The following annoucement was posted earlier today on the official Facebook page of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East. It has also been posted on the website of the Antiochian Archdiocese. While Orthodoxy in Dialogue’s reporting initiated the chain of events that have culminated in the Holy Synod’s decision to return Mr. Al-Zehlaoui to lay status, I take little pleasure in this outcome. I am sitting here shaken and weeping—weeping for the Church, for the faithful hierachy, clergy, and laity of the Antiochian Archdiocese, for Al-Zehlaoui’s known and unknown victims, and yes, for Mr. Al-Zehlaoui himself. Justice may have been served, except for meaningful pastoral outreach to his known victim (which must be rectified), but this is a dark day for all of us. May God have mercy on us all.

Giacomo Sanfilippo, Editor

Patriarch John X of Antioch and All the East

(Centre)

The Holy Synod was informed of the results of the Synodal Committee formed by the Patriarch regarding the events surrounding the resignation of Metropolitan Joseph Zehlaoui, formerly Metropolitan of the Archdiocese of North America.

To the dismay of the Synod Fathers, following his retirement, retired Metropolitan Joseph Zehlaoui wrongfully claimed rights over Archdiocesan property; through his attorneys, he demanded from the Archdiocese a large sum of money and threatened legal action and public conflict with the Church, reflecting through his demands an improper attitude as a bishop with regard to monetary matters; and he ultimately filed a lawsuit against the Archdiocese in U.S. civil court. These actions contravene Holy Scripture and the Holy Canons. Therefore, the Holy Synod found retired Metropolitan Joseph Zehlaoui guilty of canonical violations related to:

— Improper actions as clergyman (retired Metropolitan) with respect to church property and monetary matters, and
— Initiating a legal proceeding against the Church in a civil court.

Consequently, the Holy Synod defrocked the retired Metropolitan Joseph Zehlaoui from the holy episcopacy and returned him to the rank of layman. He is no longer entitled to the privileges and benefits associated with a bishop of the Orthodox Church. The Synod prays that he will spend the remainder of his life in peace and repentance.

The Synod also directs the Archdiocese of North America to take the necessary measures to preserve all the rights, interests, and property of the Archdiocese.

The Holy Synod Fathers turn to their children in the Archdiocese of New York and All North America, embracing them in a paternal spirit and praying for their steadfastness. They address them with the words of Christ: “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33), and with the words of the Apostle Paul: “All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28). The Synod Fathers are proud of you, of your faith and your love for the Church. They are at your side in everything that leads to the good, prosperity, and growth of your Archdiocese.