Father Antonios Papadopoulos has publicly declared his inability to pay the €60,000 fine imposed on him by the appeals court after a conversion of his original 9.5-year sentence due to serious abuses involving children at the Ark of the World. In his statement, he highlighted the absence of his lawyers during the court proceedings, which he attributes to a perceived bias that infringed upon his rights to defend himself. He describes the court's ruling as predetermined and expresses his feelings of abandonment in the face of justice.

Father Antonios is currently living with his wife and minor child on a reduced income, which adds to his financial difficulties and makes it impossible for him to meet any financial obligations, including the fine. He has appealed to the kindness of others in hopes of collecting the necessary funds, indicating his feeling of vulnerability in this dire situation. This statement raises concerns about the broader implications of how individuals charged with serious crimes are treated in the judicial system, particularly regarding their access to legal representation.

The case is highly controversial due to the serious nature of the allegations against Father Antonios and the implications for the community involved with the Ark of the World. His situation illuminates ongoing debates about judicial processes in cases involving child protection matters and the responsibility of public figures in handling such sensitive issues. The call for public support highlights the intersection of legality, morality, and community assistance in addressing the consequences of such serious judicial outcomes.