Metropolitan Jonah

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Last week the Orthodox Church in America held its 15th All-American Council. At the Council a new Metropolitan was elected as primate of the OCA.

His Grace, Bishop Jonah (Paffhausen) of Fort Worth, was elected by the Holy Synod of Bishops as the new Metropolitan for the OCA. He was consecrated a Bishop on November 1, 2008 at St. Seraphim Cathedral in Dallas to serve as the auxiliary Bishop for the Diocese of the South. Prior to that he served for many years as Abbot of the Monastery of St. John of San Francisco.

Ancient Faith Radio has posted audio excerpts of the Council sessions here. There are many interesting interviews and speeches that have been compiled.

A reading of the greeting from Metropolitan Hilarion of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia can be heard here.

Perhaps the most important speech of the Council was Bishop Jonah's address on Tuesday evening in regards to questions and concerns that had been submitted to the Synod of Bishops. His address can be heard here and is required listening. Many believe that Bishop Jonah was elected as Metropolitan largely due to the impact that this address had.

Another excellent speech from Metropolitan Jonah on his vision for the future of the OCA can be heard here.

A video of the election process for the new Metropolitan can be seen here.

Axios! Many Years!