Pittsburgh-Area Priest Stole More Than $100K From Church: Police

WASHINGTON COUNTY, PA — A priest at All Staints Greek Orthodox Church in North Strabane stole more than $117,000 from the house of worship, police said.

The Rev. George Athanasiou, 37, of Cecil Township was charged Thursday with more than 200 felonies, including unlawful taking, forgery, bad checks, and access device usage.

According to court documents, Athanasiou took the money from the church's bank account between April 2022 and continuing into November.

The arrest came after an internal investigation conducted by parish leadership. Their findings were turned over to North Strabane police.

In a letter to parishoners, Metropolitan Savas Zembillas said that Athanasiou has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of the criminal case and called the situation “deeply distressing for all of us."

Following his arraignment, Athanasious was released on $250,000 unsecured bond. He faces a preliminary hearing on Dec. 18.