Since I have already received a few emails asking me to editorialize the significane of this, I'll just say the following: Some people are putting two and two together and believe that a delay in the Diocese of the South's episcopal search can be tied not only to the re-vetting of Fr. Gerasim, but also to Met. Jonah's impending resignation. I don't have a shred of evidence to support that, but it is a bit of solace and would make a lot of people in the South quite happy (and I suspect the once Bishop of Fort Worth as well).
Syosset, NY (OCA) - In a letter addressed to the members of the Holy Synod of Bishops dated Friday, July 6, 2012, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah tendered his resignation as Primate of the Orthodox Church in America.
His Beatitude composed and signed the letter at his residence in Washington, DC, in the presence of Archpriest John Jillions, OCA Chancellor.
On Saturday, July 7, the letter was presented to the Holy Synod in the course of a conference call in which all of the hierarchs participated, except His Eminence, Archbishop Alejo of Mexico City.
The text of His Beatitude’s letter reads as follows.
“To the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church in America,
“Brothers,
“As per your unanimous request, as conveyed to me by Chancellor Fr. John Jillions, I hereby tender my resignation as Primate of the Orthodox Church in America, and humbly request another Episcopal assignment.
“I had come to the realization long ago that that I have neither the personality nor the temperament for the position of Primate, a position I never sought nor desired.
“It is my hope that due consideration will be made for my financial situation, both in any interim and in consideration for any future position. I am the main financial support for both my parents and my sister, beyond my own needs.
“I will appreciate your consideration in this, and beg forgiveness for however I have offended you, and for whatever difficulties have arisen from my own inadequacies and mistakes in judgment.
“Asking your prayers, I remain faithfully yours,
“Metropolitan Jonah, Archbishop of Washington”
The hierarchs again will meet via conference call on Monday, July 9, after which additional information will be made available.
A PDF of His Beatitude’s letter is also available here (PDF).
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This saddens me, but at the same time, I am hopeful for a better fit for Met. Jonah. It seems to me he is a good and faithful man who has been in a very difficult place. So far, my own Bishop (Matthias) has made a very good impression on me, as have a few others more recently elected, so I am hopeful and prayerful that the OCA may yet get beyond the mistakes of the past. Even for those Bishops, Priests and Met. Council members whose attitudes and actions seem to have been less than helpful or grace-filled in the past, repentance is always possible. The only way forward for any of us is forgiveness of all by the Resurrection. May God make it so and have mercy on us all!
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