To the Editor:

In response to an “Open Letter to the Archbishop & the Greek Community” (Jun. 9) the author, Michael Huffington, states that the Archbishop has “buried the talents that were given to him but worse yet he has lost some of them.” Talents in the Parable represent Faith and the profit and interest is how we spread it. The Archbishop has and continues to spread the faith with his very rigorous schedule. His words still bring inspiration, faith, and hope to the community and those that listen to him. I have traveled many times 2 hours to hear him speak and if his words don’t inspire me, it is because it may have landed “on stony places” or among “thorns” as in The Parable Of The Sower And The Seed (Matthew 13:1-23).

The author states that there was a “malfeasance,” I believe what actually happened is that restricted money was used for unrestricted purposes. As a Certified Public Accountant, I can tell you that this is a common mistake made by many non-profits. The Archdiocese has issued statements that the funds will be repaid. I am surprised that past audits of the Archdiocese did not address this, since I believe they have had audited financial statements.

One of Jesus own Disciples actually was a thief and betrayed him (Judas) and another one denied him 3 times (Peter). That is 2 out 12 Disciples that created a “scandal,” a 16% scandal ratio for those who had the best teacher, Jesus. The Disciples actually were the ones who spread the faith.

I believe this is a lesson for all of us to not get a distracted by these things and worldly matters and focus on own faith and personal weaknesses. We also should not judge or condemn because he who is without sin should throw the first stone and we also don’t want to be judged. The Archbishop is still loved by many in our community. As for those who choose to say negative things about the Archbishop, he is in good company, many condemned Jesus, Gandhi, and Martin Luther King, Jr. We will rebuild St. Nicholas not only for ourselves but for our children, our faith, and our Country.

John Papas CPA

Dumont, NJ