Caretaker committees filling gap for Antiochians

(Antiochian) - To our beloved in the Lord, the Hierarchs, Priests, Deacons, Members of the Board of Trustees, and Faithful of our Holy Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America,

I greet you in Christ, lifting up my prayers for your protection.

In accordance with the pertinent Antiochian Laws and Regulations,

whereas His Eminence, Metropolitan JOSEPH Zehlaoui submitted his Retirement Letter from his position as Metropolitan of the Archdiocese of New York and All North America;

and whereas the resignation request, along with the circumstances related to it, makes the resignation effective immediately;

and whereas it is necessary to ensure the proper care and administration of the Archdiocese, especially in these current circumstances.

Therefore, we inform you that the pastoral, administrative, and financial affairs of the Archdiocese shall be managed by a "Temporary Operating Committee for the Oversight of the Archdiocesan Office." This Committee works according to the Patriarch's directives. Its work is effective immediately, and until a Patriarchal Vicar is appointed. It is composed of the following members:

His Grace Bishop John Abdalah, Committee Chairman;

Mr. Fawaz El Khoury, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees;

Mr. Salim Abboud, Chief Financial Officer;

Archdeacon Emile Sayegh, Chancellor;

Archpriest Thomas Zain, Vicar General.

With my love in Christ.

Damascus, 23 September 2022.

+JOHN X

Patriarch of Antioch and all the East