October 19, 2012

Missing priest returns to Indiana, is recuperating

Criterion staff report

Father Christiaan KappesFather Christiaan Kappes, an archdiocesan priest who until recently was pursuing graduate studies in Greece, is safely back in Indiana after he was missing for a week earlier this month.

He arrived in Indiana on Oct. 11 after taking a flight from Germany to the United States.

On Oct. 1, Father Kappes called members of his family and told them that he feared for his safety because of threats made against him by family members of Ioanna Lekakou, his translator in Greece. Her family was also allegedly threatening her in a dispute over an inheritance that she had received.

Staff members of the U.S. embassy in Greece, the U.S. State Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and officials in Greece all worked to find Father Kappes’ whereabouts and ensure his safety.

He contacted his family on Oct. 8 to let them know he was alive and in Germany with Lekakou.

She also came to Indiana with Father Kappes, and is currently staying with another family.

At present, Father Kappes is recuperating from the effects of his ordeal.

Father Kappes began graduate studies in Greece in 2009 after being chosen to participate in a program co-sponsored by the Vatican and the Greek government to foster better ecumenical relations between the Catholic Church and Greek Orthodox Church. †

Local site Links: