Munich and the Triumph of Canonical Orthodoxy
In just four tumultuous years, Metr. Nicholas has established himself as one of the most consequential First Hierarchs in ROCOR’s history.
The Holy Synod of ROCOR's recent meeting in Munich was profoundly consequential—and not just for its ruling on the glorification of Seraphim Rose.
According to UOJ sources within the Holy Synod, in the preceding days, the Sobor—led by its First Hierarch, Metr. Nicholas—vetoed the reception of Bp. Emilianos of Meloa and blocked the creation of a proposed “Hellenic Vicariate.” This decision shows a refreshing and much-needed commitment to upholding the Holy Canons, despite inter-jurisdictional disagreements.
Of course, the UOJ has nothing against Bishop Emilianos personally. Just the opposite. Both as a Successor to the Apostles and a spiritual son of the revered Elder Amilianos of Simonopetra, he is a man of great spiritual depth with much to offer the Church. We were honored to interview him earlier this month and hope to continue working with His Grace.
Likewise, ROCOR’s decision reflects no personal animosity toward him or his deacon, Christos Karafotias. The issue is strictly one of canonical procedure. Bp. Emilianos had not received a proper release from Abp. Makarios of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia. Without that release, his reception into ROCOR would have violated established ecclesiastical norms.
No doubt some within ROCOR were tempted to form this “Hellenic Vicarite” as a way of retaliating against GOARCH for its creation of a “Slavic Vicariate” some years ago. For those who don’t know, the Slavic Vicariate is a group of defrocked ROCOR priests priests led by the former archimandrite Alexander Belya. It was created solely to spite ROCOR, and provoked a tremendous outcry from the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States.
Again, no doubt certain elements within ROCOR would have welcomed the opportunity to revenge themselves upon GOARCH by starting a “Hellenic Vicariate” to receive disaffected Greek priests and bishops. Yet Metr. Nicholas and the Synod chose the high ground. They opted not to escalate. That restraint is very much to his credit.
To be fair, ROCOR has in the past received clergy from other jurisdictions—often those under the Ecumenical Patriarchate—in a manner that violated the Holy Canons and strained relations with sister Churches. This contributed to an unfortunate reputation for being somewhat lawless or uncooperative. Such perceptions were never entirely fair, but they “didn’t come from nowhere” as the saying goes.
What can’t be denied is that ROCOR’s reputation has improved dramatically in the few short years since Metr. Nicholas assumed the mantle of First Hierarch. This latest decision is very much in keeping with the new ethos being cultivated by His Eminence.
Lest anyone should say otherwise, Metr. Nicholas's position on Bp. Emilianos and the “Hellenic Vicariate” are not those of a coward. He has shown courage under pressure many times in the past. He has shown a willingness to follow his conscience even if it placed his popularity—indeed, his personal safety—at risk. For instance, he did not bow to media criticism surrounding the Society of St. John’s “Day of Action” in Washington, DC, in defense of the persecuted Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Rather, the Synod's decision shows a consistent support for canonical Orthodoxy, even when it seems to benefit “the other side.” Metr. Nicholas shows the proper respect to his brother bishops, even those who do not always show the same respect to him. This is precisely how Orthodox leadership should function.
Rumor has it that Metr. Nicholas is preparing a letter to Abp. Makarios of Australia. In it, he will express regret over any misunderstanding regarding Bp. Emilianos and to request that the Archdiocese restore Dcn. Christos Karafotias to his proper place. Such solicitude would reveal the heart of a true pastor. A true shepherd isn’t afraid to humble himself when speaking to his brother bishops—especially for the sake of the “little ones” placed under his care.
In just four tumultuous years, Metr. Nicholas has established himself as one of the most consequential First Hierarchs in ROCOR’s history. By placing the Holy Canons above “church politics,” he strengthens not only his own synod but the witness of the entire Orthodox Church.
May God grant him many years.
