donations

Priest Pleads Guilty to Felony Theft of Church Donations

Priest Pleads Guilty to Felony Theft of Church Donations

**HARRISBURG, PA** – Attorney General Michelle Henry announced that George Athanasiou, a Washington County-based priest, has pleaded guilty to felony theft. Athanasiou was charged with misappropriating hundreds of church donation checks, which he signed and deposited via ATM transactions for personal use.

Athanasiou, 37, served as a priest at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Canonsburg when he illicitly signed, endorsed, and deposited the checks. On Wednesday, he appeared in Washington County Court and paid $155,000 in restitution. His sentencing is scheduled for February 18, 2025.

The investigation by the Office of Attorney General revealed over 200 unauthorized ATM transactions involving the church’s donation checks from 2022 to 2023. Video evidence demonstrated Athanasiou endorsing and depositing these checks via ATM. During a police interview, the priest admitted to stealing and endorsing checks without permission.

Attorney General Henry condemned the actions, emphasizing that the priest betrayed parishioners by stealing funds meant for the church community. The case is being prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Evan Lowry.