April 5 1999

ARTICLE TOOLS

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Archbishop Spyridon, the controversial head of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, emerged triumphant from a long-anticipated meeting in Istanbul in January with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. The meeting had been called in response to widespread demand for Spyridon's removal (CT, Sept. 7, 1998, p. 28).

The archbishop came out of the intense five-hour meeting at Bartholomew's residence with the backing of the highest-ranking member of the patriarchate. The historic encounter included all five American metropolitans, or regional bishops, who had unanimously asked for Spyridon's removal. Bartholomew, who made the appointment in 1996, responded, "Spyridon is the archbishop forever. This is the archbishop until his death."

The metropolitans had delivered a blunt 25-page report on the "Disorderly State of Affairs of the Archdiocese of America" in appealing for the removal. "The Archdiocese is presently suffocating in an atmosphere of fear, suspicion, insecurity, lack of trust, and vindictiveness," the metropolitans wrote. "The majority of the clergy and laity have lost their faith in their ecclesiastic leadership." They also warned Bartholomew of further alienation from the mother church if he failed to remove Spyridon.

In February, Bartholomew reiterated that Spyridon will remain in power, but he said it is up to the U.S. church to resolve its internal problems. Also in February, Spyridon floated the idea of resigning if he cannot quiet critics. However, Spyridon asked his detractors to cease their complaints, and he indicated problems would be worked out.

LAY GROUP DISILLUSIONED: Bartholomew's unequivocal support of Spyridon came as unexpected news for many American Greek Orthodox. "We're baffled," says Dean Popps, communication ...