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

Metropolitan Joseph (Al-Zehlaoui)

The following points of information and analysis, coming from among Orthodoxy in Dialogue’s most reliable sources, may serve to revive our readers’ flagging confidence in Patriarch John’s promises of appropriate action, transparency, and direct communication with the people in the matter of the Metropolitan Joseph Scandal.

1). It is widely assumed that Patriarch John has pressured Al-Zehlaoui to resign in order to avoid suspension, investigation, and possible deposal from holy orders. It now seems that his resignation is meant to allow his speedy replacement with a new Metropolitan, to be followed by suspension, investigation, and possible deposal. To suspend him for the duration of a potentially lengthy investigation without compelling him to resign would make it impossible to appoint a new Metropolitan swiftly. Read More

From the website of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. We note that Metropolitan-elect Nicholas is one of ROCOR’s youngest and most recently ordained bishops. Orthodoxy in Dialogue wishes His Beatitude many long years of faithful primatial ministry in the Lord’s vineyard. We pray that he use his influence to help end the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Εἰς πολλὰ ἔτη, Δέσποτα!

Metropolitan-Elect Nicholas (Olhovsky) of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

NEW YORK: 13 September 2022
His Grace Bishop Nicholas is elected First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

On Tuesday, 13 September, 2022, the election of the new Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia by its Council of Bishops took place. In accordance with the Act of Canonical Communion, signed on 17 May, 2007, the Council will send the Act of the election, drafted by the counting committee to His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia with a request to bless the electee to assume the duties of the First Hierarch entrusted to him by his brethren archpastors, and for confirmation of the election by the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church. Read More

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

Metropolitan Joseph (L), Patriarch John (R)

Today marks three full weeks since Orthodoxy in Dialogue began exposing Joseph Al-Zehlaoui’s long-term adulterous relationships and co-ownership of expensive homes with two married Orthodox women under his spiritual care—women deeply involved in Archdiocesan and local parish activities—and two full weeks since Patriarch John of Antioch issued a personal response with assurances of public transparency, followed by a promise of  “direct contact with the people,”  in his handling of the scandal. Six days ago His Beatitude and Al-Zehlaoui sat down in Lebanon for two long days of questioning. Al-Zehlaoui was apparently given the opportunity to resign, to which we objected as inadequate and which he is said to have refused anyway. It has been four days since informants told us that his days as Metropolitan were already over. 

While we encouraged our readers to give the Patriarch the benefit of the doubt and to trust his promises, with every passing day of inaction and noncommunication growing numbers of our readers contact us asking where is the transparency and why the silence and delays. Read More

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

Metropolitan Joseph (Al-Zehlaoui)

While some of Orthodoxy in Dialogue’s readers around the world place their hope in Patriarch John’s promise of transparency in his handling of the Metropolitan Joseph Scandal, cynicism is running high among others. They ask what the Patriarch can spend two whole days, all day long, discussing with Metropolitan Joseph, and why there was no report from September 7, the second day of talks, either on the Patriarchate’s Facebook page or the Archdiocese’s website.

It goes without saying that today (September 8) has been devoted to celebrating the Nativity of the Most-Holy Theotokos. A most joyous and blessed Feast to everyone! Read More