Family’s relief as ‘donations’ at centre of police probe are finally returned

A Greek priest at the centre of a police investigation has handed back more than $1m in jewellery to the family of an elderly parishioner, who gave it to him to display in a museum.

Father John Christodoulos with the communion chalice at St Andrew Parish Picture: Supplied

The family of an elderly parishioner have recovered more than $1m worth of jewellery from a controversial Greek priest at the centre of a police investigation.

The distinctive jewellery – which includes a custom-made solid gold necklace worth more than $500,000 – was given to Father John Christodoulos for the purpose of displaying it in a Greek Orthodox Church museum.

The cache also included numerous gold chain necklaces, a diamond necklace, ornate gold bangles and pendants, solid gold watches, custom-made gold and gemstone brooches and more than 20 high-grade opals of various sizes.

Jewellery given to Father John Chistodoulos by an elderly Greek Orthodox Church parishioner Picture: Supplied

Jewellery given to Father John Christodoulos by an elderly Greek Orthodox Church parishioner Picture: Supplied

Detectives from the Financial and Cybercrime Investigation Branch launched an investigation into Father Christodoulos in June after The Advertiser revealed he had obtained huge cash donations from a devout elderly parishioner while living a secret double life.

The detectives initially conducted a preliminary assessment after speaking with relatives and the parishioner who confirmed more than $700,000 had been voluntarily given to Father Christodoulos.

During one interview, detectives were given detailed financial records showing bank transfers of more than $700,000 since 2017, with the majority over the past two years.

Following the interviews a full investigation was launched – but as yet Father Christodoulos has not been interviewed because he left Australia for Athens.

The jewellery, which was given to Father Christodoulos earlier this year, was handed back to relatives of the parishioner as a result of their demands and the intervention of police.

Archbishop Makarios in late June suspended Father Christodoulos from the ministry and launched his own internal investigation.

This came after The Advertiser revealed the cash donations and that while representing himself as a monastic priest, Father Christodoulos was also active on gay app Grindr and meeting other males on the site.

He was also providing graphic descriptions of his sexual encounters and desires with men and sending pornographic photos to potential dates.

L-R Greek Orthodox Archbishop Makarios with Father John Christodoulos Picture: Supplied

Jewellery given to Father John Chistodoulos by an elderly Greek Orthodox Church parishioner Picture: Supplied

A close relative of the elderly parishioner said recovering the jewellery was “enormously important’’ for the family.

“In particular for my relative, who had decades of memories bound up in some of those pieces of jewellery,’’ he said.

“Their value is immeasurable in those terms, much more so than any financial value that might be attached to them.’’

The relative said he “had no idea at all’’ of the quantity of jewellery that had been given to Father Christodoulos until police had become involved in the matter.

The jewellery was given to Father Christodoulos earlier this year by the elderly parishioner after she was advised by him it was to be displayed at the Archbishop of Constantinople’s museum. Neither Archbishop Makarios or Bishop Silouan Fotineas, of the Greek Orthodox Church, in Adelaide, had any knowledge of the museum pledge.

“I think the promises were incredible and the notion that the Patriarch of Constantinople really wanted donations of jewellery were ridiculous,’’ the parishioners relative said.

“As to their value for display, they had zero value.’’

The relative said the major piece of jewellery, the custom-designed and made necklace, was a national award-winning piece.

“My relative bought it over 30 years ago. It was rarely worn, but it was a milestone in her life and probably the most important piece in her collection,’’ he said.

“It had a lot of historical value, probably much more so than its actual value, so realising that it had been lost and was not in fact likely to be given to the Patriarch was a double blow.’’

The relative said his family was now giving consideration to pursuing Father Christodoulos for the cash that had been given to him as it had been advised that none of the money donated had been deposited into the local parish bank account.

“We can only presume that Christodoulos still has that money and should return it as he did the jewellery,’’ the relative said.

Jewellery given to Father John Chistodoulos by an elderly Greek Orthodox Church parishioner Picture: Supplied

“I have no doubt if it were not for the police investigation, the jewellery would not have been returned.’’

The relative also called on the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese to “inform us and the community at large what action they are going to take.’’

“Since the Adelaide bishop came and spoke with the family several months ago, there has been no explanation whatsoever,’’ the relative said.

“It owes the church community in two states, SA and Victoria, an explanation.’’

Father Christodoulos was the priest at the St Andrew parish, at Noarlunga, until early June when he was moved to a much larger parish at Fawkner, in Melbourne. However, he was suspended before he could start work there.

A lawyer acting for Father Christodoulos said her client was at this stage unable to comment.

The office of Archbishop Makarios did not respond to questions from the Sunday Mail concerning the status of its internal investigation.