial problems of St. Demetrius and assuring that “the school will not close, but will be supported so that it can become better.” The interview was attended by His Eminence Bishop of Nazianzus, Mr. Athenagoras, Fr. Elias Willis, Fr. Anargyros Stavropoulos, Mrs. Eleni Allen, Mr. George Tsougarakis and Fr. Grigorios Stamkopoulos, while a message from the Archbishop, who was in Florida, was read.
His Holiness spoke of “decades of accumulated debts, deficits and fruitless investments” that have led the community to an impasse. On the other hand, the reactions of parents and community members show that the trust gap with the Archdiocese has deepened.
What is certain is that the crisis in Agios Demetrios, Astoria, will continue as long as the two sides do not sit at the same table to find common solutions. Developments are awaited with interest, as the issue touches not only the educational mission of the Greek-American community, but also the unity of the Greek-American community itself.
The causes of the crisis
During the interview, there was talk of accumulated debts, deficits and failed projects, which led the community to a financial impasse. For immediate relief, an advance payment of $700.000 was decided by the Archdiocese, as part of an agreement that includes the purchase of a minority interest in a community building, in order to ensure liquidity for salaries and current needs. At the same time, guarantees were given for a bank credit of $1 million, an amount that had already become overdue.
The message to the community
The representatives denied rumors of property sales and called for unity, emphasizing that the survival and progress of Agios Demetrios require responsibility and serious management. The Archdiocese, as stated, is proceeding with a consolidation plan and is preparing a national aid campaign.
Despite the difficulties, the message conveyed was clear: Agios Demetrios of Astoria will remain a beacon for the Greek Diaspora and will continue to be supported by all means.
photo https://saintdemetriosastoria.com/, Hellenic Orthodox Community of Astoria
