OCA Metropolitan Election: Bishops Await Final Details Before Announcing Date

(Photo Credit: Orthodox Church in America)The Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America meets for an extraordinary one-day session at Saint Andrew House in Detroit on August 13, 2012.

The Orthodox Church in America said Monday that top bishops are awaiting final logistical details to set the date and location for the election of the church's next Metropolitan, after liability concerns by bishops prompted the resignation of Metropolitan Jonah last month.

The Holy Synod of Bishops, meeting at St. Andrew House in Detroit, Michigan met to hear reports on various matters, and also discussed preparations for a one-day Special All-American Council.

Archpriest Eric G. Tosi, General Secretary of the church, told the Synod about the preparations.

The OCA said the Holy Synod set the agenda for a one-day special Council, with the sole focus of electing of a new Metropolitan. It also decided that the Council should be held at the earliest possible opportunity.

Metropolitan Jonah tendered his resignation last month at the unanimous request of the Synod.

The OCA said in a statement on July 16 that Metropolitan Jonah was asked to quit or enter a treatment program because, saying he mishandled the report of an alleged rape by a priest under his charge by not following church standards.

The Synod said Metropolitan Jonah's actions exposed the OCA to financial and legal liability.

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