Phanar head dismisses Metropolitan of Chicago from Synod without explanation

Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and Patriarch Bartholomew. Photo: EK

Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople has relieved Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago from his duties in the Holy Synod of the Phanar through an official letter, reports the resource EK.

The letter did not specify the reasons for this decision, only stating that another hierarch would replace Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago.

This information became known on November 2, during the celebration of the name day of Archbishop Elpidophoros, who delivered the letter from the Phanar head to Metropolitan Nathanael.

It is worth noting that at a recent Synod of the Phanar Exarchate in the United States, Metropolitan Nathanael challenged one of Archbishop Elpidophoros' decisions, proposing Metropolitan Evangelos of Sardis for a position within the exarchate's structure.

According to Greek media, Elpidophoros has a strong dislike for Evangelos, which caused additional tension.

This conflict may have been one of the reasons for the dismissal of Metropolitan Nathanael from the Synod.

As earlier reported by the UOJ, Archbishop Elpidophoros accused the Phanar hierarch in the U.S. of whistleblowing.

Read also

OCCzLS Primate congratulates Metropolitan Onuphry on his 80th anniversary

His Beatitude Metropolitan Rastislav emphasized that the Primate of the UOC is a model of a good shepherd.

Primate of Macedonian Church congratulates His Beatitude on anniversary

Archbishop Stefan wished Metropolitan Onuphry and all the Orthodox people of Ukraine an abundance of God's grace and support.

Phanar head dismisses Metropolitan of Chicago from Synod without explanation

An official letter of dismissal for the metropolitan was delivered to him through Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.

In Ternopil region, a UOC priest released from TRC with a broken rib

At the Territorial Recruitment Center (TRC), a medic from one of the military units tried to persuade the UOC cleric to join the OCU to serve as a chaplain.

Pope again calls for peace in Ukraine

Pope Francis addressed the crowd gathered in St. Peter's Square: "Let the weapons fall silent, giving way to dialogue."

Only three communities of UOC left in Lviv Eparchy

The Lviv Regional Military Administration has approved amendments to the statute of a religious community of the UOC, which has now been transferred to the OCU.