Heraklion, Crete, Greece, November 26, 2021
Photo: ekklisiaonline.gr
By unanimous decision of the Eparchial Synod of the Church of Crete (Patriarchate of Constantinople), Archbishop Irineos has been dismissed from his duties as primate.
The hierarchs voted on Wednesday after three Synodally appointed doctors examined the Archbishop, who has been facing serious health problems in recent years and months. According to the statutes of the Church of Crete, the Synod can appoint doctors to examine the primate and then remove him based on the doctors’ recommendations.
The decision of the Synod states that, “taking into account the testimonies of three doctors—professors of the university—presented to the chairman of the court of first instance, it was unanimously decided to release His Eminence Archbishop Irineos of Crete from his duties. This Synodal decision has been sent for approval (or not) to the Ecumenical Patriarchate,” reports Romfea.
The Synod notes that the decision was difficult, and made with “respect and gratitude to the person, the labor, and the work” of Abp. Irineos.
Abp. Irineos was treated at the Neurological Clinic of the University Hospital of Heraklion for nearly two months last fall.
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