I would not want anyone to immediately believe any accusations against me, which is why I prefer the American system of presumed innocence. So far, there are questions and withheld information, which do not yet constitute criminal conduct. While the situation is not looking promising at this stage, we all need to give it time before jumping to conclusions.
Clearly, due to the history of Fr. Antypas and Bishop Mark, if I was the latter, I would immediately refer the matter to the Local Synod, then transfer the parish to the Metropolitan (in other words, stavropegial) and make Fr. Antypas a clergyman of the Metropolitan's diocese. This way, Bishop Mark cannot be accused of anything, which will likely happen if he retains control of the investigation and any negative consequences for Fr. Antypas. Let Metropolitan Philip sort out this problem. He can pick any number of ways, some of which could be beneficial for himself and the Archdiocese.
I don't think Bishop Mark would necessarily be able to do much, given the involvement of Mr. Khalife & Co., other than potentially escalate the situation. Remember, these cases take years to develop and do not go away overnight. As one with experience in several parishes with dysfunctional clergy (again, I am speaking hypothetically and not accusing Fr. Antypas of anything), if this situation is as it appears it could explode and bring down the community with lots of innocent victims. When I was assisting at a parish after seminary, the priest there taught me a valuable lesson: think of the children first, and act accordingly. He meant, if you play 'hard ball' and drive out the spiritually sick and the spiritually dead, and they take their kids out of the Church, you will answer to God. In the case of which he was speaking, there was a 'senior member' of the parish who was rather nasty to the priest and others he did not like, but he was a clan leader with lots of grandchildren/nieces/nephews/cousin... it seemed like half the community was related to him. By cultural standards, they would all leave if he left. However, a few years later, he left in his casket and the parish kept the families with all their kids. Patience was rewarded.
Do what you can to make sure the kids stay around the Church, and even show them that the Church is trying to help their parents and them, and they will believe.
Please, please, please understand I am not making excuses for anyone's sin. There is definitely a need for discipline in the Church, which is the basis for much of the New Testament. However, it must be done with patience and diligence. I'm sure there are lots of good people who love Fr. Antypas, and they will be driven out if they think he is being persecuted. This is why there must be an orderly process, not only in the interest of justice for the accused, but also those who love and respect the accused. We also ought counsel people that just because we love someone that we must also excuse their sins. I think that if we truly love someone, we would want them disciplined unto salvation. The problem is, not everyone subscribes to that magazine.
I feel sorry for Fr. Antypas, because if charges are brought, it will be very hard for him to receive what would be universally perceived as a fair and impartial trial in a Spiritual Court. This is the disadvantage of being such a public figure as he is. Some may perceive a conviction as an attempt to get back at Metropolitan Philip, while an acquittal would be seen as an attempt to appease him. That's because the identities of the two are inseparable in so many people's minds, and the hatred for one means hatred for the other. While Metropolitan Philip and Fr. Antypas are indeed close, they are not the same. I hope people will remember the differences.
My prayer is that God will pour out his love upon the community of St. George and heal them. Our God is a God of justice, and what human justice fails to address, we know God's justice is sure and true.
I also pray for Metropolitan Philip, Bishop Mark, Fr. Antypas and all those who will be involved in resolving this tragic affair. Lord, have mercy!