The Archdiocese of Churches of the Russian Tradition in Western Europe has postponed the election of new bishops

The Archdiocese of Orthodox Churches of the Russian Tradition in Western Europe has decided to postpone its general assembly, at which it had planned to discuss the election of new vicar bishops without prior consultation with the Moscow Patriarchate. The official reason for postponing the event until late summer was the abnormally high temperatures in France and the authorities’ recommendations to refrain from holding large gatherings. This was reported by the Archdiocese’s press service.

The meeting was originally scheduled for June 26–27. The head of the Archdiocese, Metropolitan John of Dubninsky, insisted on the need to make personnel decisions amid Moscow’s prolonged “silence” on the issue of approving the candidates. Previously, the diocesan leadership had proposed three candidates for the positions of vicars; however, in recent years, the Moscow Patriarchate has approved only the election of Hegumen Augustine (Macbeth), who received the title “of Taldom.”

The 83-year-old Metropolitan John emphasized the critical need to replenish the episcopate, as he himself, due to his age, is finding it difficult to minister to the growing flock in European countries. The situation is exacerbated by the health of other hierarchs: 83-year-old Bishop Simeon (Kosseck) is physically unable to serve several countries, and 54-year-old Bishop Elisha (Germain) is seriously ill. The question of how the Archdiocese will address this shortage of clergy in the future remains open until the end of the summer.

As a reminder, it was previously reported that the Archdiocese of Orthodox Parishes of the Russian Tradition in Western Europe is considering the possibility of holding elections for vicar bishops unilaterally, without obtaining approval from the Moscow Patriarchate.