Is there peace between St. Demetrios parish and the Archdiocese

The parish operated with the support of a major benefactor, Nikos Andriotis, whose contributions helped cover deficits and sustain operations.

When that support waned (after Mr. Andriotis passed away), structural financial issues at the parish and school became more acute. Rising operating costs, debts tied to a building project, and under-performance in revenue were contributing to a deepening crisis.

Loans, Building Projects, and Mortgaging Assets

In September 2024, the St. Demetrios community voted (two-thirds majority) to transfer 39% ownership of a newly-constructed mixed-use building (apartments/commercial portions across 30-67 31st Street) to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (GOA) in exchange for $3 million in financial support.

Operating costs for the parish, school, and ministries were reported to be about $6 million annually, placing strain on resources. The building project was intended to generate revenue (e.g. via daycare, rentals) to help offset these costs.

Oversight and Governance Tensions

The Archdiocese insisted on enhanced financial oversight in exchange for providing support. This includes ensuring proper accounting, reviewing cash flows and liabilities, and insisting on guarantees that funds provided will not be misused.

Some parish council members resisted signing documents that would transfer full administrative control (or overly broad authority) of the parish to the Archdiocese. Concerns focused on autonomy, local control of assets, and transparency.

Leadership Disputes and Removal of Council Members

As the dispute intensified, the Archdiocese removed several parish council members—including the parish president, Kelly Manetas, and John Stroumbakis—after those members had opposed Archdiocesan demands to sign control-transfer documents.

Also, there were allegations of financial mismanagement, past liabilities, and delays in providing accurate financial data to the Archdiocese. Board members and Archdiocesan officials traded claims about lack of transparency or late/delayed reporting of cash flow.

Resolution Steps & New Agreement

In late 2025, the two sides came to a joint financial oversight agreement intended to address many of the core contentious points. The main features are:

Oversight rather than control: St. Demetrios's Parish Council and school will retain day-to-day operations. The Archdiocese will work with them to implement more rigorous financial guidance, accountability, and transparency.

No sale of assets: Under the new framework, there will be no sale of assets as part of the oversight agreement.

The Archdiocese offered immediate cash relief via advancing $700,000 from the agreed purchase amount (for the building share), guaranteeing a line of credit of $1 million, and committing to ensure payrolls and vendor obligations are met.

An external consulting firm (selected by the Archdiocese) will be engaged to audit and advise on the parish and school finances, asset use, and sustainability.

Where Things Stand (as of Oct 2025)

The oversight agreement was approved by an "overwhelming majority" on October 13-14, 2025. The school is confirmed to remain open, despite fears it might close.

The Archdiocese has denied rumors of building sales other than the transfer of building share already approved. They rejected proposals that would cede full control or property beyond what has been agreed.

Unresolved Tensions and Risks

While the agreement is a significant step, not all issues are fully resolved.

Trust remains fragile between parishioners and the Archdiocese. Past omissions in financial reporting, delays, disputes over authority continue to fuel community concern.

The financial burden remains high: covering deficits going forward, sustaining operations, and ensuring the building generates sufficient income are ongoing challenges. The oversight agreement helps, but long-term sustainability depends on enrollment, donations, leasing income, etc.

The precise limits of the oversight (e.g. what authority the Archdiocese has vs. what remains in local control) are still being worked out in legal documents.

The St. Demetrios of Astoria conflict was driven by financial strain, debt from building projects, loss of benefactor support, and disputes over transparency and control. As of late October 2025, a framework has been agreed that seeks to balance parish autonomy with financial oversight, inject needed capital, and ensure the school remains open.

Whether this amounts to a full resolution depends on how well the oversight mechanism works in practice, whether the projected revenues (from property, school, rentals) materialize, and if trust can be rebuilt among the community members. So far both parties seem committed to investing in the St. Demetrios Greek-American School to ensure its strength and vitality for generations to come.

Together, the GOA and St. Demetrios reaffirm their dedication to the ongoing vitality of the parish, its schools, and its ministries for the benefit of current and future generations.