ENGLISH SECTION
30/06/2025 | 21:41
Highlights and Revelations of the Toxicity of Our Ecclesiastical Life: At this point, laughter is all that’s left for Bartholomew and Elpidoforos
Analysis By Theodore Kalmoukos for National Herald
If there’s one thing clearly demonstrated once again by the maneuvering to transform the Holy Cross School of Theology in Boston into the Holy Cross University—as reported for a second time on June 25, 2025 by The National Herald—it is that if the current situation continues much longer, everything will be leveled: institutions and foundations alike.
And while everyone knows the tragedy of the “captivity”—and here the word is used literally—of our Church and our Omogeneia, unfortunately, few dare to raise a courageous voice because of fear.
Let us begin with our Hierarchs, who have been terrorized by what has happened to three of their own: namely, the unjustified and unexplained dethronement of Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey after 17 years of pastoral leadership, the transport of massive sums of “green…” to Constantinople, and his transfer to the ruins of the Metropolis of Sardis; the three-month liturgical suspension of the senior-most Hierarch in the Archdiocese of America, Metropolitan Methodios of Boston.
- These terrorizing actions and decisions were made on October 8, 2020, at the Synod session in the Monastery of Baloukli, along with the abolishment of the Archdiocese’s Charter—which, after turning into a full-blown farce, was ultimately reinstated.
More recently, just a few months ago, Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago was removed from the Synod of the Phanar without any explanation provided to his flock or even to himself, other than the well-known phrase “for reasons known to the Mother Church.” And so, no one dares speak out without fear of being metaphorically beheaded.
Since we’re speaking of Metropolitan Evangelos, let us also consider this: Hierarchs who feel wronged by their local Synods—such as the former Metropolitan Tychikos of Paphos—can appeal to the Ecumenical Patriarch through the so-called “ekliton.” But to whom could Evangelos appeal when it was the Patriarch himself who dethroned him, without any hearing—a right even the most heinous criminals are afforded? I mention this simply as a provocation for thought.
- It should be noted that we are not unaware of what Archbishop Elpidophoros proposed to Patriarch Bartholomew in August 2020 during their private meeting at a hotel just outside Istanbul—proposals which, regrettably, the Patriarch fully adopted, even though he is a prudent and experienced hierarch.
- The agenda was immediately set in motion: Evangelos’ dethronement, Methodios’ punishment, the Charter’s abolition.
What remains now is the “seizure” of the millions belonging to Leadership 100, based on the claim that “the money belongs to the Church.” This explains the behind-the-scenes maneuvering to nominate clergy from Archbishop Elpidophoros’ inner circle to the crucial position of executive director. A priest in that role would not dare deny any demand from his superior. That is why the Leadership 100 board must be extremely cautious. Heaven help us if they believe Archbishop Elpidophoros’ assurances that he won’t touch the funds.
To be fair, our Hierarchs—both collectively during their visit to the Phanar and privately—have spoken candidly and truthfully about the actions of Archbishop Elpidophoros. Yet Patriarch Bartholomew frequently dismisses their concerns, claiming they are merely “jealous of Elpidophoros.” Lord of Hosts!
As a result, today there is no genuine relationship—no spiritual or operational cooperation—between the Archbishop and the other Hierarchs. Communication doesn’t even take place for administrative matters, except through his aides.
- He invites himself to Metropolis events and Clergy-Laity gatherings, typically having Fr. Panagiotis Papazafiropoulos call the Metropolises to announce the Archbishop’s attendance. Out of politeness, the local Metropolitan doesn’t ask who invited him, and simply plays along. The faithful, however, knowing what’s going on, can only laugh.
At this point, laughter is all that’s left.
The majority of priests, like frightened sparrows, dare not speak out for fear of retaliation from Elpidophoros and his guards—after all, they have families. As for the Archdiocesan Council, it’s not even worth mentioning anymore.
The Archons, as The National Herald is well aware, attempted a two-and-a-half-hour expression of dissatisfaction to Patriarch Bartholomew two years ago in Pyrgos, Ilia, but their concerns were ignored.
As a token gesture—because the Patriarch knows Archbishop Elpidophoros “is not suited for America,” as he was told—he immediately upgraded the title of the Archon leader from Aktouarios to Grand Aktouarios, granting him an extra cross and red ribbon to wear around his neck. Honestly, at this point, where is one supposed to place their hope? Who is there left to trust?
All this brings us to the recent letter from the defrocked former priest Orfanakos to the Hierarchs of the Eparchial Synod, regarding the transformation of the Holy Cross School of Theology into Holy Cross University.
It would be a disgrace to their high office for the Hierarchs to even consider entering into dialogue with Orfanakos or the other two vision “explorers.” But the issue of the School deserves its own dedicated article.
