Priest Wins Work From Home Suit

A priest who preferred working from home was unfairly dismissed by his diocese for not meeting parishioners in person. Father Stavros Bozos argued that commuting to the church was unnecessary since the church computer was located at his home, an employment tribunal heard.

The tribunal was told that during the pandemic, the orthodox priest of 18 years did not fulfil his pastoral duties, refusing to conduct services for feast days other than Sundays after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. He was described as “uncooperative and defensive” in meetings where concerns about his conduct were raised, leading to his dismissal in 2022.

Despite finding that Fr. Bozos was “evasive when challenged” and “reluctant to be available for parishioners,” the tribunal ruled his dismissal was procedurally unfair because no formal procedure had been followed. He was awarded £2,232 in compensation.

Fr. Bozos had worked at the Three Hierarchs Orthodox Church in Leeds since moving from Greece in 2018. His responsibilities included pastoral care, conducting weddings, baptisms, and funerals, and leading church services during the week and on Sundays. The tribunal heard that services should have been scheduled at times convenient for the community, not solely to suit the priest.

When giving evidence, Fr. Bozos implied it was his prerogative to decide when services were held. Dismissing his claim of wrongful dismissal, Employment Judge Hannah Bright stated that events should accommodate the community’s needs rather than the priest’s convenience.

However, the tribunal found the diocese did not realise Fr. Bozos was technically an employee due to an “unusual arrangement” between the Greek Orthodox Church and a British charity. This misunderstanding meant no formal dismissal procedure was followed, leading to his successful claim of unfair dismissal.