The St.Nicholas Re-Start Creates More Questions Than Answers
By Nick Stamatakis
Today’s meeting and following announcement by GOARCH about the re-start of building St.Nicholas at Ground Zero, would normally have made all of us, faithful followers of the Greek Orthodox Church, very happy as we have been waiting for a long two years since the time construction stopped. In a few words it was announced that the already formed 13-member committee (13 is the only friends they have left and 13 is a bad luck number!) of the Friends of St.Nicholas will “raise money for the re-building of St. Nicholas; fund the re-building of St. Nicholas; oversee construction of St. Nicholas; and conduct appropriate audits”.
The committee is chaired by Dennis Mehiel, a democratic donor closely related to governor Cuomo (as well as Karloutsos), while vice chairman will be Michael Psaros, closely related to Karloutsos. Archbishop Elpidophoros will be the honorary chairman, while Fr.Karloutsos will serve as a “spiritual advisor”. Several well-known rich friends of Fr.Karloutsos will all be members (John Catsimatidis, Maria Allwin, John Kalamos, Chrysa Demos, George Mihaltses, John Payiavlas, Dean Spanos, George Stamboulidis). Richard Browne will serve as the COO of construction…
Let me first note that the repetition in the above statement about fundraising (“will raise money… and… will fund”) is very significant and certainly means that some or all of the committee members will use their deep pockets to fund the project. All real fundraising efforts – including the recent event at Carnegie Hall which proved to be a bust – have produced next to nothing. Let’s also not forget the statement by John Catsimatides in April 27, 2019 that “If the Archdiocese is in charge, they’re not giving the money”, meaning that donors will not participate because they have lost trust in the Archdiocese… What has changed to make him and other donors pledge donations and support? Catsimatidis gives the obvious – but hardly believable – answer in today’s report at the NY Post: “The people who give to the church had lost confidence. The new church administration has given us confidence and the money is now available…” In fact, Catsimatidis explains that the $40 million needed for the project has already been raised – but he does not bother to explain how… Good-bye once again to transparency and accountability… But could anyone explain to us how come the new committee starts action while the investigation about the past frauds are still going on? How is this possible? With its “spiritual advisor” under investigation?
Not only the present but the past fundraising and expenses are not completely accounted for as we are left with the “less than forthcoming” – to put it mildly – report by PWC (you can see it here: PWC REPORT ON ST NICHOLAS GROUND ZERO). This report will be thoroughly analyzed and exposed by facts provided by the whistleblower who gave all the information to the Feds… And yes, it was not the Archdiocese itself who “checked its own practices” – this was a laughable statement. The whole truth will be revealed in the days and weeks to come – stay tuned… In the meantime, we are still waiting to hear how much of a commission was pocketed by Father Alex out of the $38 million that were raised. Is it 15% as it is said? And why does he not reveal the real numbers?
Also, what will be the final nature of the “Shrine”? Will it be open to all religions as some allege? As far as the “separation of church and state”, today’s meeting is foolproof evidence that such a separation is not practiced in the State of New York…
Further, nobody has bothered to answer the even more burdensome questions: How come the budget for St.Nicholas ballooned to over $80 million, for a building fairly small, smaller than most churches in the U.S. (3700 square feet and just 36 feet tall). Who are we kidding? If we are to pay $22,000 per square foot for St.Nicholas, it would be cheaper to make it out of 16 karat gold!! And who is going to account for the millions that went to the Ecumenical Patriarchate as a payback for the Ukrainian Autucephaly, according to the expert research of James Giatras?
The short answer to the above questions is that the federal prosecutors (who gave plea bargain deals to Papadakos and Demetriou) will answer the questions, and the appropriate answer should certainly be the arrest of Fr. Karloutsos and his indictment. The generations of Greek-Americans, whose sacrifices and generosity have built this Church, deserve answers. Karloutsos refuses to give them voluntarily, and so, he will have to give them by force… One has to just take a look at how “aged” Fr.Karloutsos appears in certain photos of today’s meeting, in order to realize how much pressure he is under. The prosecutors’ noose is tightening by the day and no close ties with the governor of New York will save him of the federal DA’s ax…
As for the rest of today’s, clearly staged, meeting and announcement, one has just to say one name only to truly understand what it was all about. The name is Joe Percoco. He was for 20 years Andrew Cuomo’s right-hand man. He was entering and exiting his office at will, he was accompanying Cuomo everywhere, even in the restroom some tongues say… Yet, when Joe Percoco was arrested and later convicted and sentenced to 6 years in jail (in the fall of 2018), Andrew Cuomo suddenly lost his memory. He “did not know” who Percoco was… Why was Percoco convicted? Because he demanded a serious bribe ($300.000) from a private company who wanted a building permit in Manhattan that required N.Y. State authorization… In the allegation, which reads like a Sopranos episode, Percoco was heard in a phone conversation demanding his cash, code-named “his ziti”… (this was the only one crime the DAs were able to fully prove – there have surely been many more…) After all, it is certainly no coincidence that the governor’s brother (and CNN Anchor) Chris Cuomo and Karloutsos’s son, Michael, are both appropriately nicknamed “Fredo”, after the famous “Godfather” character, known for his (…less than stellar) intellect…
(Joe Percoco in the middle of the photo above)
And so, if anyone wonders what was the main goal of the two main figures of yesterday’s meeting, Karloutsos and Cuomo, the answer is as short as it is accurate: “money is the mother’s milk of politics…”
January 2, 2019, n.stamatakis@aol.com
How about a little love for the St Nicholas Church at Ground Zero? You don’t like it? Don’t give it a penny and never visit. You don’t like Calatrava? Blame Demetrios and start looking at his culpability? Everything that went south happened under him. And does Niko have secret info about Karloutsos that makes him certain of his imminent indictment? Show your cards!
How convenient.
I will make a prediction. I am going to say that absolutely nothing will happen to Karloutsos. Everything will just…go away. People will be dumbfounded because his guilt will be seemingly obvious. It will be very reminiscent of another guilty actor who walked away unscathed. Her first name begins with H…and her last name is Clinton.
Of course, George Stamboulides was not only Giuliani’s star mafia prosecutor, but Stamboulides mom is a direct relation to the Cappadocian Fathers. Johhny Cats’ mother-in-law, Tatiana Horunowycz, was a noble tsarist ballerina. The others on the board are the best and brightest, not the sniveling dross who scorn from envy.
Below please find an article from yesterday in The National Herald.
Gov. Cuomo Officially Welcomes Archbishop Elpidophoros, Announces St. Nicholas Plans
By TNH Staff
January 2, 2020
https://www.thenationalherald.com/277466/gov-cuomo-officially-welcomes-archbishop-elpidophoros-announces-st-nicholas-plans/
Below please find an article from today by Nicholas Karakas of Naples, Florida, under the “Opinions” section in The National Herald.
Our Orthodox Church, Our Beloved Orthodox Church
By Nicholas Karakas
January 3, 2020
https://www.thenationalherald.com/277616/our-orthodox-church-our-beloved-orthodox-church/
Below please find another article from today by The Associated Press, in The National Herald.
AP: Rebuilding of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church to Resume
By Associated Press
January 3, 2020
https://www.thenationalherald.com/277555/ap-rebuilding-of-st-nicholas-greek-orthodox-church-to-resume/
Rhonda in la la land of Elpy et al all that needed for great deeds are λόγια, πολλά. αnd we greeks can produce a lot of bullshit hot air. I know. I’m Greek!! ?
“The article didn’t go into any specific acts of greatness or the miraculous, of course; but all are assured that he has performed them nonetheless.”
Sounds familiar…
“…I will do such things —
What they are yet I know not, but they shall be
The terrors of the earth! You think I’ll weep:
No, I’ll not weep.”
[King Lear: II.iv.280-283]
Below please find an article from Thursday in the New York Post.
METRO
Stalled construction of Greek church at WTC site to resume
By Carl Campanile
January 2, 2020 | 7:04pm
https://nypost.com/2020/01/02/stalled-construction-of-greek-church-at-wtc-site-to-resume/
“By Carl Campanile”
Campanile?
Will there be Italianate towers?
To make Francis feel at home?
I’m not sure he would feel at home anywhere. That man is not a happy camper. He snapped at a woman recently (actually slapped her hand) and the look on his face was not the Francis the world thinks he is. He apologized. I’ll give him credit for that but that woman brought out something in him I’ve only heard stories about from those who work with him. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WySwhj2SwE
I think, perhaps, you are too harsh here.
He is an old man. She grabbed him and pulled him back.
She nearly pulled him off his feet.
He was surprised and shocked.
She was out of order.
I don’t think so.
Not too long ago, I worked in Long Beach over by the Queen Mary. After work, I would cut through these little shops at the Pike to go to a quaint Irish pub on Pine Street with the best boxties I have ever eaten. I usually worked late so it was almost dark this one particular night and I remember feeling a little nervous because I didn’t see any people around like I normally did. I was stepping off a curb when this guy who was probably in his mid-30s, came out of nowhere and grabbed me from behind. He pinned me with his arms and lifted me up and back onto the curb. I turned my head around, and with his arms still around me said, “Why are you doing this?” He responded, “I don’t want you to get hit by that motorcycle.” I said, “What motorcycle?” Just then, an orange and yellow motorcycle came screaming around the corner at breakneck speed. I said, “How could you possibly know a motorcycle was coming around the corner?” He said, “Lady, we’re shooting a movie and you just walked onto our set. I’m surprised they took the shot.”
OK, it’s kind of funny but there is something revealing about how one reacts when surprised. It’s not contrived.
This man, who seeks the adulation of crowds of different people from different cultures, should not expect that everyone he encounters will meet his expectations of decorum. If someone surprises him, he certainly shouldn’t lose control, slap their hand several times and scold them. He pulled away with utter disgust on his face, even though he knew she meant no harm. If there were any question that her intentions were not benign, his bodyguards would have wrestled her to the ground. They didn’t. Nor did they seem surprised by the way Francis responded.
Let me ask you this: If your kid did the same thing to his teacher, i.e. grabbed her hand out of excitement causing her to momentary lose her balance, and she slapped his hand several times, cursed him and walked away in disgust, would you have a problem with it? I’m guessing you would because you would understand how traumatizing this can be for a kid. I imagine it would be equally traumatizing for Catholics who see Francis as their spiritual father and the Vicor of Christ behave so poorly. Moments before he had a smile plastered on his face. That poor Asian woman is not likely to forget what happened to her. I have never behaved unprofessionally in my own job although people have had all kinds of tantrums. I once had a homicidal, 250 lbs female Marine lock me in my office and threaten to kill me. I handled it. This is Francis’ job. He should be able to handle it, too.
I don’t think the woman was “out of order.” She may have been overzealous but she wasn’t trying to do anything wrong. He is easily angered and it’s part of his personality. In other words, this was not a “one-off” and I believe his followers walk away perplexed and deeply hurt when he behaves like this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4QCkK4aTyY
Gail yes re Pope.. I think the smile is a mask.
Let me ask you this: Imagine that, instead of the pope, it had been frail old Queen Elizabeth who had been grabbed by a forty-something man in just that way and she had slapped his hand in that same manner. Would you have a problem with her? Or with him?
Queen Elizabeth would never do something like this but if she did, yes, I would think it was inappropriate.
Have you ever been bumped in a crowd and felt yourself teetering or had someone cut in front of you, or spill their drink all over you, or a little child kick the back of your chair or a woman hug you and stain your jacket with her make-up (I think I’ve even inadvertently done that!)? These are all fairly common experiences so I’m guessing a few of these things have happened to you. Have you ever slapped and cursed the person in response? If the answer is yes, shame on you! (kidding) However, I’m sure the answer is no. We don’t retaliate when people unintentionally annoy or surprise us. It has been reported many times that Francis has a temper and can be very punitive.
Christ was accosted in crowds. Did He ever slap or curse anyone? No. Because Francis is a spiritual leader, we have a right to expect more from him in this regard. Did you see the video I provided where he repeatedly pulled his hand away when some people tried to kiss his ring?
The British monarch once slapped her nephew across the face repeatedly, [Elton] John writes in his new book, “Me,” according to a report in the Sunday Times of London.
While at a party, the Rocketman claims, QEII asked her nephew, Viscount Linley, to watch over his sister, Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones, because she wasn’t feeling well and had left the festivities to go rest. Linley had no interest in doing so.
“When he [Linley] repeatedly tried to fob her off, the Queen lightly slapped him across the face, saying ‘Don’t’ – slap – ‘argue’ – slap – ‘with’ – slap – ‘me’ – slap – ‘I’ – slap – ‘am’ – slap – ‘THE QUEEN!’”
https://pagesix.com/tag/elton-john/
Yeah, he probably deserved it. LOL
I expect Bartholomew would like to administer the same to Kyrill.
Gail, one thing is for sure:
We have now seen his “deep”
spirituality,
friendliness,
self-control,
maturity
and infallibility,
when the mask very easily fell off his face.
She abused him! We are not a nanny state but a granny state! We need priests to slap them back to work instead of harlequin religion and trump dolls. Retirement should be at ninety minus five years for every natural kid.
I for one will wait to see how things turn out. While it is easy to make someone a scapegoat, in this case Fr. Alex Karloutsos, for what is surely more than just an embarrassing situation, it is not just difficult to make certain claims about supposed illegal actions on his part, it is impossible to do so because none of those casting aspersions really know about what might happen, now do they? Time enough to sound off when, and if, something happens.
First, make it face East, entrance to the West.
Second, get a real Eastern orthodox architect to do a re-design.
Third, get the other Orthodox on board to help.
How about the Ten Million Bucks that the U.S. Government allotted for the rebuilding of St Nicholas Church in New York City, post-911? You know, that Ten Million Bucks that Black Bart “redirected” to his own shop at Istanbul?
You think Black Bart will now give back the Ten Million Bucks? Wonder what slight of hand will be used in the accounting ledgers to hide the missing money?
First I’ve heard about 10 million coming from the US government. Source please.
St. Nicholas Church, a place for all religions, meditation etc on the second floor!
Watch at 01:57, in English with Greek sub-titles.
https://player.vimeo.com/video/377553705
Ah, the pinch of incense for the emperor.
Yes, so? Veniopoulos doesn’t represent anyone.
Generally in NYC churches are open to non-believers or half-believers.
Heck, most regular parishioners don’t really believe anything.
Vicar General Alex is the sacrificial lamb…
he will be victorious!