Patriarch's Message to Archbishop Iakovos

His Eminence
Former Archbishop Iakovos of America
New York

Following the vacancy created by the voluntary resignation of your beloved Eminence from the Holy Archdiocese of America, by unanimous decision of the Synod, new metropolitanates of Toronto, Buenos Aires and Mexico were established, each having specific areas of jurisdiction.

In conjunction with this, we inform you that Patriarchal vicars were appointed: His Grace Bishop Soterios for the Metropolitanate of Toronto, His Grace Bishop Gennadios for the Metropolitanate of Buenos Aires and His Grace Bishop Isaiah for the Metropolitanate of Mexico.

Succeeding Your Most Reverence as Archbishop of America is Metropolitan Spyridon of Italy, who was unanimously elected by the Holy Synod. And for whom we request your Most Reverence's support and love, being assured that he will continue your inspired work with all his being.

We congratulate you with brotherly affection.

† Patriarch Bartholomew
Phanar, 30 July 1966