top

GOARCH - September 28, 1998
OFFICIAL NEWS

Archdiocesan Council Executive Committee
Takes Action in Conjunction with Archons

New York - On Friday, September 25, 1998, at the first meeting of the new Executive Committee of the Archdiocesan Council for the 1998 - 2000 term, certain specific actions were taken regarding an issue affecting the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Upon learning that the Archons had recently passed a resolution demanding the return of $100,000 in unauthorized payments to a consultant for fund raising services, the Executive Committee acted consistent with the directive of His Eminence establishing the highest standards of integrity and accountability in all Archdiocese affairs. The Executive Committee voted unanimously to recommend that this issue be referred to the proper authorities for investigation, and, pending final disposition by the relevant authorities, to suspend all other pending Archdiocesan relationships with the consultant, including Hellenic College and Holy Cross and St. Michael's Home for the Aged. The members of the Executive Committee requested a progress report on the issue within thirty days.

Speaking on behalf of the members of the Executive Committee, Vice-Chairman John Catsimitidis noted that the new Archdiocesan Council and Executive Committee would pursue any avenue to insure that the highest standards of accountability and fairness were upheld. On the following day, the full assembly of the Archdiocesan Council was apprised of the decision of the Executive Committee, as well as the National Commander of the Archons, who has issued a statement on behalf of the Archons, which is attached below.

______________________________

Statement

To: Archons of the Ecumencial Patriarchate
From: Anthony J. Limberakis, M.D.
National Commander
Re: Concert for Peace
St. John the Divine, New York City, NY
October 25, 1998

Date: September 20, 1998

At the September 17th meeting of the National Council the extensive issues and facts regarding the financial status of the Concert for Peace were presented by the Concert Committee to the National Council of the Order of St. Andrew for full discussion and resolution. The report indicated that approximately $100,000 was received by the fund raising consultant for the Concert for Peace without the knowledge or authorization of the Concert Committee or the National Council. The National Council passed a resolution demanding the immediate restitution of these monies from the consultant. Financial safeguards and controls have been instituted and reinforced to prevent any future reoccurrence. All checks issued by the National Council require the signatures of two officers and all expenditures over $500 require full Council approval.

The Concert for Peace has successfully raised net contributions of $300,000, which have been transmitted to the Ecumenical Patriarchate with an additional $100,000 to be sent within the next several days, towards fulfilling the pledge of $500,000.

[ GOARCH
  archdiocesan-council-executive-committee-takes-action-in-conjunction-with-archons
  September 28, 1998 ]