Statement of the Metropolitan Council to the OCA Holy Synod concerning the crisis in the Diocese of Alaska
Statement of the Metropolitan Council to the OCA Holy Synod concerning the crisis in the Diocese of Alaska
At its spring meeting, March 31 to April 2, 2008, the Metropolitan Council unanimously approved the following statement to the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church in America concerning the crisis in the Diocese of Alaska.
“After long and heartfelt discussion during our meeting March 31 to April 2, 2008, the Metropolitan Council recognizes that the current crisis in Alaska is a source of paralyzing dysfunction in our whole Church. This problem requires careful investigation and consideration of fact, and we fully understand that the competency to take such action rests with the Holy Synod, to bring it to a decisive outcome without delay.
“Taking account of the anxieties, fears and pain of the Orthodox faithful of Alaska, and the deep concern expressed by all the faithful of the Orthodox Church in America, the Metropolitan Council is profoundly disappointed by the Holy Synod’s decision to lift the leave of absence of His Grace, Bishop Nikolai before a proper solution has been determined, and respectfully asks our hierarchs - in faith, hope and love - to immediately reverse this decision.”