“In spite of a crisis at HQ, it seems to have been a bumper Christmas in parish churches…”

Revd Richard Coles

Yet another clergy employment case

Fr Stavros Bozos, priest of the Greek Orthodox parish of the Three Hierarchs in Leeds, refused to work from the church after the COVID-19 lockdowns were lifted. He insisted on working from home, arguing that he should not be obliged to commute to the church because the community’s computer was located at his home, making the commute a waste of time. The diocese raised concerns about his lack of availability, particularly his failure to provide regular catechism classes at the Greek school, and he was also accused of being uncooperative and defensive during meetings where concerns were raised about his performance – and he was ultimately sacked.

Before an employment tribunal, he argued that he had been unfairly dismissed. Continue reading →