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Metropolitan Jonah tenders resignation
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.

For what it's worth,I think His Beatitude was railroaded into resigning.He will be in my prayers.

Why?

This may offer some insight.

http://www.ocanews.org/news/16thAACJonahToBeEvaluated11.1.11.html

Whatever the issues, many prayers for bishop Jonah and those who know and love him.

Given this article it appears I should be thankful that I did not convert to the OCA when the opportunity presented itself in 1999. I praise God that he spared me this.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Financial_scandal_in_the_Orthodox_Church_in_America

This is yet another very sad time for the Orthodox Church of America. Let us pray for all the OCA faithful that they may have the strength to endure this trial in faith and hope, with the Lord's abundant mercy.

I'm sure Moscow would be upset, but I think it is time for the OCA to spare themselves the pain and trouble of electing a new metropolitan, and place themselves under the jurisdiction of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. It is a far bigger and stronger jurisdiction, and I think it squares a little more with reality. It would be a big step toward real Orthodox unity in the USA. I just do not feel that autocephaly has worked for them. It was a nice try, but ill-timed and,might I say, under-funded .

Before merger with the GOA, it would make more sense for the OCA and ROCOR to merge. Now THAT would be an interesting development.

It's kind of interesting the contrast between the autocephalus (particular) American Eastern Catholics and the (Primatial) Orthodox Churches. The Catholic Churches are looking for formal union with their mother Churches in canonical lands and the Orthodox are trying to stay independent.

I don't know if this is a widely held opinion, but its my impression. I hope I used the terminology correctly; I'm still learning.

Regardless, I pray that each of Christ's Churches will be guided by the Holy Spirit for the good of the souls of their members. Perhaps there the lesson is that we should all be striving for union while still retaining the Eastern Churches unique diversity. God does indeed work in mysterious ways.

I agree an OCA / ROCOR union makes more sense.

This is a follow-up from the Prayer forum:
One's family should be cared for, certainly, but why the specific point here, why does he raise it in this context of his resignation? For instance, had he not been elected bishop and then Metropolitan, had he remained a monk, his family obligations are still the same.

It would be an interesting development, indeed, but as a first step. I would like to see both eventually come under GOA. By strength of numbers and by popular perception the Greek Archdiocese is the Orthodox Church of America,or at least, in America. I guess I am uneasy with ROCOR's new-found ties to Moscow. And didn't Metropolitan Jonah's attempts to strengthen ties to the Moscow patriarchia rankle a number of OCA members? In any event, I feel it would greatly strength Orthodox unity in America and advance Orthodoxy worldwide.

Regarding any canonical union with the GOA, adherents of the Russian tradition within the OCA, but more significantly those within the ROCOR, will not allow it due to the calendar issue.

The descendents of the Russian church will insist on staying connected to their mother Church in some fashion.

If I were to ever convert to Orthodoxy it would be by becoming a member of ROCOR. I have never been drawn to the GOA.