Edmonton Clergyman Charged With Sexual Assault as Complainant Alleges Church Ostracization
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Jesse Isaac remains an active protodeacon with the Orthodox Church in America despite a July charge involving an alleged assault from 2004.
Jesse Isaac, a 43-year-old protodeacon with the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), has been charged by the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) with the sexual assault of a woman in October 2004. According to reporting from CBC News, Isaac was arrested on July 18, 2026, and released on bail. The case is being prosecuted by indictment, which carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
A woman protected by a court-ordered publication ban told CBC News that she reported the assault to police in May 2025 to seek accountability and healing. She alleges that after she confided in friends within the congregation, church officials became aware of the claims, resulting in her being ostracized from the church. Documents provided to CBC News indicate the complainant formally shared her allegations with OCA leadership in March 2025, and the matter was referred to the Office for Review of Sexual Misconduct Allegations (ORSMA).
Despite the criminal charge laid in July, Isaac remains listed as an active member of the clergy on the OCA’s Archdiocese of Canada website. Isaac previously served at the St. Herman of Alaska Orthodox Church in Edmonton before being transferred in 2025 to St. Olga’s Mission.
Mark Hamilton, a lawyer with Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC representing the OCA, stated that the church fully cooperated with the Edmonton police and takes allegations of criminal wrongdoing seriously. However, Hamilton noted the church will not comment on ongoing criminal proceedings beyond offering prayers for those involved. Church officials declined to answer questions regarding the internal investigation or Isaac's future with the congregation. Isaac and his defense lawyer have declined to comment.