The Archdiocese of America announced that Metropolitan Nathanael Symeonides began experiencing acute, persistent pain that was unusual in nature and unrelated to COVID-19 on April 18.
Out of an abundance of caution, Metropolitan Nathanael was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital where he was admitted and treated. Metropolitan Nathanael now is recuperating and is expected to resume his day-to-day responsibilities in the near future.
On the advice of attending physicians, Metropolitan Nathanael regrets that he will be unable to fulfill his commitments related to Holy Week and possibly Bright Week.
In the announcement, the Metropolitan said that he was grateful that he was surrounded by highly capable clergy and lay leaders so that the life of the Metropolis continued while he recovered.
While he recovers, the Metropolitan asks only for prayers from the faithful for a speedy and complete recovery as he is eager to resume his day-to-day responsibilities as Metropolitan.