By Theodore Kalmoukos
The Pokrov
December 19, 2010
http://pokrov.org/display.asp?ds=Article&id=1536
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| Patriarch Bartholomew is seen here in the center together with Metropolitan Paisios and Bishop Vikentios. |
BOSTON -- The Ecumenical Patriarchate has levied the canonical punishment of an indefinite suspension upon Metropolitan Paisios of Tyana and Bishop Vikentios of Apameia, meaning that the two prelates are forbidden from celebrating the divine liturgy, holy sacraments, and any other holy services of the church. This decision was reached during an emergency meeting of the members of the Holy Synod residing in the Patriarchate's headquarters in Constantinople.
Sources tell The National Herald that Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew plans on revisiting the issue involving the the Patriarchal and Stravropegial Monastery of St. Irene Chrysovalantou in Astoria, NY and its former leadership during the next meeting of the Holy Synod at the Phanar, which is scheduled for January 8, 2011.
As has been reported by TNH, the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the entire Greek American Community have been rocked by the scandalous allegations which came to light at the St. Irene Monastery this past fall.
During its previous meeting, the Holy Synod decided to accept the resignation submitted by Metropolitan Paisios, while also asking Bishop Vikentios to resign from his post as well, which he subsequently did. Afterwards, it named Bishop Ilia of Philomelion as acting abbot. Bishop Ilia was expected to arrive at the monastery this past Friday Dec. 17.
The announcement made by the Ecumenical Patriarchate reads as follows:
"It is hereby announced that the Hierarchs of the Throne in our City gathered for an extraordinary session today, December 17, 2010, and revisited the issue which has arisen at the Patriarchal and Stravropegial Monastery of St. Irene Chrysovalantou in Astoria, New York, unanimously arriving at the decision to suspend indefinitely both Metropolitan Paisios of Tyana, former Abbot of the Monastery, and Bishop Vikentios of Apameia, its former Deputy Abbot, from every clerical function.
At the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the 17th of December 2010
From the Chief Secretariat of the Holy and Sacred Synod"
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