Father Antonios has stirred controversy by opting to give interviews on television rather than addressing the court directly, as claimed by the lawyers representing the victims in a significant child abuse case involving the structures of the 'Kivotos tou Kosmou' (Ark of the World). In their statement, the prosecutors emphasized that this choice was a strategic move to evade judicial questions and to present himself as a victim of conspiracy. The case, which involved allegations of severe punishments towards minors, has been under scrutiny for nine months, culminating in a recent unanimous decision by the appellate court.

During this period of legal proceedings, Father Antonios and four of his close associates received convictions for physical assaults, isolations, and forced exhaustive labor against minors, leading to a sentence of 9.5 years in prison for Father Antonios himself. This verdict marks a significant turning point in the case, reflecting a judicial acknowledgment of the gravity of the allegations and the conduct reported by former wards of the institutions operated by Father Antonios. Importantly, the court also acquitted two other defendants linked to the case, demonstrating the complex nature of the judicial evaluation faced within this high-profile incident.

The statement issued by the lawyers further affirmed the court's acceptance of the prosecutor's stance on the matter, reinforcing the serious implications of such legal outcomes on child welfare institutions and the accountability of those in charge. The situation raises vital questions about the treatment of minors in care facilities and the societal responsibility to protect vulnerable populations, especially amid accusations of abuse in such establishments, underscoring the ongoing dialogue regarding institutional reform and child protection laws in Greece.