16 June 2012

American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocesan Chancery Announces the Calling of A Special Assembly of Priests for Nomination of Bishop


A Special Assembly of American Carpatho-Russsian Orthodox Diocesan priests will be convened on Saturday July 14, 2012 at Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Johnstown, Pa. by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, Diocesan Locum Tenens and Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, for the purpose of nominating a candidate for ruling bishop of the diocese.

The calling of the assembly follows a year-long search for a worthy candidate to succeed to the throne of the late Metropolitan of Amissos, the Most Reverend Nicholas R. Smisko

After a diligent search both within and outside the Diocese and with the blessing of Archbishop Demetrios, a worthy candidate has been found in the person of the Very Rev. Archimandrite Grigorios Tatsis.
Father Grigorios is American-born of parents of Greek origin. He currently serves as dean of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in New Orleans.  A well-educated and well-respected priest, he is willing to accept the call to lead the Diocese in accordance with Carpatho-Russian traditions, which under the omophorion of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, have been preserved at the highest level of respect and honor.

The Assembly will begin at 9:00 am on Saturday July 14, with the celebration of Divine Liturgy.  Following Liturgy, Diocesan priests will cast their votes for a successor to Metropolitan Nicholas.  In addition to Fr. Tatsis, other worthy candidates may be considered from amongst names submitted for consideration by diocesan clergy in advance of the Special Assembly. The Archbishop will formally designate the candidate receiving the majority of ballots as the nominee and submit his name to the Ecumenical Patriarchate for Canonical Election.