Well-Known Chilean Priest Laicized by Antiochian Patriarchate
Francisco Salvador Broussaingaray had served as parish priest of the largest Orthodox parish in Chile, baptizing hundreds while offering learning resources online.
SANTIAGO — According to a communique from the Patriarchate of Antioch's Archdiocese of Chile, Francisco Salvador Broussaingaray has been laicized. He had served as parish priest at Holy Virgin Mary Orthodox Church (Iglesia Ortodoxa Santisima Virgen Maria), the country's largest Orthodox church.
The Archdiocese states that, due to the nature of his conduct, Salvador is banned from entering the parish for 10 years except with express archepiscopal authorization. UOJ sources claim that his alleged offenses will soon be brought before the courts, as the investigative information has been relayed to the Public Prosecutor's Office to determine any actions that constitute a crime.
Source: www.chileortodoxo.cl
A reel on Salvador's Instagram page went viral this past January, as he baptized and chrismated 50 people into the Holy Virgin Mary parish. A charismatic preacher, Salvador has enjoyed a large following through his DoxaTV YouTube channel and teaching positions at the Institute of Theology of St. Ignatius of Antioch and the University of Balamand in Lebanon.
Salvador is a graduate of St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, attending from 1996-1999.
The full text of the archdiocesan announcement of Salvador's defrocking, translated into English, is below.
Orthodox Archdiocese of Chile
Patriarchate of Antioch
STATEMENT
The faithful are hereby informed that, by Archbishop's Decree No. 80/2026 of May 22, 2026, Mr. Francisco Salvador Broussaingaray, former parish priest of the Orthodox Church of the Most Holy Virgin Mary in the city of Santiago, Chile, was sanctioned with laicization, immediately losing all titles, powers, faculties, and rights inherent to the priestly ministry in the sacramental, pastoral, and administrative spheres.
As a consequence of this sanction, Mr. Salvador may not wear priestly or clerical habits, vestments, insignia, or ornaments, nor use any external sign that could lead to the understanding that he retains the priestly status.
Mr. Salvador may not celebrate sacraments, lead religious services, perform pastoral duties, preach, teach catechism, or carry out any activities proper to the priestly ministry, either publicly or privately. Therefore, no member of the clergy may concelebrate with him, and no layperson may accept him as a priest, honor him, kiss his hand, or accept blessings from him.
Due to the seriousness of the sanctioned conduct, a ban on entering the Parish of the Blessed Virgin Mary and its annexes was also decreed for a period of ten years, except with express archepiscopal authorization, as well as the complete referral of the investigation's background information to the Public Prosecutor's Office, so that those actions that constitute a crime under current legislation may be investigated.
All those who have experienced situations that they believe should be brought before the ordinary courts may contact the Primary Ecclesiastical Disciplinary Council ([email protected]) or directly pursue any legal action they deem appropriate.
Santiago, May 25, 2026,
Fr. Cristian Sylva Cooper
Secretary of the Archdiocese of Chile
Previously, the UOJ reported that a new Antiochian retreat center had been opened in Mexico.
