Holy Synod appoints Archbishop Nathaniel Locum Tenens, Bishop Michael Temporary Administrator

SYOSSET, NY [OCA]
9/7/2012

On Monday, July 9, 2012, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah and the members of the Holy Synod of Bishops met via conference call to further discuss His Beatitude’s resignation, as reported earlier on the web site of the Orthodox Church in America.

The hierarchs issued the following statement at the conclusion of their meeting.

“To the Venerable Clergy, Devout Monastics, and Pious Faithful of the Orthodox Church in America:

“Beloved in Christ, Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

“On Friday, July 6, 2012, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah, tendered his resignation as Primate of the Orthodox Church in America. The Holy Synod of Bishops, chaired by His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah, met via conference call on Saturday, July 7, 2012. During that meeting, the Holy Synod accepted Metropolitan Jonah’s resignation and deliberated on courses of action.

“On Monday, July 9, 2012, the Holy Synod of Bishops, including Metropolitan Jonah, met again via a conference call to continue those deliberations. Metropolitan Jonah will retain the title ‘His Eminence, Metropolitan Jonah, former Archbishop of Washington and Metropolitan of All-America and Canada.’

“The Holy Synod has appointed the senior hierarch of the Holy Synod, His Eminence, the Most Reverend Nathaniel, Archbishop of Detroit and the Romanian Episcopate, as the Locum Tenens of the Orthodox Church in America. His Eminence, Archbishop Nathaniel will be commemorated in the Liturgy as ‘His Eminence the Most Reverend Nathaniel, Archbishop of Detroit and the Romanian Episcopate, Locum Tenens of the Orthodox Church in America.’

“The Holy Synod has appointed His Grace, the Right Reverend Michael, Bishop of New York and the Diocese of New York and New Jersey, as the Administrator of the Orthodox Church in America.

“The Holy Synod has appointed His Grace, the Right Reverend Alexander, Bishop of Toledo and the Bulgarian Archdiocese, as the Locum Tenens of the Archdiocese of Washington. His Grace will be commemorated in the Liturgy as ‘His Grace, the Right Reverend Alexander, Bishop of Toledo and the Bulgarian Archdiocese, Locum Tenens of the Archdiocese of Washington.’

“The Holy Synod of Bishops is currently discussing arrangements with Metropolitan Jonah and, with all due pastoral consideration, will take into account his requests as outlined in his letter of resignation. The Holy Synod of Bishops will also meet in due time to discuss future plans for the leadership of the Church.

“The Holy Synod thanks Metropolitan Jonah for his considerate decision and requests that the Clergy and Faithful keep Metropolitan Jonah and the Orthodox Church in America in their prayers.

“Assuring you of Our Archpastoral Blessing, We are,

“The Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America.”

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