I have known father Nicholas Kastanas from the Hellenic American School for over fifty years .Father Kastanas went out of his way to visit my mother when she was ill and gave her praires when my mother was dying .He also attended my mothers funeral and he did not want any money and the other two priests wanted to be paid .I decided to give him something for the Arlington Greek Orthodox Church .I also asked our Bishop Methodios and he said to me that he was too busy to attend my mothers funeral or even the church .I feel what has been done to father Nicholas Kastanas is a severe miscarriage of justice .The parishioners at the Arlington Church should have voter rights and be allowed to decide who they want there as a priest .The Greek council suppose to take the decision of what the majority wants .This petition should go certified registered mail to the Greek Council of the Arlington Church and also to the Bishop Methodios .Aregistered letter should also go to the Archbishop of New York Demetrios requesting that he reviews this petition and make a decision of the majority parishioners of Arlington Church .Both father Kastanas was never explained what he is being accessed of having done .He also was not given an opportunity to rebel or refute these claims that are untrue and can be perceived of defaming his character with untrue stories .The bishop of Boston was and is in Greece and simply sent his messenger to deliver a letter to father Nicholas Kastanas .
I
Irene Fountas
8 years ago
Father Nick does not deserve this back room politics. He is a devoted priest who has demonstrated his spirituality over and over serving the most needy.
J
Joanne Housianitis
8 years ago
A humble servant of God...stay strong
A
Anonymous
8 years ago
Wow this is such a shame. I am 12 years old and I have known Father Nick since I was born. I went to the preschool in the basement of the church, Little Halos. Father Nick was always very kind and very patient. It makes me very upset to find out that he was fired. BRING BACK FATHER NICK!!
A
Anonymous
8 years ago
Bring father kastanas back!!!!
D
Dana Ann Mann
8 years ago
We have been going to St. Athanasius Church for 22 years starting in college and continued to go since, no matter where in Massachusetts we have lived because of Father Nick. He is the most holy, spiritual and genuine priest we have ever met. Father Nick and Presbytera Litza are like family to us and so many others. We cannot imagine going to church on Sundays without Father Nick as our priest. We pray that with the grace of God Father Nick returns and peace and love will be restored to so many of us who are grieving at this terrible loss.
J
Jody Delegianis
8 years ago
We never miss Sunday mass at Arlington with Father Nick every time we visit Massachusetts. His sermons are an inspiration and leave us feeling so spiritual. Father Nick is the one Greek Orthodox priest that brings us all closer to God. Bring Father Nick Back. If not there is a great injustice being made to not only the Greek Orthodox Church but more importantly his community, those who rely on his phenomenal support.
F
Fotini Stefanis
8 years ago
#bringbackfathernick
C
Christos Eliopoulos
8 years ago
#bringbackfathernick
P
Pagona Maroulis Lalljee
8 years ago
Fr Nick is a fixture in the community. His kindness and love of people is beyond most people. You cannot and should not control the speech/thought. Everyone has their right to opinions and should be respected. Practice what you preach.
L
Lisa Moisakis
8 years ago
This is truly devastating. Please bring him back to our community. He is depended on by many.
K
Katherine Keeley Pappas
8 years ago
I am curious. Was there any dispute resolution involved in the process to remove Father Nick from his position? There are procedures for dispute resolution. See: https://www.goarch.org/-/dispute-resolution-procedures. See, also: https://www.goarch.org/…/a32d4f05-1297-452c-a137-f7962fe3d7… Specifically, "Subject to canonical tradition, in the event that the service of a Priest in a Parish is interrupted for any reason and he cannot be or is not reassigned by the respective Hierarch, the Priest shall have the right to request that the matter be heard by the Synodal Committee on Clergy Affairs, which committee shall be convened to hear the case and to seek to mediate a resolution. The Synodal Committee on Clergy Affairs shall be chaired by a Metropolitan (other than the Hierarch involved in the matter) and shall also include five (5) Priests, two (2) of whom shall be chosen by the Hierarch involved in the matter, and three (3) of whom shall be chosen by the Eparchial Synod from among clergy serving in a Metropolis/Archdiocesan District other than the one in which the Priest involved in the matter is located. The Synodal Committee on Clergy Affairs shall meet and review the matter and provide a recommendation to the Synod within sixty (60) days of the date the request is submitted to the committee. In the event of the dismissal of a Priest for canonical reasons, the rules of Spiritual Court shall apply in accordance with canonical tradition, the Charter and these Regulations."
V
Vicki Pardalis
8 years ago
#bringbackFatherNick
G
George
8 years ago
A great injustice has been done to an overwhelming majority of St. Athanasius parishioners, by a handful of narrow minded people who call themselves Christians. Father Nick is a great Priest.
Like a lot of others, I find it difficult to return to St. Athanasius without Father Nick. Metropolitan Methodios should be listening to the over 700 hundred family members instead of a few members who obviously support their own agenda, instead of the well being of our church. Don’t forget these are the same people the day after Father Nick’s last day could hardly wait to remove his belongings and change the locks on the Church. WOW!
BRING BACK FATHER NICK AND SAVE OUR CHURCH!
M
Marina Vrouvlianis
8 years ago
no wonder the church is losing members and faith. this is dirty....
S
Stella Saih
8 years ago
Let the truth shine and put everyone in his place. We love you and respect you Father Kastanas!
M
Maria Ross
8 years ago
Father Nick is an amazing Priest and human being. Any church would be lucky to have him!! To the parish that was so deceitful and cruel as to throw him out as they did it is a disgrace to the Greek Orthodox church's name!
C
Cynthia Vergados
8 years ago
Kudos to Stella Pathiakis, someone who works beside Fr. Nick in the church and is lucky enough to have seen his good works through all sacraments of the Church. I know Stella and she does not give her praises easily. This is a heartfelt letter and one that Metropolitan and all at the Metroplis should see and listen to. It is a terrible tragedy but with forgiveness and ego put aside, we can all win and he will be reinstated. Prayers to the God Above. Thank you Stella
E
Elain Kakambouras
8 years ago
Fr. Nick has been a constant presence in our family for nearly 30 years. His spiritual guidance, devotion, and love has helped to shape our three children into caring, kind and respectful adults. We owe much gratitude to our dear Fr. Nick. We love and pray for him and his beautiful family.
S
Stella Pathiakis
8 years ago
Bring Back Father Nick! He has been the backbone of our community. He has reached out and touched every single person in our 700 family community with his love. With his remarkable memory, he can recall everyone's name and knows us all. He is loved, respected, and admired for his tireless hard work, endless dedication to God and His people, 24/7, day in, and day out.
Fr. Nick has helped our community grow in many ways that truly count, through the many Ministries of our Church Community, the Ministries of our Greek Orthodox Metropolis, and many other philanthropic organizations of Greater Boston. A few words to describe Fr. Nick: deeply faithful and spiritual, loving, compassionate, sincere, caring, brilliant, wise, innovative, creative; extraordinary in his knowledge of the Bible, Biblical History and Theology; always a teacher and counselor held in high esteem; accomplished in his doctoral degrees; musically gifted and talent; a unique and singular person!
Over the nearly 30 years Fr. Nick has been with us, I have seen and participated in the beautiful services he has celebrated on Sundays, for weddings, funerals, baptisms, Easter, Christmas, and other holidays. Fr. Nick has celebrated them all with attention to the fine details of the Greek Orthodox Faith; organizing Chanters (including young adult women), and currently 24 altar boys, Choir, Seminarians, Parish Council, children, and families, who all actively participate in the Services throughout the year. Week to week the Parish moved smoothly through the Church Calendar, celebrating service after service, working hard in all its Ministries.
Fr. Nick knows the meaning of ‘Love.’ When a family member of mine was on her deathbed, I asked Fr. Nick to come 'now,' and he did! There, close to her, looking into her eyes, he spoke his heartfelt comforting words to her, words that only he could think to say, making her smile in that last short space of time, moments from death, before her e
I have known father Nicholas Kastanas from the Hellenic American School for over fifty years .Father Kastanas went out of his way to visit my mother when she was ill and gave her praires when my mother was dying .He also attended my mothers funeral and he did not want any money and the other two priests wanted to be paid .I decided to give him something for the Arlington Greek Orthodox Church .I also asked our Bishop Methodios and he said to me that he was too busy to attend my mothers funeral or even the church .I feel what has been done to father Nicholas Kastanas is a severe miscarriage of justice .The parishioners at the Arlington Church should have voter rights and be allowed to decide who they want there as a priest .The Greek council suppose to take the decision of what the majority wants .This petition should go certified registered mail to the Greek Council of the Arlington Church and also to the Bishop Methodios .Aregistered letter should also go to the Archbishop of New York Demetrios requesting that he reviews this petition and make a decision of the majority parishioners of Arlington Church .Both father Kastanas was never explained what he is being accessed of having done .He also was not given an opportunity to rebel or refute these claims that are untrue and can be perceived of defaming his character with untrue stories .The bishop of Boston was and is in Greece and simply sent his messenger to deliver a letter to father Nicholas Kastanas .
Father Nick does not deserve this back room politics. He is a devoted priest who has demonstrated his spirituality over and over serving the most needy.
A humble servant of God...stay strong
Wow this is such a shame. I am 12 years old and I have known Father Nick since I was born. I went to the preschool in the basement of the church, Little Halos. Father Nick was always very kind and very patient. It makes me very upset to find out that he was fired. BRING BACK FATHER NICK!!
Bring father kastanas back!!!!
We have been going to St. Athanasius Church for 22 years starting in college and continued to go since, no matter where in Massachusetts we have lived because of Father Nick. He is the most holy, spiritual and genuine priest we have ever met. Father Nick and Presbytera Litza are like family to us and so many others. We cannot imagine going to church on Sundays without Father Nick as our priest. We pray that with the grace of God Father Nick returns and peace and love will be restored to so many of us who are grieving at this terrible loss.
We never miss Sunday mass at Arlington with Father Nick every time we visit Massachusetts. His sermons are an inspiration and leave us feeling so spiritual. Father Nick is the one Greek Orthodox priest that brings us all closer to God. Bring Father Nick Back. If not there is a great injustice being made to not only the Greek Orthodox Church but more importantly his community, those who rely on his phenomenal support.
#bringbackfathernick
#bringbackfathernick
Fr Nick is a fixture in the community. His kindness and love of people is beyond most people. You cannot and should not control the speech/thought. Everyone has their right to opinions and should be respected. Practice what you preach.
This is truly devastating. Please bring him back to our community. He is depended on by many.
I am curious. Was there any dispute resolution involved in the process to remove Father Nick from his position? There are procedures for dispute resolution. See: https://www.goarch.org/-/dispute-resolution-procedures. See, also: https://www.goarch.org/…/a32d4f05-1297-452c-a137-f7962fe3d7… Specifically, "Subject to canonical tradition, in the event that the service of a Priest in a Parish is interrupted for any reason and he cannot be or is not reassigned by the respective Hierarch, the Priest shall have the right to request that the matter be heard by the Synodal Committee on Clergy Affairs, which committee shall be convened to hear the case and to seek to mediate a resolution. The Synodal Committee on Clergy Affairs shall be chaired by a Metropolitan (other than the Hierarch involved in the matter) and shall also include five (5) Priests, two (2) of whom shall be chosen by the Hierarch involved in the matter, and three (3) of whom shall be chosen by the Eparchial Synod from among clergy serving in a Metropolis/Archdiocesan District other than the one in which the Priest involved in the matter is located. The Synodal Committee on Clergy Affairs shall meet and review the matter and provide a recommendation to the Synod within sixty (60) days of the date the request is submitted to the committee. In the event of the dismissal of a Priest for canonical reasons, the rules of Spiritual Court shall apply in accordance with canonical tradition, the Charter and these Regulations."
#bringbackFatherNick
A great injustice has been done to an overwhelming majority of St. Athanasius parishioners, by a handful of narrow minded people who call themselves Christians. Father Nick is a great Priest. Like a lot of others, I find it difficult to return to St. Athanasius without Father Nick. Metropolitan Methodios should be listening to the over 700 hundred family members instead of a few members who obviously support their own agenda, instead of the well being of our church. Don’t forget these are the same people the day after Father Nick’s last day could hardly wait to remove his belongings and change the locks on the Church. WOW! BRING BACK FATHER NICK AND SAVE OUR CHURCH!
no wonder the church is losing members and faith. this is dirty....
Let the truth shine and put everyone in his place. We love you and respect you Father Kastanas!
Father Nick is an amazing Priest and human being. Any church would be lucky to have him!! To the parish that was so deceitful and cruel as to throw him out as they did it is a disgrace to the Greek Orthodox church's name!
Kudos to Stella Pathiakis, someone who works beside Fr. Nick in the church and is lucky enough to have seen his good works through all sacraments of the Church. I know Stella and she does not give her praises easily. This is a heartfelt letter and one that Metropolitan and all at the Metroplis should see and listen to. It is a terrible tragedy but with forgiveness and ego put aside, we can all win and he will be reinstated. Prayers to the God Above. Thank you Stella
Fr. Nick has been a constant presence in our family for nearly 30 years. His spiritual guidance, devotion, and love has helped to shape our three children into caring, kind and respectful adults. We owe much gratitude to our dear Fr. Nick. We love and pray for him and his beautiful family.
Bring Back Father Nick! He has been the backbone of our community. He has reached out and touched every single person in our 700 family community with his love. With his remarkable memory, he can recall everyone's name and knows us all. He is loved, respected, and admired for his tireless hard work, endless dedication to God and His people, 24/7, day in, and day out. Fr. Nick has helped our community grow in many ways that truly count, through the many Ministries of our Church Community, the Ministries of our Greek Orthodox Metropolis, and many other philanthropic organizations of Greater Boston. A few words to describe Fr. Nick: deeply faithful and spiritual, loving, compassionate, sincere, caring, brilliant, wise, innovative, creative; extraordinary in his knowledge of the Bible, Biblical History and Theology; always a teacher and counselor held in high esteem; accomplished in his doctoral degrees; musically gifted and talent; a unique and singular person! Over the nearly 30 years Fr. Nick has been with us, I have seen and participated in the beautiful services he has celebrated on Sundays, for weddings, funerals, baptisms, Easter, Christmas, and other holidays. Fr. Nick has celebrated them all with attention to the fine details of the Greek Orthodox Faith; organizing Chanters (including young adult women), and currently 24 altar boys, Choir, Seminarians, Parish Council, children, and families, who all actively participate in the Services throughout the year. Week to week the Parish moved smoothly through the Church Calendar, celebrating service after service, working hard in all its Ministries. Fr. Nick knows the meaning of ‘Love.’ When a family member of mine was on her deathbed, I asked Fr. Nick to come 'now,' and he did! There, close to her, looking into her eyes, he spoke his heartfelt comforting words to her, words that only he could think to say, making her smile in that last short space of time, moments from death, before her e