Controversial Serbian bishop's woes follow him from US

Nikolai Soraich at a youth seminar in Melbourne. He was removed as bishop of Alaska by the Orthodox Church. Photo: Simon Schluter

A SERBIAN bishop who was forcibly retired in the US after a revolt by his clergy is working in Victoria, where his presence has divided the Serbian Orthodox community.

Bishop Nikolai Soraich was removed as bishop of Alaska by the Orthodox Church in America this year after two investigations upheld a litany of complaints, including that he appointed to the clergy in Alaska a man jailed for sexual abuse of minors.

The bishop was forced to cancel his visit to St Stephan of Dechani church at Carrum Downs 10 days ago after members of the congregation protested before the service. And police were called on Sunday after a confrontation between the congregation and members of other Serbian churches who travelled from Greensborough and Keysborough.

Official church investigations in Alaska into Bishop Nikolai found that he repeatedly abused and intimidated clergy and laypeople, violated the church's rules on sexual misconduct and fostered an atmosphere of fear and mistrust. He was also sued by a missionary he sacked after the missionary complained he was sexually harassed by Bishop Nikolai's chancellor, Father Isidore.

Father Isidore, who often referred to himself at Mrs Soraich, complained when drunk that Bishop Nikolai beat him, but retracted the complaint when sober, according to reports from Alaska. There is no suggestion of sexual relations between Bishop Nikolai and Father Isidore, whom the bishop repeatedly and rapidly promoted, but allegations of psychological abuse are cited in the official church report.

Nevertheless, Serbian community sources say Father Isidore is planning to join the bishop in Australia.

Archpriest Michael Oleksa, who is now administering the Alaskan diocese, told The Age that "the last five years under (Bishop Nikolai's) management were some of the most difficult we have endured in our 210-year history". "He was racist, he attempted to redirect our church so as to significantly change its identity, and he was personally unkind to the point of cruelty. Each of these charges could have several pages of testimony. All were upheld by the investigating committee that came from New York after dozens, if not hundreds, of complaints."

Bishop Nikolai was investigated twice, first by the chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America, then by two bishops. Both investigations upheld the complaints. Rather than be suspended, Bishop Nikolai agreed to take permanent leave of absence.

Father Oleksa said Bishop Nikolai was extremely charming and intelligent, and he was not surprised the bishop had found sanctuary in Australia. Now Bishop Nikolai is based at the St Sava monastery at Elaine, near Ballarat, and is leading church services and visiting parishioners.

Asked by The Age about the strife in Alaska, he said: "I wouldn't comment on such ludicrous statements. Once you comment on something that's foolish you have to comment on everything that's foolish."

But he said he had not been forcibly retired. "In the Orthodox Church a bishop cannot be forcibly retired. He can retire voluntarily or be removed by a church court, and neither has happened."

He said he would love to stay in Australia, "the people have been absolutely wonderful".

Bishop Nikolai is in Australia "under the hospitality" of the Serbian Orthodox Bishop of Australia, Bishop Irinej, who has been overseas. The diocesan office did not return calls.

"Under hospitality" means Bishop Nikolai has no canonical status in Australia and operates as guest of Bishop Irinej. The pair were reportedly friends in the US, and Bishop Irinej notified all Australian parishes that Bishop Nikolai should be welcomed.

The Serbian Orthodox community in Australia is small, but tensions are high after a merger between two branches 15 years ago. Some churches are in dispute with Bishop Irinej and have declared independence.

The parish secretary at Carrum Downs, who did not want to be named, confirmed that Bishop Nikolai's visit had been cancelled after parishioners read about his problems in the US on the internet.

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Two charged with 220 sex offences at 'prayer sessions'

One of the two men (left) is led away.

Dylan Welch

September 12, 2008 - 1:15PM

Two men have been charged with more than 220 sex offences commited at "prayer sessions" at Sydney hotels and motels.

Police say one of the men had claimed he could speak to angels and remove curses.

The men, Arthur Psichogios, 38, and Tony Golossian, 61, were arrested at their homes this morning by Strike Force Wanda, but after being taken to Burwood police station, Golossian was then taken to hospital after complaining of chest pains.

Psichogios and Golossian portrayed themselves as members of the Greek Orthodox and Coptic Orthodox communities, police say.

They are alleged to have committed the offences over a period of four years on a woman who believed she was cursed.

Police allege the older man claimed to be a spiritual mentor who was able to speak to angels, remove curses and banish evil spirits.

They allege the victim believed she and her family had been cursed by a member of the Greek community practising black magic and that they would all suffer terrible consequences, including death and illness, unless the curse were removed.

The woman told police she attended many prayer sessions at various hotels between 2001 and 2005 where she was blindfolded and sexually assaulted.

It is alleged she paid the men between $500 and $1000 for each prayer session and by 2005 had paid at least $70,000.

The two men were both arrested in June - along with Psichogios' 36-year-old wife - over previous allegations of sexual assault on a 40-year-old woman.

Mr Psichogios was charged with attempted sexual assault.

Golossian was charged with three counts of aggravated sexual assault against the woman in Summer Hill and demanding $50,000 with menace.

They were released on bail and subsequently re-arrested today and charged with 220 counts in relation to another woman, now aged 30.

At a press conference at Burwood police station this morning acting Fairfield Commander, Gary Bailey, said the two women had been assaulted by the men in motels and hotels in the Ashfield area.

"I have never seen anything as bizarre as this or as callous as this before, it's perpetrated on young women in the community who really don't deserve it,'' Acting Superintendent Bailey said.

Superintendent Bailey also said police will allege similar acts were committed against both women.

"Police will allege also that both victims may have been drugged during these incidents.''
He would not discuss the specifics of the alleged acts, how or with what they were drugged.

Superintendent Bailey said police could not rule out the possibility there had been other victims.

"Two extremely courageous women have already come forward with information which has led to the arrests of these two men," Supt Bailey said.

"We will allege these women have been the cruel prey of callous individuals who used religious fear to manipulate and abuse them for their sexual gratification and financial gain.

"Sexual offences are heinous but an offender who hides behind the cloak of religious respectability is particularly vile,'' Superintendent Bailey said.

"Our investigations are far from over and we cannot rule out the possibility of other victims and I would urge any woman or person, particularly in the Greek Orthodox or Coptic community, with any information to come forward.

"These two women have already shown tremendous strength and courage to overcome the embarrassment and shame they feel to contact police.

"For that they deserve to be acknowledged.'' The two men were today expected to appear at Burwood Local Court charged with 151 and 79 sexual offences, respectively.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information can be given anonymously and will be treated confidentially, police say.

- with Georgina Robinson and AAP

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Man refused bail over 'curse' sex charges

A Sydney court has refused bail to a man accused of 69 sexual assault offences against a woman.

Arthur Psichogios, 38, is charged with 68 counts of sexual intercourse without consent and one count of assault against a 38-year-old woman.

A second man, a 61-year-old, is yet to appear in court as he was taken to hospital after his arrest suffering chest pains.

It is alleged the offences were carried out over four years as part of religious rituals aimed at removing a curse on the victim's family.

In Burwood local court, Psichogios's barrister said the crown had a weak case against his client, who he described as a hardworking breadwinner for his family.

The magistrate, Jane Motley, said Psichogios was facing the prospect of a full-time custodial sentence so refused him bail.

Psichogios will re-appear in late October.

Meanwhile, New South Wales Police say they incorrectly identified two alleged sex offenders arrested today as "highly regarded members of the Greek Orthodox and Coptic Orthodox Communities".

Detectives now say there is no evidence linking either of the men to the Coptic Church.

The Greek Orthodox Church has also released a statement saying that the man identified as Greek Orthodox is unknown to churches across Australia.

Police now acknowledge that belief in "the Evil Eye" is not an accepted belief within the Greek Orthodox or Coptic Orthodox faith.

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Priest's behaviour was "unorthodox" says judge

Greek Orthodox priest John Grillis arrives at Burwood Court in Sydney after being charged with the assault of a parish member. Photo: AAP Image/Jenny Evans

THE Greek Orthodox priest of St Nektarios church in Burwood, Sydney, pleaded guilty two Fridays ago to a charge of common assault.

An additional charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm was withdrawn by the prosecution after an agreement was struck with the defence.

Father John Grillis, 53, however was not convicted because he was provoked, according to Magistrate William Pearce. Moreover, the minor nature of the offence and his previous good character were weighed in by the Magistrate not to convict Father Grillis.

The Magistrate found that the charge of common assault was established and noted to the priest, "You've laid your hands in a somewhat unorthodox fashion."

The incident that led to the charges occurred February 1, 2006 during a parish community meeting.

Words were allegedly exchanged between John Mihalopoulos, 70, and Father John Grillis.

As a result, an altercation broke out and Father Grillis allegedly put Mihalopoulos in a headlock while sticking a glass to his neck. Father Grillis denied his guilt and stated to NKEE that he pleaded guilty because he could not afford to proceed further with legal expenses, otherwise he claimed that he would have been exonerated.

"I'm a family man, if I pursued this (trial) for another five days it would have cost me an additional $30,000," said Father Grillis.

He did concede to grabbing Mr Mihalopoulos by the shirt. "I never denied that I grabbed him by the shirt because that was the wise thing to do at the time, after he offended me" said Father Grillis.

"He was marching towards me, wagging his finger" he added.

When asked if he considered his behaviour contradictory to his capacity as a priest he replied, "You're not going to preach to me. I was defending the honour of the church. In the first Ecumenical Synod, St Nicholas slapped Arios because he undermined the honour and integrity of the church. I'm not saying that I'm St Nicholas but when he (Mihalopoulos) is marching towards me, wagging his hand what am I supposed to do?" asked Father Grillis rhetorically.

Mr Mihalopoulos argued that what happened was "very sad, not only for me but for everyone and for our Orthodox faith."

Father Grillis will not be serving the St Nektarios church at Burwood any longer as he has been transferred to the St Athanasios church at the Rookwood Cemetery.

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Geelong's Russian community prays for peace

SHOCKED: Geelong Russian Orthodox Church leader Fr Simeon Kichakov last night led a service for peace between Russia and Georgia.Photo: ALISON WYND


Danny Lannen

August 14th, 2008

MEMBERS of Geelong's Russian community prayed for peace last night as the world watched uneasy truce in a conflict between Russia and neighbouring Georgia.

Geelong Russian Orthodox Church leader Fr Simeon Kichakov included special dedication in a service last night.

He said yesterday people were deeply concerned and remained glued to international television news bulletins.

Reports yesterday said a peace plan had been brokered to halt the bloody conflict which escalated when Russian tanks and troops poured into Georgia after a Georgian offensive to reclaim the region of South Ossetia.

Fr Kichakov yesterday hoped protagonists might find a better way.

"The whole thing is of course regrettable," Fr Kichakov said.

"In a civilised world not taking the Christian way of achieving peace is shocking.

"In any conflict in any part of the world there is usually somebody right, somebody not quite right and somebody in the middle.

"The whole world takes a look at it and comments.

"The world, Europe and of course America sees it differently and of course the best way to resolve these things is by peaceful means.

"I don't know what to say, I wish it never took place."

Fr Kichakov said Russian community members were upset to hear words like genocide being used during the conflict.

"There's lots of words we don't hear much in Australia happening," he said.

Fr Kichakov said prayers for peace would be maintained at a service today.

The Geelong Advertiser was unable to talk to any Geelong Georgian community members yesterday.

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Priest faces assault hearing

August 08, 2008 12:16pm

A GREEK Orthodox priest allegedly grabbed a parishioner around the neck after a disagreement at a church committee meeting, a Sydney court has been told.

Father John Grillis is facing two charges of assault relating to the alleged incident at a Greek Orthodox church in Burwood on February 1, 2006.

Giving evidence today in Burwood Local Court, John Mihalopoulos demonstrated what allegedly happened at the meeting, using a volunteer from the court to show how he was placed in a headlock.

Mr Mihalopoulos said he and Father Grillis had disagreed on something when Father Grillis got up from the table where committee members were sitting and grabbed an empty glass.

"He grabbed me by the neck, he squeezed me strongly and put the glass on my neck," he said.

Mr Mihalopoulos said the incident had left him unable to sleep in the weeks following and led him to seek help from a doctor.

"I remember this scene all the time," he said.

"It hasn't left my mind."

The hearing continues before Magistrate William Pierce.

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An angel answers his calling

18/07/2008 4:00:00 AM

In the Old Testament, the name Seraphim is used to refer to the highest ranking angel.

Gunning man Seraphim Slade was baptised a Christian. Upon leaving the Navy as a young man, Mr Slade decided he was looking for spirituality in his life.

He spent a year researching the world religions and finally decided upon joining the Russian Orthodox Church. Mr Slade has been a member of the Church for 23 years and on Monday July 7 he was ordained a Deacon – the first Indigenous Deacon in the history of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Mr Slade, who hosts a regular program on Yass FM called Kori Korner, has discovered remarkable similarities between the Orthodox beliefs and his traditional Indigenous spirituality. This deep connection was one of the motivating reasons for his decision to become a follower of the Russian Orthodox faith.

“It is the closest Christian religion where you can inter-relate traditional Aboriginal spirituality with orthodoxy. It is so compatible with traditional Indigenous spirituality.”

“The more I delve into it the closer I find Orthodox spirituality an extension of traditional Indigenous spirituality.”

Mr Slade describes his role of Deacon as the “Priest’s Helper” in that he assists the Priest in serving the altar. Personally, his faith mission is to help his Indigenous brothers and sisters; a mission that was strengthened by Kevin Rudd’s Apology.

“My personal hope is to help my people lift themselves above the previous problems of the past and the current problems we are having now…

“…I realised when Kevin Rudd said sorry that it allowed people to say ‘we forget’. It lifted a great weight off the Indigenous population and I saw that healing. I realised the spiritual side of life also needs to be worked out.”

Mr Slade said the Metropolitan of the Russian Orthodox Church (similar to a Cardinal) authorised him to concentrate on helping Indigenous people in Australia. A short time later, the Metropolitan sent Mr Slade an email asking him to become a Deacon of the Church.

Mr Slade had served as a Sub-Deacon for 12 years prior and unlike many of those who are bestowed with Holy Orders he did not study at a seminary but had ‘on the job training.’

Mr Slade was ordained on Monday July 7 at St John the Baptist, a Russian Orthodox Church in Canberra. It was the first time a Deacon had been ordained at St John the Baptist and the first time an Indigenous Deacon had been ordained in the history of the Russian Orthodox Church.

With his wife Helen, Mr Slade travels to Canberra on a regular basis where he serves the altar, a job he does without speaking a word of the Russian language.

“I can read Slavonic enough to understand what is going on. Ninety per cent of services I can follow without needing an English service book but I can’t speak Slavonic – I do my serving in English,” Mr Slade said.

He juggles his commitments to the Church with his hectic work schedule, which involves frequent trips across the country as the Radio Director for the Australian Indigenous Communications Association.

Mr Slade said his strategic plan for life has been thrown out the window. “I have only just realised that it is not about what I want. Is about what God wants.”

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