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Helleniscope - November 20, 2023

AB Elpidophoros Is On the Way Out!
Who Will Replace Him?

by Nick Stamatakis

Elpidophoros’ close relationship with Mareva Grabowski-Mitsotakis will not be enough to keep him on the throne of GOA.

Last week’s news from the Phanar, with the Greek government’s complaint about the Archbishop’s “performance” officially submitted to the Phanar left very little doubt that the Archbishop’s days on the throne of GOA are numbered. Since then, many other indications have surfaced to show that this eventuality is closer than we thought. Namely, the fact that the Patriarch registered Mrs. Papadopoulou’s official statement in the minutes of the Phanar’s Holy Synod, which was in session last week, proves that his removal has already been put into motion. |   Some rumors indicated that the Archbishop will retire similarly to former AB Spyridon.

Helleniscope has been recording in every detail the numerous reasons for Elpidophoros’ failure, and we recapitulated last week – no need to expand now. However, beyond Elpidophoros’ dismal performance, nobody should have any doubt that his removal has been set into motion by Karloutsos, the DC establishment’s official “handler” of GOA’s affairs and the longtime “hidden archbishop.” The State Dept undoubtedly approved Karloutsos’ actions. The Greek government had practically nothing to do with it: if it had, then Elpidophoros would likely survive for some time more, as he is known to have a close connection with Mitsotakis’ wife, Mareva. It looks like Elpidophoros’s removal had much to do with the decision in DC to cut off Turkey’s many “agents” in America. The recent FBI investigation on NYC Mayor Eric Adams explains exactly why Elpidophoros is out. The Israeli Lobby will not accept Turkish agents having a free ride in America anymore. Was Elpidophoros an agent of the Turkish “deep state”? Helleniscope has answered this question so extensively there is no need to expand here anymore – use our search function.

Who then should replace Elpidophoros, and how? Before we answer this question, we should note that GOA’s charter has been in the process of revision for the last few years, and this revision will likely coincide with the arrival of the new archbishop. The new archbishop will likely lead a Church that will return to a more unified structure, with the abolition of the separate Metropolises and the return of the Metropolitans to the status of bishops, in other words, assistants to the Archbishop. But wasn’t this what Elpidophoros has been fighting for? Yes, and he failed because nobody wanted to give a known agent of Turkey such tremendous power to oversee the whole of America.

Who, then, should be the new Archbishop? Naturally, he has to be someone who combines political skill with theological charisma: A “Man of Faith” with administrative/managerial abilities.

Metropolitan of Mesogaias Nikolaos

Where to find such a rare personality? A place to look is Mt.Athos, where many great “Men of God” are attracted. Some have moved elsewhere after years in Athos, some are still there. Among those who are still there, very few would consider abandoning monasticism, and even fewer would fit the job. Helleniscope has repeatedly proposed the Metropolitan of Mesogaias Nikolaos, who is a rare case: he has been in America for many years. He is a graduate (M.A.) of HCHC and has also served in Athos. There must be a few others approximating his stature. The fact is that a true “Man of Faith” will always be humble and never pronounce his personality. We must search for him; finding him takes a lot of effort. Natural gems are always in hiding. Talking about monasticism, we also have to see if anyone among those serving in our monasteries may rise to the occasion. I am all ears, and I know some of you have noticed one or two. A clergy-laity congress would be the best place for such candidates to be vetted – but say that to the “Sultans” of the Phanar or to the even worse autocrats of DC…

Another good source of leaders may be Africa, which offers harsh conditions for a religious leader to hone his skills. There may be some among the Greek Orthodox Metropolitans of Africa who qualify for the job, although they are unfamiliar with the American situation.

Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit

Is there anyone among the current GOA hierarchs who could qualify? In my opinion, there is only one: Metropolitan Nikolaos of Detroit. Unfortunately, his health is a significant issue, prohibiting any further thought. None of the younger Bishops or Metropolitans should waste their time and ours by pushing their candidacy.

Finally, among the many corrupt Phanar hierarchs, there is an exception, a true shining star: the Metropolitan of Pringiponisson Demetrios. But he may be destined for the Patriarchal Throne once Bartholomew realizes that his many failures – particularly his fatal mistakes around Ukraine – have permanently blemished his tenure, and it is time to retire.

Talking about Ukraine, it should not escape anyone that the last word for the selection will be with the State Dept and esp. Karloutsos. One would hope that the Ukraine failures taught them a few lessons. Have they realized that if their goal was to use Orthodoxy as a “foreign policy tool,” then a unified Orthodoxy led by Constantinople is a thousand times better than a divided Orthodoxy where the Russian Patriarchate, with their millions of followers, their influence in Eastern Europe, Middle East and elsewhere and the protection of the Russian Government, will have the upper hand? Even in America, there is a strong movement of the faithful to Churches friendly to the Russian Patriarchate, churches that follow the Orthodox faith and traditions. How long will it take the “geniuses” in DC to come to such simple realizations?

[ Helleniscope
  www.helleniscope.com/2023/11/20/ab-elpidophoros-is-on-the-way-out-who-will-replace-him-en-gr/
   November 20, 2023 ]