OCA Holy Synod Accepts Abp. Alexander’s Retirement from Diocese of the South

Abp. Alexander (Golitzin) of the Orthodox Church in America. Photo: st-innocent.org

SPRINGFIELD, VA — The Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) has formally accepted the retirement request of Abp. Alexander, bringing to a close nearly a decade of his leadership as Archbishop of Dallas and the South.

According to the Synod’s announcement, Abp. Alexander’s retirement from the Diocese of the South will take effect on July 23, 2026, following the conclusion of the Diocese’s regular Diocesan Assembly. "At that time, His Eminence will be relieved of his duties as diocesan bishop of the South," the release states. "He will, however, continue to serve as the ruling bishop of the Bulgarian Diocese."

Born in 1948 in Burbank, California, Abp. Alexander was raised in the Orthodox Church and pursued academic studies in literature before entering seminary formation. He earned a degree in English from the University of California, Berkeley, followed by a Master of Divinity from St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary.

His theological education later continued at the University of Oxford, where he studied under Metr. Kallistos Ware, one of the most influential Orthodox theologians of the modern era. His early formation also included time in monastic life, including spiritual training at Simonos Petras Monastery on Mount Athos.

In 2012, he was consecrated as Bishop of Toledo and the Bulgarian Diocese, succeeding Abp. Kyrill. Four years later, he was elected to lead the Diocese of the South as Archbishop of Dallas and the South, succeeding the revered Abp. Dmitri, whose leadership had shaped the Diocese for decades. In 2017, he was elevated to the rank of Archbishop.

In recent years, Abp. Alexander has suffered numerous health issues, including prostate cancer.

"The Holy Synod expresses its profound gratitude to Archbishop Alexander for his years of devoted service to the Diocese of the South and to the Orthodox Church in America," the release concludes. "The hierarchs assure His Eminence of their continued prayers as he is relieved of his responsibilities in the Diocese of the South while continuing his archpastoral ministry in the Bulgarian Diocese."

The OCA also stated that additional information regarding the future leadership and administration of the Diocese of the South will be released at a later date.

Previously, the UOJ reported on the retirement of Abp. Benjamin of the OCA's Diocese of the West.

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