The following was published earlier today on the Facebook page of the Patriarchate of Antioch and the website of the Antiochian Archdiocese. We trust that the Holy Synod’s commitment “to examine the substantiality of the facts and listen to the parties concerned” includes communicating directly with the women involved (Orthodoxy in Dialogue has the names of two, in case the synodal committee needs them) and giving full weight to their testimony. We note that the Patriarch says nothing of Al-Zehlaoui’s status for the duration of the investigation or how long it is anticipated to last. We continue to call for the Metropolitan’s full suspension from all episcopal duties and the appointment of a locum tenens until the matter at hand is resolved. Al-Zehlaoui has already lost all spiritual and moral authority in the eyes of his flock and of the entire Orthodox Church. 

It is gratifying to see Al-Zehlaoui summoned to the Patriarchate within two weeks of Orthodoxy in Dialogue’s initial reporting of what he had hoped to sweep under the carpet.

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

To our beloved in the Lord, the hierarchs, priests, deacons, and spiritual children of our Holy Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America,

During this difficult time that the Holy Archdiocese is facing, following the accusation that was put against the Metropolitan and the consequential turmoil, I feel it is my paternal duty to remain close to you as I mentioned in my previous letter. In the present letter, I wish to share with you some guidance that is based on the principles of the Church order that was handed over to us by the Holy Fathers, what characterizes our Orthodox Church.

I hereby put said guidance under two headings: Read More

Metropolitan Joseph (L) and Patriarch John of Antioch (R)

As Metropolitan Al-Zehlaoui announced in his letter of yesterday, he flies to Lebanon today for a meeting with Patriarch John of Antioch on Tuesday, September 6. The entire Orthodox world is placing its trust in the Patriarch’s pledge of August 28 to act swiftly, decisively, and transparently in the matter of the Metropolitan Joseph Scandal. (See the Metropolitan Joseph: The Scandal section in our Archives 2020-22 linked at the top of this page.) It was concerning to see the Metropolitan publish a pastoral message to the Antiochian Archdiocese as if nothing was amiss on September 2, a full five days after the Patriarch’s reassurances, when he should have been suspended from his duties immediately, pending the outcome of a legitimate investigation. Credible allegations of long-term affairs with married women under his spiritual care (we now have the names of two with whom Al-Zehlaoui co-owns properties; who will be surprised if more surface?), and the consequent destruction of marriages and families, would have gotten any lesser cleric suspended on the spot.  Why the delay with Al-Zehlaoui? Read More

For context see the voluminous Metropolitan Joseph: The Scandal section in our Archives 2020-22 linked at the top of this page. Patriarch John and Metropolitan Joseph can rest assured that they have not heard the end of this.

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Metropolitan Joseph (Al-Zehlaoui)

Buzz Learn, a website where one goes to “learn about celebrities,” contains a page for Metropolitan Joseph of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese. While Orthodoxy in Dialogue cannot verify the source or the accuracy of Buzz Learn’s information, we share the link with our readers around the globe as relevant to any investigation of the Metropolitan’s activities. The link to his Buzz Learn profile was sent to us by one of our concerned readers.

The site describes Al-Zehlaoui as “a successful Bishop” and one of the richest people from Syria, having made his millions “from his primary career as a Bishop.”

(Insider sources at Englewood consider the Buzz Learn figures to be dated, and estimate $15,000,000-$20,000,000 as more accurate.)

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