Greek Orthodox archbishop resigns

Christian Century, August 25, 1999

Archbishop Spyridon, the head of the 1.5-million-member Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, resigned August 19 following more than two years of bitter controversy sparked by what critics called his stubbornly autocratic style unsuited to a church that had moved beyond its immigrant roots. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomeos, the Istanbul-based spiritual head of the American church, immediately appointed Metropolitan Demetrios Trakatellis of Greece to replace Ohio born Spyridon.

In a letter reflecting some bitterness, Archbishop Spyridon said: "I have submitted this resignation, effective August 30th, for reasons totally independent of and unrelated to my personal intentions. For those few of every grade who during the past three years have opposed this vital mission of the church and have spared little ordnance in an attack of words that has done far more damage to our Greek Orthodox family than it has to those entrusted with its leadership, I extend my heartfelt archpastoral forgiveness."

Those who had clamored for Spyridon's removal included the church's five ranking metropolitans, more than 100 priests and a considerable number of laypeople. Commented Chicago attorney George D. Karcazes, past president of the Orthodox Christian Laity: "Even his supporters are breathing a sigh of relief. What he did in resigning is basically a good thing. It puts us in a position to restore unity and end the divisions which have resulted from the past several years."