Source: The National Herald
His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta officiates at the Vatopedi Monastery of Mount Athos. (Photo provided by the Metropolis of Atlanta)
BOSTON – Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta, who on November 8 submitted his resignation letter to Patriarch Bartholomew along with a request for his long-time collaborator and assistant, Bishop Sevastianos of Zelon, to succeed him, gave an interview to The National Herald that could be described as the capstone of his episcopacy.
He spoke with clarity, eloquence, seriousness, and humor about his resignation. He also discussed whether Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew would honor his wish to recommend the election of Bishop Sevastianos. He also reflected on his childhood years at Mount Athos, starting at the age of 15.
The interview with Metropolitan Alexios follows:
The National Herald: Your Eminence, how are you? How is your health?
Metropolitan Alexios: Very well, thank God. I owe nothing to anyone, and no one owes me. I am content.
TNH: In your resignation letter, among other things, you wrote, “Over time, I feel my physical and spiritual strength waning.” However, Your Eminence, even just a moment ago, you said you were doing well. That is also what those who know you say, and I can sense it myself as we speak – you have clarity, eloquence, and sound reasoning. Why did you resign? Were you pressured?
Metropolitan Alexios: No, no one pressured me, nor did anyone tell me to resign. I didn’t even discuss it with anyone. I’m 80 years old; this Christmas, I’ll be 81. So, how much longer can I serve? As for the liturgical life, it will continue – I’ll continue to Liturgize. But the administrative side is a different matter. I have served for many years, for decades; now it’s time for someone else to take over.
TNH: Eighty is not that old. Patriarch Bartholomew is approaching 85. Should he also resign?
Metropolitan Alexios: No, he is from Constantinople. He drinks different water. The water in Greece and America is mixed. Our way of life here is different. Brother Theodore, you know me, we need to take some time to find ourselves – sometimes we forget that, but we need the opportunity to rediscover ourselves.
TNH: What will you do from now on?
Metropolitan Alexios: I don’t have any specific plans. Whatever the Lord wills. Here and in Greece, in Greece and here, and wherever the Church decides to send me if needed, etc.
TNH: In your letter, you propose as your successor your long-time assistant and collaborator, Bishop Sevastianos of Zelon. Do you trust Bartholomew to honor your wish?
Metropolitan Alexios: I don’t know. But that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t express my wish. It’s his right to do as he sees fit, but it’s also my right to propose someone. No one can stop me.
TNH: Tell us about some events that marked your 25-year archpastoral ministry as Metropolitan of Atlanta.
Metropolitan Alexios: Events always occur in a person’s life. I always took them as being from God and prayed for the strength to fulfill my obligations and duties, doing what I had to do. That’s how I proceeded. I never thought of it as something extraordinary I had accomplished. My life was like water flowing in a stream – sometimes encountering a stone and making some noise but always flowing. That’s how I feel.
TNH: When you were young and entered Vatopedi Monastery as a novice, did you ever imagine that you would become the Metropolitan of Atlanta?
Metropolitan Alexios: I didn’t even imagine becoming a priest. At the time, it was the fervor of faith in the monastery at Mount Athos – we were soaring. We served the elders with joy. I don’t think there are children today who serve their parents as we served the elders.
TNH: What did you learn during your time in the monastery on Mount Athos?
Metropolitan Alexios: Everything. Of course, at the time, we didn’t fully understand it, but as the years go by, you see things, you examine them, and you think about how they happened. You realize the foundations were laid back then. The first foundation was that we must serve without expecting anything in return – to serve to the point of sacrifice. These principles stayed with me throughout my life. For me, it wasn’t just a way of life; it was life itself. I entered the Athonias Ecclesiastical School at the age of 15 and joined the monastery at 19.
TNH: Our Greek-American Community, which you served as a priest, as Bishop in Astoria, and as Metropolitan in Atlanta – what direction is it heading in?
Metropolitan Alexios: When you are inside the ship, you don’t see the storms outside. You simply struggle to survive. That’s how it was for me. The ship encountered both storms and calm waters. Prayer is always necessary. We must never forget ourselves, and in moments of weakness, we must raise our hands and say, “God, help us; we’re not doing well.” In a mysterious way, help comes without us realizing it. At least, that’s how I felt in my life. Many times, I received help, and many things changed without me understanding how they happened. Even now, I don’t fully understand how I came to resign.
TNH: But you are consciously aware that you wanted to resign, correct?
Metropolitan Alexios: Certainly. No one pressured me, but how the decision came about, how one thing led to another – it’s like knowing you’ll take a trip to Greece but not knowing when or how. Then, something unexpected happens, and you get on the plane and go to Greece.
TNH: Did you inform Archbishop Elpidophoros beforehand that you were considering resigning?
Metropolitan Alexios: Not at all. I made the decision, announced it in the church, and then wrote the letter to the Patriarch.
TNH: What was one of the happiest days of your life?
Metropolitan Alexios: Every day is a happy day. I get tired, but every morning I feel the same energy.
TNH: Do you fear death?
Metropolitan Alexios: I haven’t thought about it. I know that I will die someday, but I haven’t dwelt on it.
