BOSTON – Tempers flared once again during the session of the Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, which convened, as reported by The National Herald, on Friday, September 13 at the Archbishop Iakovos Library of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, MA.

All hierarchs participated except for Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta, while Metropolitan Methodios of Boston, who was in Greece, participated remotely via Zoom.

One of the points of contention arose when Archbishop Elpidophoros announced that the expenses for the hierarchs participating in the Synod of the Phanar – they are appointed to one-year terms – are now capped at $18,000. It should be noted that the hierarchs who participate in the Patriarchal Synod travel to Constantinople once a month and bear the costs of their airfare and hotel accommodations. They usually stay for five days, arriving the day before the meeting of the Synod, staying three days for the proceedings, and departing the following day.

There was protest from the hierarchs, and Elpidophoros reportedly responded that they had no money and that this amount was set by Elaine Allen, Senior Advisor to the Archbishop – Office of the Archbishop and who is Treasurer on the Executive Committee of the Archdiocesan Council. At that point, one hierarch reportedly said, “then let Elaine Allen go to the Synod.” It should be clarified that Allen, by all accounts, including from within the Archdiocese and among hierarchs, plays a primary role in its administration, offering her services voluntarily and without compensation. Recently, she traveled with a delegation from the Archdiocese to Greece to conduct on-site assessments of the recent wildfires to allocate the funds expected to be raised from the parishes through special collections and other efforts for the fire victims in Attica, as had been done after previous fire incidents a few years ago.

Another contentious issue arose when Archbishop Elpidophoros told Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey that he had learned that the latter had denounced him to Patriarch Bartholomew. Metropolitan Apostolos responded that he had not denounced anyone, while Elpidophoros insisted that the Patriarch himself had told him Apostolos had done so. Metropolitan Apostolos said that the Patriarch is a gentleman and does not use such words. Elpidophoros then said, “you don’t believe me?” to which Apostolos replied, “no, I don’t believe you because I know the Patriarch is a gentleman.” During this exchange between Elpidophoros and Apostolos, the other hierarchs remained silent.

The National Herald is aware that during Elpidophoros’ recent visit to the Patriarchate for the Synaxis of the Hierarchy, Patriarch Bartholomew called on him once again and gave him instructions and recommendations in an attempt to “set him on the right path,” in the aftermath of reports of problematic behavior by the Archbishop.

In a calmer moment during the Synod session, Elpidophoros reportedly said: “Let us be loving and united because if the First (referring to himself) falls, everyone will fall.”

Another issue that caused tension was the list of candidates for the hierarchy in America and those who have served as hierarchs in America, consisting of clergy who are not married. Elpidophoros proposed as candidates four individuals he brought with him when he came from Halki, either as laymen or deacons. These were the Archimandrites: Gedeon Varytimos, Meletios Gianniotis, Ioannikios Grigoriadis, and Spyridon Hatzis.

Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago intervened, suggesting that Metropolitan Evangelos of Sardis – former of New Jersey – be included in the list, emphasizing that he is an active Metropolitan of the Ecumenical Throne. This issue had also been discussed in the Patriarchal Synod, where it was confirmed that Evangelos is indeed active, as he is invited to and participates in the Synod. Nathanael further stated that if Metropolitans Cleopas of Sweden, Nikitas of Thyateira, and Sotirios of Canada are on the list, Evangelos should be as well. Elpidophoros resisted, reportedly saying that if Evangelos is added to the list, then they would have to ‘cut off his money’.

Sources of The National Herald indicate that after the conclusion of the Synod session, hierarchs commented among themselves on Elpidophoros’ stance, saying that he is afraid of Evangelos and has conceived a ‘fierce’ hatred against him.

After a break, Archbishop Elpidophoros informed the Synod members that he learned through the internet that Archimandrite Meletios Bougas was appointed Abbot of the Monastery of Saint Irene Chrysovalantou in Astoria. The National Herald is in a position to know that this appointment by the Patriarchate was influenced by Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira, who is president of the religious corporation of Chrysovalantou and who sought and succeeded in excluding Metropolitan Evangelos of Sardis as a candidate.

Nikitas is believed to have done this as an act of retaliation, as Evangelos had earlier opposed Nikitas’ election to the Metropolitanate of Chicago, citing serious reasons at the time.

Bishop Athenagoras of Nazianzos, who is an Auxiliary bishop of Patriarch Bartholomew and considered a hierarch of the Archdiocese of Constantinople, was also registered on the clergy list as a candidate for the hierarchy of the Archdiocese of America.

It was also noted that the next Clergy-Laity Congress, in 2026 will be held in Cleveland, OH, and the following one in 2028 in Denver, CO.

Extensive discussions were held about the School of Theology, especially its finances, which are in a dire condition. The President of the School, Dr. Demetrios Katos, was called to the Synod and gave a report.

Meanwhile, the Archdiocese issued the following statement regarding the Synod session:

“His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America presided over the Holy Eparchial Synod which convened today in its regular meeting at the Theological School of the Holy Cross in Boston.

Among other things it discussed:

1. a) The Archbishop thanked His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco for his hospitality and kind cooperation with officials of the Sacred Archdiocese in the realization of the 47th Clergy-Laity Congress this past July in San Diego, which by common acclamation was successful and was characterized by enthusiasm and the participation of clergy, monastics, and laity from all over America.
2. b) He rejoiced and welcomed to the meeting of the Holy Eparchial Synod His Eminence Metropolitan Constantine of Denver, who for the first time took part as a member of the Synod after his election to his eparchy of the Archdiocese.
3. c) The Holy Eparchial Synod was informed about the findings of the special delegation, which went to Greece to ascertain the needs of the fire victims, to whom the gathered financial aid of the Sacred Archdiocese will be directed.
4. d) An update was made by the Department for Religious Education (DRE) on the completion of the religious teaching aid for the third grade and they expressed congratulations to its Director, His Grace Bishop Athenagoras of Nazianzos.
5. e) With sadness, the Holy Eparchial Synod learned of the Reverend Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne Martin Ritsi’s letter regarding his imminent retirement from the position of Executive Director of the pan-Orthodox missionary organization OCMC.
6. f) It decided that it would introduce a recommendation to the Board of Trustees of the Theological School, the preparation of an online Spanish-language program of Orthodox theological studies.
7. g) Approved the proposal of Dr. Anthony Limberakis, National Commander of the Order of Saint Andrew, regarding appointing a yearly “Archons Sunday,” on the Sunday closest to the feast of St. Andrew, with the circulation of an Archiepiscopal Encyclical. Likewise, it endorsed a Sunday School curriculum on the role and importance of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
8. h) After a report by Dr. Demetrios Katos, the President of Hellenic College Holy Cross School of Theology, regarding the financial and the general situation there, accepted the proposal of the Archbishop to lead a campaign to gather financial resources to support its work and programs, with the organization of large events in every Metropolis dedicated to this purpose, since, according to the Archbishop’s permanent statement, the School is now the first priority of our Sacred Archdiocese.
9. i) It was discussed and decided to adopt a uniform practice for the issuance of leaves of absence and travel for clergy of all ranks, as defined by the Charter and the Uniform Regulations of the Archdiocese.
10. j) The Hierarchs were appointed Chairmen of the Synodal Committees as follows: Canon Law Committee – His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios of Boston; Committee of Liturgical Texts – His Eminence Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh; Committee of Byzantine Music – His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey; Committee for the Holy Monasteries – His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago; Committee of Inter-Orthodox Relations – His Eminence Metropolitan Constantine of Denver; Committee of Ecumenical Dialogue – His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios of Boston; Clergy Benefits Committee – His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco
11. k) The Hierarchs appointed Chairmen of the Archdiocesan Council Committees follows:

Administration Committee – Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco; Audit Committee – His Eminence Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh; Communications Committee – His Eminence Metropolitan Constantine of Denver; Greek Education Committee – His Grace Bishop Nektarios of Diokleia; Legal Committee – His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey; Marriage and Family Committee – His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco; Religious Education Committee – His Grace Bishop Anthony of Synada; Stewardship Outreach and Evangelization Committee – His Eminence Metropolitan Constantine of Denver; Youth and Young Adult Committee – His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey; Finance Committee – His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit; Technology Committee – His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago

1. l) It was decided that the 2028 Clergy-Laity Congress will be held in the Holy Metropolis of Denver.
2. m) The following clergy were proposed for inclusion in the list of candidates for election to the hierarchy. They have fulfilled the requisite requirements and it was decided to send their names to the Mother Church for approval:

The V. Rev. Archim. Meletios Gianniodis; The V. Rev. Archim. Gedeon Varytimos; The V. Rev. Archim. Ioannikios Gregoriades; The V. Rev. Archim. Spyridon Chatzis

1. n) It was decided to request from His All-Holiness for the canonical incardination of His Grace Bishop Athenagoras of Nazianzos into the hierarchy of the Sacred Archdiocese of America.

From the Chief Secretariat.”