Archbishop Demetrios of America

In an interview with Kathimerini, Elpidophoros, the new archbishop of America, says he is determined to tidy up the archdiocese's finances and make sure there is full transparency in the administration of donors' contributions.

The new Archbishop of America, Elpidophoros, was elected unanimously by the members of the Ecumenical Patriarchate's Holy Synod, according to a press release from the Phanar on Saturday.

Metropolitan Makarios of Christoupolis has been elected Archbishop of Australia following the death in March of Stylianos.

By George Gilson

Greek Orthodox Archbishop Demetrios of America assumed his position as a result of a revolt in the body of the Church and he is now stepping down largely as the result of a major financial scandal that has rocked the nearly bankrupted the Archdiocese and scandalised the flock.

The American Helleic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) has released a statement on the occasion of the retirement of Archbishop Demetrios of America.

Here's the full statement, by AHEPA Supreme President George E. Loucas:

Archbishop Demetrios of America submitted his resignation to Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomaios during a visit to Istanbul on Saturday.

Archbishop Demetrios of America is visiting Istanbul on Friday to meet with Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos, in a meeting that could determine his future in office.
According to the Archdiocese, Demetrios will inform Vartholomeos about current affairs of the Archdiocese of America.

The tenure of Archbishop Demetrios of America has been extended, as the Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos has reportedly decided not to include the issue of his removal at the next meeting of the Patriarchate's Holy Synod, according to information on Tuesday.

The Holy Synod will meet in Istanbul from Tuesday to Thursday.

With its three-day Holy Synod getting under way on Tuesday in Istanbul, the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople is expected to present visiting Education Minister Costas Gavroglou with its "red lines" as regards the government's proposals to relax church-state ties.

The upcoming Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate is expected to accept the resignation of Archbishop Demetrios of America and, if necessary, to depose him.

The Holy Synod will meet in Istanbul from Tuesday to Thursday.