The head bishop of the Orthodox Church in America, who became chairman of the Holy Synod of Bishops in 2008 in the wake of a debilitating financial scandal at the church's highest levels, tendered his resignation at the unanimous request of the Synod.

Metropolitan Jonah, the Primate of the Church, had also served as the Archbishop of Washington. When he came into his position in 2008, he had been a bishop for ten days and was seen as untainted by a multi-million dollar scandal which uncovered corruption within the church, including that of two previous Metropolitans.

During his tenure, he sought to serve in an effort to restore accountability to the leadership position.

"I had come to the realization long ago that I have neither the personality nor the temperament for the position of Primate, a position I never sought nor desired," he wrote in a resignation letter written on July 6, the church revealed on Monday.

The letter was written at his residence in the Washington D.C. in the presence of the church's Chancellor, Archpriest John Jillions, the church said in a statement on Sunday.

Metropolitan Jonah, born James Paffhausen, requested another Episcopal assignment and requested consideration for his financial situation, noting he is the main support for both his parents and sister, beyond his own needs.

The Metropolitan made allusions to unnamed shortcomings.

"I will appreciate your consideration in this, and beg forgiveness for however I have offended you, and for whatever difficulties have arisen from my own inadequacies and mistakes in judgment," he wrote.

At a conference call on Monday, the Synod met to discuss the resignation, saying it had accepted the resignation, is discussing arrangements with the Metropolitan and will take into account his requests.

The Metropolitan will retain the title "His Eminence, Metropolitan Jonah, former Archbishop of Washington and Metropolitan of All-America and Canada."

The church said Monday that the Most Rev. Nathaniel, Archbishop of Detroit and the Romanian Episcopate was appointed the Locus Tenens of the Church by the Holy Synod.

The Synod also appointed the Rt. Rev. Michael, Bishop of New York and the Diocese of New York and New Jersey as the Administrator of the Church.

The Rt. Rev. Alexander, Bishop of Toledo and the Bulgarian Archdiocese was appointed Locum Tenens of the Archdiocese of Washington.

UPDATE: Synod Says Metropolitan Jonah Did Not Report Subordinate Priest's Alleged Rape