OCA Holy Synod suspends Abp. Seraphim

SYOSSET, NY (OCA) - During a special meeting called by His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah on Tuesday, November 30, 2010, the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America decided to suspend His Eminence, Archbishop Seraphim of Ottawa and Canada. This decision was reached after careful deliberations and in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Orthodox Church in America mandated in cases of allegations of sexual misconduct.

The Holy Synod further designated His Grace, Bishop Irenee of Quebec City, Administrator of the Archdiocese of Canada. He will be responsible for all aspects of the hierarchical supervision of the Archdiocese.

Concurrently, the Holy Synod issued a detailed Mandate for the Synodal Commission for the Investigation of Allegations against Archbishop Seraphim, the complete text of which is posted in PDF format here (PDF).