Angelos  
Posted 14 August 2010 - 01:35 PM

[...] It is true that the laity can be very vocal when they do not like their Archbishop. In 1999 the Greek Orthodox in North America practically forced Archbishop Spyridon to resign. see below:

"Archbishop Spyridon of America (born Spyridon Papageorge) is a retired Greek Orthodox of the Ecumenical Patriarchatewho was the archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America from July 1996 to August 1999. Internal conflicts within the church caused his resignation in 1999, after which he went into retirement, without accepting his subsequent assignment as Metropolitan of Chaldia."

Only problem is that Spyridon was accused as being "too conservative". I don't think he was ever accused of falling into heresy

Alice  
Posted 14 August 2010 - 02:40 PM

Indeed! If we see prostrations, confession, icon stands in the narthex, metanoies, rassa on priests, etc. today in the Greek Orthodox church of America, it is because Archbishop Spyridon initiated the comeback of these and other pious traditions (ie:chanting).

He was ousted, with slanders and passions of demonic nature, primarily because of this conservatism and traditionalism, yet, like every Christian who has suffered severe injustice (spiritual martyrdom, if you will), the roots of his sacrifice have taken hold.

May God bless him for suffering this for the benefit of the often faltering Greek Orthodox Church of America.


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