Normally I wouldn't add a comment without source material to reference, but two separate sources have told me that the North American Antiochian archdiocese will see some rather large changes to its configuration following the recent visit of some American bishops with Patriarch Ignatius. This would seem to contradict the placid, life-as-usual theme being reported.
And also...(theantiochian.org) - Bishops’ Meeting with His Beatitude Patriarch Ignatius ends with no changes to the Feb. 24 decision. The Bishops are to serve as Auxiliaries to the Primate, Met. PHILIP.
Our beloved Bishops finished their meeting with His Beatitude, Patriarch Ignatius in Damascus, Syria. As it was reported earlier, His Beatitude met with each Bishop individually as well as with them as one group in order to better understand the current situation in the Archdiocese of North America.
His Beatitude expressed his understanding and awareness of the issues that were raised by their Graces. An anonymous source within the Patriarchate with knowledge of details of the meeting spoke to the Antiochian.com on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to disclose such information. This source reports that their Graces expressed their obedience to the Holy Synod decision but was disappointed in the way they were informed with this decision. His Beatitude understood this concern and agreed that there be a clear line of communication between the Archdiocese and the Patriarchate.
His Beatitude Patriarch Ignatius stressed to the Bishops that they remain Auxiliary Bishops and that by remaining Auxiliary Bishops does not reduce their status in terms of what they were consecrated to do, that is to assist the Metropolitan Archbishop in his Archdiocese. He also stressed to the Bishops that they are there to serve the church first and foremost above any personal gain.
His Beatitude, emphasized the importance of the unity of the one Archdiocese, and made clear to their Graces that there will be no change to their status as Auxiliaries and that the upcoming meeting of the Holy Synod will reaffirm this decision.
At the end of their trip, their Graces were happy by the warm reception, hospitality, and love that they were shown. His Beatitude ask the Bishops to assure the clergy and laity of this Archdiocese of his love and paternal blessings.
(antiochian.org) - The following statement and photographs have been released by The Offices of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East in Damascus, Syria, courtesy of Archimandrite Ibrahim Daoud, Secretary to the Patriarch:
On Tuesday, June 2, 2009, the Most Blessed Ignatius IV, Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, received as his specially invited guests from the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, Their Graces, Bishop Antoun, Bishop Joseph, Bishop Basil, Bishop Thomas and Bishop Mark. He had previously met with Bishop Alexander when His Grace was visiting his family in the region during the month of May. Over the next several days (June 2-4) His Beatitude met with each Bishop individually as well as with them as one group in order to better understand the current situation in the Archdiocese of North America. His Beatitude listened carefully to the concerns of the Bishops, and the Bishops recognized that His Beatitude was indeed already well aware and understanding of the situation in North America. The Bishops expressed to the Patriarch the importance of clear lines of communication and their profound gratitude for His Beatitude’s invitation to come to Damascus. Patriarch Ignatius asked each Bishop to communicate to their clergy and people his paternal love and blessings.
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