Resignation of HG Bishop Mettias

His Holiness the Pope announced that he had received a letter attached at Appendix No. 4-Bfrom His Grace Bishop Mettias, Bishop of Al-Mahalla and its affiliated regions, dated 22/04/2005, stating, “I ask that you accept my resignation from any pastoral responsibility and I ask that Your Holiness take control of the managerial aspects of the Diocese”. His Holiness stated that he accepts this resignation.

After His Holiness set out the mistakes of His Grace Bishop Mettias, the Holy Synod accepted the recommendation of the Diocesans Affairs Committee in its corrected format (after discussion) and was signed by 77 Bishops. Based on this, the Holy Synod decided as follows:

“The acceptance of the resignation of His Grace Bishop Mettias, Bishop of Al-Mahalla and its affiliated regions, from Episcopal duties, with an announcement regarding the vacancy of the throne of this Diocese for which a new Bishop shall be ordained.”

Related to this, the Holy Synod decided that it is prohibited to distribute the sermons of Bishop Mettias both in and out of Al-Mahalla. It is also prohibited to print books that hold his teachings, unless with the intention of correcting those teachings, and with permission from His Holiness or from the Faith, Education and Legislative Committee. Therefore, all available means of teaching should be utilised to correct the understanding of the congregation of Al-Mahalla Al-Kubra surrounding the proper Orthodox Faith. He [Bishop Mettias] should not conduct clerical duties outside the (Syrian) Monastery of St. Mary, except in circumstances permitted by His Holiness the Pope, and not to conduct any teaching generally.