UNITED STATES: Protests Erupt Over St. Demetrios Astoria Crisis

In early October 2025, Greek Orthodox faithful gathered outside St. Demetrios Cathedral in Astoria, New York to protest the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America's handling of the historic parish's financial crisis. The demonstrations, which at times escalated with sharp tension, centered on concerns about the future of St. Demetrios School and the community's properties.

The crisis at St. Demetrios, one of the most traditional Greek Orthodox communities in America, has been brewing for years. According to Archbishop Elpidophoros in an October 10, 2025 interview with COSMOS FM, the parish has faced severe financial difficulties since the death of longtime benefactor Nikos Andriotis, who for decades personally covered the community's deficits. "The Andriotis era could not be replaced," the Archbishop stated. "As a result, the facts had changed."

St. Demetrios operates two churches and the only Greek Orthodox day school in the United States running through 12th grade. Annual operating costs exceed $6 million. Without Andriotis's financial support, the community accumulated significant debt while continuing to operate as if nothing had changed.

In September 2024, St. Demetrios parishioners voted with a two-thirds majority to transfer 39% of a newly-constructed building at 30-67 31st Street to the Archdiocese in exchange for $3 million. The building contains apartments and commercial space including a daycare facility. The Archdiocese stated the funds would "allow the community to reinvest in its school through enhancements in academics, curricula and other programs" and make "much needed capital repairs."

However, controversy erupted over the terms of the agreement and concerns about the school's future. Rumors circulated that St. Demetrios School might close or that parish property could be sold or converted to commercial use, including claims about a fast food restaurant. Archbishop Elpidophoros dismissed these as "fake news" from sources "that have been spreading fake news all these years."

The protests brought hundreds of community members to demonstrate outside the church. According to The National Herald, the October gatherings featured "large turnout and moments of tension, at times escalating sharply." Protesters expressed concerns about Archdiocese control over parish affairs, the building transaction, financial transparency, and the preservation of Greek Orthodox education.

In his COSMOS FM interview, Archbishop Elpidophoros addressed the protests: "It saddened me, but it also made me happy. Why happy? Because in this way people were awakened and understood that there is a problem in Astoria." He characterized the demonstrators as "people who care, faithful people" who showed concern "even if they shouted, in our Greek way."

The Archbishop emphatically stated: "The school will certainly continue to operate. During my tenure, not only will no school close, but we will open new ones." He rejected proposals to sell the 31st Street property as a quick fix, saying, "I want to solve the real problem. I want to cleanse from the ground up the administration and management of this community."

Following the protests, representatives from the Archdiocese and St. Demetrios community held discussions. By October 12, 2025, The National Herald reported that "the agreement reached between the Archdiocese and the Community of St. Demetrios in Astoria, after long and exhausting discussions on Friday, is a positive one for both sides."

The controversy occurs amid broader tensions surrounding Archbishop Elpidophoros's tenure, including previous disputes over his baptism of children of a same-sex couple, his positions on interfaith marriage and communion, and his handling of various ecclesiastical matters. Critics have accused him of financial mismanagement and autocratic leadership, while supporters defend his efforts to modernize and stabilize struggling parishes.