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Shift Of The Ages - August 19, 2012

Today in History: 19 August 1999

Archbishop Spyridon
of Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Resigns

Archbishop Spyridon (born: George Papageorge), the first American-born archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, resigns after he is denounced by both lay leaders and other bishops for what they describe as his authoritarian style.

The conflict between Archbishop Spyridon and other church members has grown so intense that there has been serious talk about the Greek Orthodox churches in America severing ties with the leadership in Greece so they could become independent and appoint their own leader.

Even though Spyridon was born in Ohio, he has lived most of his life in Greece. His replacement, Metropolitan Demetrios Trakatellis, was born in Greece but he's spent more time in America than Spyridon.

[ Shift Of The Ages
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  August 19, 2012 ]