The case of the exarch Metropolitan is new for the Church of Greece. It does, however, have several substantial gaps. This is a temporary solution. A “patch” in the problem, not a permanent solution to the administrative problems that many Dioceses have.
It is, as synodical hierarchs say, a discreet way to govern the Dioceses on the one hand and on the other to keep at bay those wishing, to rule in Dioceses with helpless (physically or mentally) Metropolitans.
It was “invented” by the Holy Synod to fill the gap and the need created by the health problems of the Metropolitan Clement of Peristeri. Unfortunately, things are not going well for him, who took over the Metropolis of Peristeri, only two years ago. He allegedly asked as the column had revealed to you from the beginning, for the appointment of an – in a way – supervisor.
Because in the Diocese, things started to be complicated, to put it elegantly. A great example is the “funny” announcement made by people around the Metropolitan of Peristeri, that “His Eminence came out of the hospital and greeted the nursing staff wishing good strength in their work.”
Anyone who has seen Clement’s state of health can easily understand why this case is a joke that can be dangerous at the same time. These people had the authority of administering a legal entity under public law, without having the responsibilities.
Two plus one Metropolis
The Charter of the Church does not provide for the appointment of an exarch in the case of a seriously ill Metropolitan. It provides for the sending of a special health committee to assess the situation and then the Synod has the right to replace him.
Now in Peristeri, with the consent of the Ministry of Education, this temporary solution was envisaged.
A solution that cuts the mood of the elderly Metropolitans (see Diocese of Ilia) to ask for assistant bishops, because they are unable to administer and reside.
It is loudly heard that after Peristeri, three more Metropolises will get an exarch to keep at bay these kinds of environments a little or to help in their administrative duties Metropolitans who are being hospitalized very often.
It is the Metropolises of Paramythia and Gortynos that seem to have the same problems, but also the Metropolis of Thessaloniki because Anthimos is now at an advanced age. The third case, however, is the most difficult because it is a large Metropolis and Anthimos, as is well known, does not like to be told what to do.
On the other hand, the case of “exarch Metropolitan” also comes at odds with the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which doesn’t like a “supervisor” of helpless Metropolitans in the New Countries (“Nees Chores”) to be imposed.
For this reason, the Patriarch sent a similar letter to Archbishop Ieronymos, expressing his objections.
Now whether Ieronymos will take seriously the objections of Fanari or put the letter in the… drawer with the forgotten, is another matter.
From the column of Greek edition orthodoxtimes.gr, Melchizedek