For context see the Metropolitan Joseph: The Scandal section in our Archives 2020-22 linked at the top of this page.

Photo credit: Website of the Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East

The Holy Synod of the Church of Antioch convened its regular fall meeting on Wednesday, October 12. Under normal circumstances, the meeting would have concluded its work by Friday. However, it was extended to today (Monday the 17th) to adjudicate the status of the disgraced Metropolitan Joseph Al-Zehlaoui and the short- and long-term future of the Antiochian Archdiocese. Our source in Lebanon reports that the Synod was unable to reach a satisfactory solution, and will continue its deliberations tomorrow (Tuesday the 18th):

No update from the Synod yet except that it is under a lot pressure on the dilemma of what decision to take in regard of Joseph and the backlash it might cause and who to send as a patriarchal vicar.

We are waiting for their decision tomorrow [Tuesday the 18th].

Given the time difference between Lebanon and where most of our readers live, there’s time to write to Patriarch John at secretary@antiochpatriarchate.org to make your expectations known to him. Orthodox ecclesiology demands that all members of the body of the Church—hierarchs, priests, deacons, male and female monastics, and laity—have their say in all matters pertaining to the life of the Church and her governance. Read More

For context see the Metropolitan Joseph: The Scandal section in our Archives 2020-22 linked at the top of this page.

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

Since August 26, four days after Orthodoxy in Dialogue first exposed Ms. Helena Ditko’s (full name used with her consent) allegations against then-Metropolitan Joseph Al-Zehlaoui of having conducted a 16-year predatory sexual relationship with her, we have repeatedly questioned the legitimacy, independence, and credibility of the investigation. We asked Al-Zehlaoui in an open letter at the time, “What is the name and address of the law firm investigating the allegations against you? Who retained their services? The Archdiocese? The Board of Trustees? The Patriarchate? You personally? Who is paying their fees? Is the aim of the investigation to prove your innocence or to get to the full, unvarnished truth of the matter?” We subsequently asked why a general call for victims to step forward was never issued.

On October 14, we published the secret report of the “investigation.” As attested by a priest of the Archdiocese, who we know speaks for an enormous number of clergy and laity, the contents and timing of the report, its reliance on interviewees beholden to Al-Zehlaoui, and the timing of its release to the Holy Synod confirmed everyone’s worst fears that said investigation would amount to little more than a farce, and an expensive farce at that, presumably paid for with the heartfelt contributions of the Archdiocese’s faithful who imagined their money would be spent on better things. Read More

For context see the Metropolitan Joseph: The Scandal section in our Archives 2020-22 linked at the top of this page. Although our editorial policy generally avoids anonymous articles, in some cases we are willing to consider exceptions. Reach out to us by email if you have something to contribute but require anonymity.

Yesterday Orthodoxy in Dialogue published a communication between the attorney of the Antiochian Archdiocese and the attorney tasked with investigating the claims of a long-term adulterous affair between Metropolitan Joseph and a laywoman. The letter summed up the “investigation” into these accusations. After reading it I felt like someone punched me in the gut. It was sickening. It was demoralizing. It was shameful. Especially since up until that point it appeared the Archdiocese Board of Trustees and the Patriarch of Antioch handled the scandal well. But, alas, such was not the case.

The extent of the “investigation” into the accusations made against His Eminence, according to the letter, was essentially three interviews, as well as a recognition that Metropolitan Joseph made a loan to the accuser for the purchase of a home over a decade ago. One interview was of the accuser. Two were of priests who are well-known supporters of Metropolitan Joseph. One of those priests was the accuser’s pastor during the time of the alleged affair. Even if the accuser confessed those affairs to him, how could he break the seal of confession and implicate the Metropolitan? There were also two other interviews, both of which seem to be of low value. Although one of them (of Charles Ajalat) likely revealed a previous sham investigation was undertaken on this same issue during the time of Metropolitan Philip. Read More

The present report appeared on Religion News Service on October 10. Our readers who follow the diabolical rhetoric of the Kremlin’s puppet patriarch, Kirill Gundiaev, in support of the invasion of Ukraine will note that he also demonizes LGBTQ people as necessitating the annihilation of an entire country.

Participants take part in a LGBTQ pride march in Podgorica, Montenegro, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. Several hundred people joined an LGBTQ pride march in Montenegro, held amid strong opposition from the influential Serbian Orthodox Church in the small conservative Balkan country. (AP Photo/Risto Bozovic)

Several hundred people on Saturday joined an LGBTQ pride march in Montenegro, held amid strong opposition from the influential Serbian Orthodox Church in the small conservative Balkan country.

Montenegro’s 10th pride event was dubbed “No more buts,” reflecting demands that more be done to stem hate speech and harassment of LGBTQ community despite huge steps that have been made in the past years. Read More