For context see the Metropolitan Joseph: The Scandal section in our Archives 2020-22 linked at the top of this page. Once again, Orthodoxy in Dialogue calls upon the Holy Synod of Antioch to depose the Metropolitan from holy orders at its meeting next week. No one wants to kiss his hand, hear him addressed as Your Eminence, or see him in vestments ever again. This is the same discipline that he would have meted out swiftly to any priest or deacon in the same circumstances—without the benefit of a retirement package.

Disgraced Former Metropolitan of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

The email sent by Joseph Al-Zehlaoui’s repentant former lover to Patriarch John of Antioch and the bishops, vicar general, and trustees of the Antiochian Archdiocese includes the following voicemail as an attachment. According to the email, then-Metropolitan Joseph placed this telephone call in the spring of 2022, a full five years after the author had terminated the relationship.  Those who know Al-Zehlaoui well will recognize his voice for themselves.

Orthodoxy in Dialogue needs your support to continue our important work.

Please consider becoming a Patron through a one-time, occasional, or monthly contribution of any amount.

Instructions are found at the bottom of our Patrons page.

Orthodoxy in Dialogue seeks to promote the free exchange of ideas by offering a wide range of perspectives on an unlimited variety of topics. Our decision to publish implies neither our agreement nor disagreement with an author, in whole or in part.

Join the conversation on Facebook or in an article of your own or a letter to the editors.

Sign up for email notifications in the upper right column of this page.

Check our new GoFundMe to help a homeless gay married couple in Toronto get into suitable winter clothes for the frigid months ahead.