After traveling to Constantinople and meeting with His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on Bright Saturday, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America officially tendered his resignation in writing. The Ecumenical Patriarch, it was stated by the Patriarchal Press Office, will raise this issue and discuss necessary next steps when the Holy and Sacred Synod begins its meetings on Thursday, May 9th.
While the Archbishop’s resignation is a significant development in the Orthodox Church, it was not unexpected. On more than one occasion did the Ecumenical Patriarch ask Archbishop Demetrios to step aside, without success. After much discussion, it was agreed upon that the Archbishop would leave his post following Holy Week and Pascha 2019 — a commitment that was honored today.
Speculation now will turn to who his successor will be. The Archbishop of America is one of the most, if not the most, important positions appointed by the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Synod (aside, of course, from the position of Ecumenical Patriarch).
The incoming Archbishop will have many opportunities as is afforded by the size and scope of the Archdiocese of America, but also significant challenges, including financial (e.g., St. Nicholas National Shrine in New York), spiritual (e.g., Hellenic College Holy Cross), as well as administrative.
Who the new Archbishop will be and how he is welcomed by the hierarchs, clergy, and faithful in America, will be watched closely by many. In the interim, all eyes will be on the Phanar this week for meetings of the Holy and Sacred Synod, when relevant decisions will likely be made.
Readers should keep in mind that the Church of Constantinople will also have to decide the fate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, following the falling asleep in the Lord of Archbishop Stylianos. Additionally, the Ecumenical Patriarch has stated publicly that hierarchical changes are likely coming to the Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain as well.
Important decisions with potential long-term implications await members of the Synod, but most especially His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. It’s easy to criticize and second-guess the man or woman at the top of any large organization, who is ultimately responsible for key decisions; but all should keep in mind that the considerations and reasons that lead to certain decisions are not always known publicly or appreciated by commentators.
All Orthodox Christians should pray that the Risen Lord and God the Holy Spirit enlightens the hierarchs and the Ecumenical Patriarch himself to make prudent decisions full of discernment for the betterment of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.
The Orthodox World
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