Crunch time for the Archdiocese of America

The clergy and laity of the Archdiocese of America are anxiously awaiting the decisions of the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which meets October 9-11, amid widespread speculation among community leaders that a change is imminent after reports that Patriarch Vartholomaios has twice recently urged Archbishop Demetrios of America to step down.

The names heard most frequently in informed circles for his replacement are metropolitan bishops Emmanuel of France and Elpidophoros of Bursa. Sources say that none of the metropolitans born or raised in America are seen as serious contenders, though some of their names have occasionally surfaced.

The synod is expected to appoint a locums tenens this week and elect a new archbishop a month later. However, there are concerns that more time may be needed to resolve the outstanding problems and issues that have weakened...