George Matsoukas, Executive Director of Orthodox Christian Laity
Source: Orthodox Christian Laity
“Relent, do not be unjust; reconsider, for my integrity is at stake”. (Job 6:29)
The study of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and its relations with Greece and Constantinople is troubling as these documents described by Professor James Counelis of blessed memory demonstrate. As the stepchild of Constantinople, the autonomy of the Archdiocese has been diminished with each Charter. With the present Charter, the Archdiocese has been reduced to a colony controlled from abroad. The Metropolitans and Archbishop in the United States are auxiliary bishops of the Patriarch in Constantinople. There is, in effect, no Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.
In reference to the recent appointment of an Archbishop, the Eparchial Synod of the United States had no input. Were three names submitted as part of the process? The American Eparchial Synod and the Archdiocesan Council had at least two years lead-time to weigh in on the selection of a successor to Archbishop Demetrios. The Patriarchate has made it known that they wanted the sitting Archbishop retired for these past two years. Where was the local Synod and the Archdiocesan Council these past two years? Did a delegation go to Istanbul to suggest names for a successor to the seat of Archbishop? The Charter imposed over the objection of the delegates to the Los Angeles Clergy-Laity Congress needs to be revised to restore good order to the Archdiocese. This unilateral appointment reinforces the fact that the Patriarchate does not respect the clergy, laity and hierarchy of the faithful in America. The official, appointed, lay overseers of the Church have enabled this disrespect to continue. Sadly, the legal counsel of the Archdiocese acquiesced in the development of this present Charter which effectively eliminated the autonomy of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
It does matter where the Archbishop is born and raised and educated. A native-born archbishop who grew up here, who perhaps was a counselor at Ionian Village and who has a network of priests that he went to school with here in America, and who knows our parish life, would better understand the needs of clergy, laity and our faithful. I feel that such an Archbishop would have a head start in knowing that the Orthodox Christian Church in the USA is a mission Church, bringing the Good News of Christ to the American people. The Archbishop would know the overarching need to retain our young people within the life of the Church requires outreach programs to the least of our neighbors, so that our faithful young people can participate in Christian outreach in their communities. They want to be active participants and not passive observers.
These are my thoughts currently of transition in the administrative life of the GOA. There is no hope if fundamental changes in the administrative structure do not take place. Business as usual has caused loss and failure.
George Matsoukas
Executive Director
Related Documents
2003 Official Charter of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
1977 Charter of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America
3 Comments
Mr. Matsoukis,
Outstanding musings as usual. I always look forward to your keen insight. Thank you for your wisdom.
Yes it does matter where the hierarchy were born and raised. Decades ago there was a big fuss when it was discovered that the meetings of the bishops were conducted entirely in Greek. When you think and speak only in Greek, how can you guide an American ship? I wonder in what language the meetings now will be conducted?
Greek. Many Greeks worship Greek more than they do Christ.