Balamand, Lebanon, September 7, 2022
Met. Joseph (left) with Pat. John (right). Photo: Antiochian Patriarchate
The Patriarch of the Church of Antioch and the Metropolitan of the North American Archdiocese met in Balamand, Lebanon yesterday to discuss the moral accusations against His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph and the disturbance they have caused in the Church.
Patriarch JOHN X of Antioch and all the East met today with Metropolitan JOSEPH Al-Zehlaoui, Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America. The meeting came in light of the recent accusations toward the Metropolitan and the consequent turmoil that befell the Archdiocese and the Church. The meeting constituted a first session in which His Beatitude heard His Eminence, inquiring from him his position on the accusations against him. The Patriarch will meet again with Metropolitan JOSEPH in another session in order to clarify the substantiality of the facts and take appropriate measures.
Earlier, in late August, the Archdiocese issued a statement saying an investigation is underway, and Met. Joseph denies the accusations. The Patriarch published his own statement on August 29, assuring the clergy and faithful of the Archdiocese that all appropriate measures will be taken.
Met. Joseph issued another statement to the hierarchs, clergy, faithful, and members of the Board of Trustees of the North American Archdiocese on September 2, informing them about the planned meeting with Pat. John.
“The only item on our agenda is the sorrowful attack on the Antiochian Archdiocese of North America via scandalous gossip regarding me at the head as its Metropolitan,” Met. Joseph writes in his letter, made available to OrthoChristian.
And further:
Know that the church, from its beginning, has always and will always be attacked. This is a time for serious fasting and prayer and as your father in Christ, I beseech you to do so as earnestly as you can. Pray for the church, pray for me, pray for our accusers and for those who wish us harm. Pray with all your heart that the truth be revealed in God’s time and for His purpose, to spare His church from harm and evil doers and to be merciful on us and on all those who disobey Him.
From the holy fathers we read, “…do not take pleasure in listening to gossip or criticisms, or the calumnies, which some people spread about their brethren; but either stop them, if you can, or withdraw, so as not to hear them.” (from Unseen Warfare)
It is the hour for this Archdiocese to stand in unity, strength and to be unwavering in our devotion to God and His holy church. Love one another and forgive one another.
Pat. John also addressed the Archdiocese in the runup to the meeting, on September 4, assuring the people that he is near to them as their spiritual shepherd.
“Be assured that the well-being of the Holy Antiochian Archdiocese of North America and her peace is the utmost priority superseding any other consideration,” His Beatitude affirms, explaining that it is his responsibility as Patriarch to investigate the matter and then convene the Holy Synod to make the necessary decision.
“I hope that my words to you serve to bring unity in vision and prayer leading to the well-being of the Archdiocese and her peace, thus the well-being and peace of the whole Antiochian Church. This is what we pray and work for day and night. Do keep us in your prayers, as we keep you in our hearts and prayers,” Pat. John concludes.
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