A Greek Orthodox priest from Sydney has been found guilty of sexually touching a number of women.
Father Mario “George” Fayjloun, was undertaking duties as a priest between August 2019 and February 2020 and was connected to the Central Mangrove Greek Orthodox congregation.
He was charged in September 2021 with nine counts of aggravated sexual touching. He pleaded not guilty to the charges in December 2021.
As reported by The Australian, the Liverpool Local Court heard last year that the hieromonk of Lebanese background had made unwanted sexual advances towards a mother and two of her daughters during visits to the Sydney family home providing spiritual guidance.
Court hearing to conclude on sexual touching allegations against priest of NSW Greek church
Prosecutors allege the 35-year-old sexually touched the women – one of whom was under-age at the time – in separate alleged incidents.
The accusations relate to alleged incidents at the dinner table before sharing a meal with the family and one alleged incident at the Greek Orthodox Church in Central Mangrove NSW after a private confession.
Following the Magistrate’s guilty verdict, Father Fayjloun will be sentenced in August 2024. He remains on conditional bail.
