The Rev. Dr. Christos Christakis, longtime priest at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Buffalo, has been fired after a church investigation into the misuse of parish funds by Christakis for personal use.

Christakis admitted to the misuse of funds totaling $365,000, according to letters from a lawyer for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and congregants in Buffalo that were obtained by 2 On Your Side Investigates. The money was "intended to be used?as a discretionary fund to provide financial assistance to individuals in need who sought his help," the letter stated, but some of the funds were ?improperly diverted? for personal usage.

"Following a thorough internal investigation, it was determined that Father Christos Christakis of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church misused funds from a parish discretionary account for personal purposes over the course of several years,? the archdiocese said Wednesday in a statement. ?Father Christos co-operated fully with the investigation, admitted his misconduct, and has expressed deep remorse. He has made restitution to the parish in the amount of approximately $365,000, which he calculated as the full amount of misused funds.?

But the investigation has rocked Buffalo?s vibrant and proud Greek community, which celebrates its annual Buffalo Greek Fest from Friday through Sunday at the church at Delaware Avenue and West Utica Street.

Christakis did not respond to a phone call and messages seeking comment about the allegations. A May 5 email to congregants from George A. Tsougarakis, general counsel for the archdiocese, said Christakis? spouse had ?significant medical issues,? which the lawyer described as "an understandable struggle?but one that he acknowledges does not excuse his conduct."

?There were warning signs and, you know, many people other than me had conversations with him about it and he would always explain it away,? said Athena Tsembelis, former leader of the parish council and the festival.

Tsembelis was one of six former parish council presidents who wrote to the archdiocese in April, stating, ?Dr. Christakis has broken our trust, and we have no confidence in him as a priest or leader.?

But it?s unclear whether Christakis will be criminally prosecuted.

Tsougarakis wrote in a recent letter on Annunciation letterhead, ?We have now been informed that, following several conversations with our investigative team and a review of the matter, the detective bureau of the Buffalo Police Department has determined not to pursue criminal charges and has declined to investigate this matter further.?

But an assistant to Police Commissioner Alphonso Wright said in an email, ?The Buffalo Police Department conducted an investigation into the alleged theft, provided options to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, and is fully willing to file criminal charges if the Church would agree to be a complainant in the case. At this point in time, the Church has opted not to do so. Should the Church decide to pursue charges, Buffalo Police is prepared to file criminal charges at this time.?

A spokesperson for Erie County District Attorney Michael Keane said Wednesday, ?Our office received an inquiry yesterday regarding the reported misuse of parish funds. If there is a cooperative complainant and a viable criminal charge, we will proceed accordingly.?

Tsembelis said of the archdiocese, ?I hope they turn over the evidence. If they don't, it's OK and these are all documents that we have and we can prepare any information the district attorney needs to, you know, to help support the, the efforts.?

She hopes the scandal does not overshadow the festival, she stressed has separate finances from the church.

?I think we all need to get clear on our questions and what we need to do to move forward?what the way forward will be for the community,? she said.

Tsembelis said organizers are focused on the festival this weekend and will come together to decide a path forward for the church when the congregation holds its general assembly meeting June 22. (WGRZ, excluding headline)

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