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Bishop Irenee

Letter to Archdiocese
November 3, 2010
(originally published at http://archdiocese.ca)

To the very Reverend Clergy, Monastics and Faithful of the Archdiocese of Canada

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Glory to Jesus Christ!

On October 6th, I had sent a letter to all of you, about His Eminence Archbishop Seraphim's leave of absence.

I realize the pain that you feel, because we all would like this to be behind us, but for now I can only say that we know very little more than three weeks ago. What we can do, on the other hand is to continue to be sober in our comments. With allegations of such a serious nature, it is vital that they be resolved thoroughly and without bias. Our duty is to offer prayer and compassion for all involved, including the accusers, the families, the Church members and
Archbishop Seraphim, and for the police and Church members involved in the investigation.

A Synodal Commission has been created to conduct a Church internal investigation into the allegations levied against Archbishop Seraphim. The names of the members of the commission have been announced on the OCA website and were put forward in consultation with the Archdiocese and blessed by the Holy Synod.

We should continue to offer prayers in all our temples for God's will to be done. We must be patient, as the investigations must run their course. Voicing of any judgments, conclusions or opinions at this time is inappropriate.

Many have asked to convey greetings to His Eminence. You may write yourself to the Archbishop your words of encouragement at

P.O. Box 179, Spencerville, ON, K0E 1X0 or bishopseraphim@archdiocese.ca

Many of us feel sorrow, pain and even anger, but we do have a choice on how to deal with this. We can let these emotions grow and take over our lives, or we can turn to our Heavenly Father with humility and repentance, and put all these feelings in His hands. In a short while, we will enter the forty day pre-Nativity Fast. What a good occasion for all of us to join to our Christmas Fast, prayers for a just conclusion to this.

I would like to ask your holy prayers for myself and for the executive staff of the Archdiocese, that we may continue to administer the Archdiocese during this difficult period.

In Christ's Love,

† Irénée
Bishop of the City of Québec,
Administrator of the Archdiocese of Canada,
Orthodox Church in America