Synod

Published by The National Herald, January 21, 2005

Eparchial Synod to Convene in February to Decide on Triprosopon

BOSTON – The Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is scheduled to convene for a special two-day session on Thursday and Friday, February 17-18, in order to institute the triprosopon (three-person ballot) for the eventual election of the next Metropolitan of San Francisco.

The metropolitical throne at the Metropolis of San Francisco became vacant after the late Metropolitan Anthony died this past December 25.

The search for Anthony’s successor will be based on a list of Episcopal candidates consisting of 37 celibate clerics. The Archdiocese’s four auxiliary Bishops are included among the candidates, as well.

The auxiliary Bishops are Demetrios of Xanthos (Ecumenical Officer), Savas of Troas (Archdiocesan Chancellor), Gerasimos of Krateia, and Andonios of Fasiane.

Upon the completion of the selection for the triprosopon, which takes place by a voting process among the members of the Eparchial Synod, the outcome will be sent, with recommendations, to the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople, where the Holy & Sacred Synod of the Patriarchate will elect one of three on February 22 (traditionally the candidate who garners the most votes on the triposopon).

The list of the candidates received final approval from the Holy & Sacred Synod on Wednesday January 12.

The list is expected to be sent to all the members of the Archdiocesan Council in order for the Council to also have an opportunity to review it and perhaps express reservation about specific candidates. In that event, a written report would have to be addressed confidentially to the president of the Holy Eparchial Synod, Archbishop Demetrios of America.

According to the new Archdiocesan Charter, the Eparchial Synod of America should convene within 40 days after a Metropolis becomes vacant to select the triprosopon.

The Patriarchate, as well as the members of the Eparchial Synod, expressed the opinion that the current triprosopon process for Anthony’s successor is exceeding the time frame provided by the Charter.

The Eparchial Synod of the Archdiocese consists of the following hierarchs: Demetrios of America, Iakovos of Chicago, Maximos of Pittsburgh, Methodios of Boston, Isaiah of Denver, Alexios of Atlanta, Nicholas of Detroit, and Evangelos of New Jersey.



Volume 7 Number 4 - Tuesday, January 25th, 2005	A Publication of the ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN LAITY