Metropolitan Tikhon, Bishop Matthias address clergy, faithful of the Diocese of the Midwest
CHICAGO, IL [MW Diocese Communications] — In two separate letters dated Sunday, April 14, 2013, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon and His Grace, Bishop Matthias addressed the clergy and faithful of the Diocese of the Midwest with regard to recent events.
“After a great deal of prayer and consultation with personal advisors, I have chosen to step down as Bishop of Chicago and the Diocese of the Midwest in obedience to the wishes of the Holy Synod, effective April 15, 2013,” wrote Bishop Matthias in his archpastoral letter. “It is my hope that my stepping down will end the ordeal allowing the diocese to move toward healing…. I ask for everyone’s forgiveness for my failings, my mistakes and sins. In turn, I assure everyone of my forgiveness.” The complete text of Bishop Matthias’ letter is available in PDF format here.
Noting that “the Holy Synod of Bishops and the Diocese of the Midwest have reached a consensus concerning this entire matter,” Metropolitan Tikhon stated that this “includes the necessary considerations for the complainant, for His Grace and for the clergy and the faithful of the diocese.” He also announced that His Grace, Bishop Alexander of Toledo and the Bulgarian Diocese has been appointed by the Holy Synod as Locum Tenens of the Diocese of the Midwest. The complete text of Metropolitan Tikhon’s letter is available in PDF format here.
