Governments show Reluctance to Dismiss Greek Orthodox Patriarch

The scandal-ridden Greek Orthodox Patriarch in Jerusalem - Irineos I was dismissed last Friday due to his suspected involvement in the sale of church land to Jewish investors. The process of removing the patriarch was officially completed in the Church as 12 out of the 18 bishops making up the Holy Synod had voted for Irineos I's removal from office in a late night press conference on Saturday. However, the governments of Israel, Palestine and Jordan have so far shown a reluctance to issue a final dismissal notice to Irineos I, according to the Associated Press.

Patriarchate Secretary Aristarchos explained that any new appointment of patriarch requires the Israeli government's approval. The Church is therefore currently awaiting an official response from the three governments - Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority - to which the Greek Orthodox patriarchy of Jerusalem is subject.

According to the Associated Press, a source from the Israeli government said that they "don't want to get involved in this situation".

In Palestine, a source close to Prime Minister Ahmed Qorei said, "We have not got to a point where we can come to a very clear-cut position over Irineos's future. We are still conducting contact with the local church and the Jordanians who have also not reached a clear position."

On the other hand, the Jordanian interior ministry has confirmed that the authorities in Amman must approve the dismissal. They are going to discuss Irineos's status with a church delegation from Jerusalem, the Associated Press reported.

Before the new patriarch is elected, three metropolitan bishops will take over responsibly for the church's affairs, said Patriarchate Secretary Aristarchos. It is expected that it could take as long as a month to elect a new patriarch.

Aristarchos also said that Irineos I is not likely to be called before a church court to answer for his actions as the Church does not believe such "extreme steps" need to be taken.

Since March Irineos I has been under pressure to resign when a newspaper in Israel released a report accusing him of leasing out church property in Jerusalem, including 2 hotels, to a Jewish group. It is pointed out that it would increase significantly the Jewish presence in east Jerusalem, therefore his action was seen as inappropriate.

The Synod on Friday issued a statement claiming Irineos "has been driven by a spirit of falsehood, misunderstanding the meaning of the church (and) irresponsibly handling the property of the patriarchate."