Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen)

Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen) (1959-____)

Jonah may be spelt Jonas, Jona, Iona, Ionas.

Early life of James V Paffhausen, II

On 20 October, 1959, James V Paffhausen II (Junior) was born into a German-American family in Chicago, Illinois, to James V and Louise S Paffhausen. He was baptised there at Saint Chrysostom's Episcopal Church. His sister Laura was born in 1962.

He continued attending a parish of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the USA after his family relocated to La Jolla (near San Diego), California. During this time, he completed his primary and secondary education.

Higher Education

After having completed his primary and secondary education, James began studies in anthropology at the University of California, San Diego. He later transferred to UC Santa Cruz.

During his second year in university, after having read the book “Essay on the mystical Theology of the Eastern Church” by Vladimir Lossky, he became seriously interested in the Orthodox Faith. James then encountered the Orthodox Christian Church at the Orthodox Christian Church at Our Lady of Kazan Orthodox Temple (Moscow Patriarchate) in San Diego. At age 18, he began preparation for chrismation in San Diego.

In 1978, he was received into the Orthodox Christian Church at Our Lady of Kazan Church (Moscow Patriarchate) in San Diego, California. He later commented :

 In Orthodoxy I found the fulness of everything that I expected : the fulness of faith, the 
 absolute integrity of the expression of faith in prayer practice.  Orthodoxy gave me 
 all this

While he was studying at Santa Cruz, James helped to establish an Orthodox Christian Fellowship chapter at that university.

In 1981, he graduated from the University of California at Santa Cruz with a B.A. in Anthropology.

In 1982, once he had graduated from his undergraduate studies, James enrolled at Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, Crestwood/Yonkers, New York. He enrolled at the same time for study at Fordham University.

Saint Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary

In 1985, James graduated from Saint Vladimir’s Seminary with a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree. He continued his studies at Saint Vladimir’s ; and in 1988, he graduated with a Master of Theology (M.Th.) degree in Dogmatic Theology.

In 1989, James began doctoral studies at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkely, California.

He interrupted his studies in order to spend a year in Russia, where he worked for “Russkiy Palomnik” within the Publishing Department of the Moscow Patriarchate. Its publishing was revived in 1990, and there was then an English language version also.

Because of the succeeding events, he did not complete his doctoral studies.

During his time in Russia, he encountered the Russian Orthodox monastic way of life.

Also while he was in Russia, the Soviet Union was coming to its end, and it was then dissolved. It was replaced locally by the Russian Federation and other republics.

In 1993, following the path of his heart, James then entered the Holy Transfiguration Valaam Monastery in Lake Ladoga as a novice. There, he came under the spiritual direction of Archimandrite Pancratiy (Zherdev), the Igumen (abbot) of the newly-revived monastery. Later, Archimandrite Pancratiy took James to visit his own spiritual father, Starets (Elder) Kyrill (Pavlov) (of the Holy Trinity-Saint Sergius Lavra) in order to ask for advice in discerning his vocation. Starets Kyrill blessed him to prepare to become a monk, and to be ordained to the Holy Priesthood.

During this time, he came to know Patriarch Aleksey II (Ridiger) of Moscow.

Ordinations, 1994

In 1994, James Paffhausen was ordained to the Holy Diaconate, by Bishop Tikhon (Fitzgerald) of San Francisco, Los Angeles and the Diocese of the West (The Orthodox Church in America/"OCA"), at Holy Virgin Mary Protection Cathedral, Los Angeles, California.

On 17 October, 1994, Deacon James Paffhausen was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by Bishop Tikhon (Fitzgerald) at Holy Virgin Mary Protection Cathedral, Los Angeles, California.

Holy Virgin Mary Cathedral, Los Angeles

Monastic tonsure, 1995

In 1995, Priest James Paffhausen was tonsured to be a monk at Saint Tikhon’s Monastery, South Canaan, Pennsylvania.

At that time, he was given the name Jonah (for Saint Jonah of Moscow).

Saint Tikhon's Monastery, South Canaan, Pennsylvania

Pastoral service

Hieromonk Jonah (Paffhausen) was assigned to serve the Mission Parish of Saint Mary Magdalene in Merced, California.

While he was serving there, he worked together with Father Jon Magoulias of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (GOA) parish in Modesto, California in order to try to establish a mission parish under the auspices of the OCA in the Sonora/Jamestown/Columbia area of California. This mission met in the historical Roman Catholic church of Saint Anna in the gold-rush town of Columbia. Father Jonah also worked towards establishing a mission parish in Chico, California.

For many years, Father Jonah had the responsibility of overseeing the Late Vocations diaconal training programme in the Diocese of the West.

During the course of his missionary labours, Hieromonk Jonah entertained the hope to be able to establish a monastic community.

Soon, Bishop Tikhon (Fitzgerald) gave him the obedience to prepare to establish a monastic brotherhood at the Saint Eugene's Retreat Centre at Point Reyes, California. There had previously existed there a female monastic community, led by Abbess Barbara (Johnson).

Monastery of Saint John of San Francisco, 1996

In late 1996, in accordance with the blessing, the Saint John of San Francisco Monastery was founded at Point Reyes.

The dedication was to Saint John (Maximovitch), the Wonder-Worker, who had been Bishop of San Francisco (Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia), and before that Bishop of Shanghai, China. During the time of Father Jonah’s service as abbot, this monastery grew to include more than 15 members. The facilities at Point Reyes were few, and because of its situation, there was no possibility to expand. Therefore, the monks soon moved to larger facilities near Manton, California, near Redding. All the while, Father Jonah continued to work with mission parishes in Chico, Eureka, and Susanville, California, and even in early efforts in the Kona District of Hawaii. He became a well-known speaker, and because of many invitations, he travelled frequently.

In 2008, Igumen Jonah (Paffhausen) was elevated to the dignity of archimandrite.

During 2008, because of the request and the need of Archbishop Dmitri (Royster) for a Vicar-Bishop, the Holy Synod of Bishops responded to the nomination by the Diocesan Assembly of the Diocese of the South, and elected Archimandrite Jonah (Paffhausen) to become a bishop. (Archimandrite Jonah had by then already passed through the established screening process established by the Holy Synod of Bishops for potential episcopal candidates.)

Archimandrite Jonah was then transferred from the Diocese of the West to the Diocese of the South. When he was taken from his responsibilities as Abbot of the Monastery of Saint John of San Francisco, he was replaced there by Archimandrite Meletios (Webber).

Episcopal ordination, 2008

On 1 November, 2008, at Saint Seraphim’s Cathedral in Dallas, Texas, Archimandrite Jonah (Paffhausen) was ordained to the Holy Episcopate by Archbishop Dmitri (Royster), Archbishop of Dallas and the South, Locum-Tenens of the Metropolitan See, and by Bishop Tikhon (Mollard) of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania ; Bishop Benjamin (Peterson) of San Francisco and the US West ; and Bishop Alejo (Pacheco y Vera) of Mexico City, head of the Mexican Exarchate of the OCA.

Cathedral of Saint Seraphim, Dallas, Texas

Episcopal service

Bishop Jonah (Paffhausen) was assigned to serve as Bishop of Fort Worth, Texas, and as Vicar-Bishop of the Diocese of the South. Soon afterwards, along with Archbishop Dmitry (Royster), he attended the 15th All-American Council in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Since Metropolitan Herman (Swaiko) had retired earlier in the year, it had been decided to include in the agenda of this regular assembly the election of his successor.

On the night before the election, the Holy Synod asked Bishop Jonah to address questions from the delegates regarding the recent financial controversy/scandal in the administration of the OCA. Being newly-ordained, he was the only bishop who had not been affected by this controversy.

In his largely-improvised address, the serious and zealous Bishop Jonah strongly criticised how he had perceived authority exercised by bishops and the OCA administration in the past. He stated that hierarchical authority in the Orthodox Church should express responsibility, accountability, and spiritual fatherhood, rather than "imperial aristocracy".

According to some activists of the OCA, he made a big impression as a fresh face, not involved in the financial scandals that had shaken the leadership of the OCA for several years. He encouraged work to overcome all forms of corruption in the administration. He said that there had been a catastrophic leadership failure in the OCA ; but also told the assembly that clinging to bitterness over the situation would only do further harm, and that the Faithful had to learn to forgive in order to bring the Lord’s healing to everything and all concerned.

Metropolitan of All America and Canada, 2008

On 12 November, 2008, after 2 rounds of voting (as is customary), Bishop Jonah received the most nominations. The Holy Synod of Bishops then withdrew, and the bishops elected Bishop Jonah (Paffhausen) to be the next metropolitan.

After the announcement of the results, Bishop Jonah was immediately elevated to the dignity of metropolitan, and he was provisionally installed in the midst of the assembly as Archbishop of Washington and New York, and Metropolitan of All America and Canada.

Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen) at the election

On Sunday, 28 December, 2008, the formal enthronement took place at Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Washington, D.C. The enthronement was led by bishops of The Orthodox Church in America (Archbishop Dmitri (Royster) was the most senior), and bishops from other Orthodox Churches in the USA and from abroad also participated. These included Bishop Mercuriy (Ivanov), Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, who represented the Moscow Patriarchate ; Bishop Ilia (Katre) of Philomelion, representing Archbishop Anastasios (Yannoulatos) of Tirana, Durres, and All Albania ; Archbishop Abel (Poplawski) of Ljublin and Chełm representing Metropolitan Sawa (Hrycuniak) of Warsaw and All Poland ; Metropolitan Christopher (Kovačević) of the Serbian Orthodox Mid-western Diocese ; Archbishop Nicolae (Condrea) of the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese in America and Canada ; Bishop Thomas (Joseph) of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America ; Bishop Jerome (Shaw) of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia. Besides senior OCA clergy, there were also present Archpriest Mark Arey, the ecumenical officer of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, who represented the Patriarchate of Constantinople ; Archpriest Jan Polansky, representing the Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia ; Archimandrite Kirill Hovorun who represented the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Enthronement, Washington, DC

Saint Nicholas Cathedral, Washington, DC

Primatial service

Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen) began his service with the title Archbishop of Washington and New York, Metropolitan of All America and Canada. He immediately faced many challenges in the context of the difficulties the Church had faced during the previous years, as he took up the activities of his archpastoral responsibilities. In their perturbation arising from the previous years of self-examination and various theories expressed about the supposed mis-administration of the Church, the people thrust the responsibility of leadership upon the inexperienced archpastor who wished to help the Church return her focus in repentance to single-hearted service of Christ. He took the responsibility seriously, and he devoted his attention and energy to attempting to bring the Church into better order. However, it is characteristic of human beings that when changes begin, fear can come to the fore.

Holy Synod Meeting, Enthronement of Bishop Alejo, Mexico City

The Holy Synod of Bishops were together from 13 to 21 January, 2009, in Mexico City, Mexico. They had travelled in advance of the events of the coming week-end. During this time, the Holy Synod held a series of administrative meetings with Metropolitan Jonah. In addition to these meetings, the bishops were given brief excursions to various local historical sites.

On Sunday, 18 January, the Holy Synod of Bishops participated in the formal enthronement of Bishop Alejo (Pacheco-Vera) as the Bishop of Mexico City and the Diocese of the United States of Mexico.

Further activities

On 18-20 February, 2009, Metropolitan Jonah chaired the spring meeting of the Metropolitan Council.

On 2-3 March, 2009, Metropolitan Jonah served as retreat master for students, faculty, and staff at the annual Lenten retreat of Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Seminary.

In early March, 2009, the Diocese of Washington and New York prepared for an external audit. The residence at 33 Hewitt Avenue, Bronxville, New York, was being renovated in order again to serve as a diocesan centre for the Diocese of New York.

Retirement of Archbishop Dmitri (Royster)

On 22 March, 2009, Archbishop Dmitry (Royster) requested retirement from active service as a Diocesan Bishop, effective 31 March, 2009. The Holy Synod of Bishops honoured his request, and Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen) was assigned to serve as Locum-Tenens of the Diocese of the South, effective 31 March, 2009. He continued in this responsibility for 2 years.

Distinction of the Washington and New York dioceses

In the same month, the Synod decided to restore the previous arrangement of having Washington as the principal city of the Metropolitan's diocese, and to re-establish New York as a separate diocese. The Diocese of Washington was re-named and distinguished as the Archdiocese of Washington. The Diocese of New York was re-named as the Diocese of New York and New Jersey. Metropolitan Jonah served as the locum tenens of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey until 2010.

In accordance with Orthodox canon law and the OCA Statute, which stipulate that a diocesan bishop must live within the geographic boundaries of his diocese, Metropolitan Jonah maintained his residence and office in Washington, D.C., although he was regularly present and working at the OCA headquarters in Oyster Bay Cove, Long Island, New York.

Meeting between Metropolitan Jonah and Metropolitan Philip

On Friday, 10 April, 2009, Metropolitan Philip (Saliba), Primate of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, hosted Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen), Primate of The Orthodox Church in America. They were together for an important meeting at the headquarters of the Antiochian Archdiocese in Englewood, New Jersey.

Accompanying Metropolitan Jonah were Archpriest Alexander Garklavs, OCA Chancellor, and Archpriest Leonid Kishkovsky, OCA Director of External Affairs. Also present at the meeting was Mr. Charles Ajalat, Chancellor of the Antiochian Archdiocese.

The hierarchs discussed several matters which are of great importance to Orthodox Christians in North America, and the shared goal of maximising the effectiveness of the Orthodox Christian outreach to the people of North America.

Metropolitan Jonah and Metropolitan Philip

Metropolitans Jonah and Philip, with staff

Some opinions expressed

In April, 2009, a controversy arose when Metropolitan Jonah stated at the Pan-Orthodox Vespers in Dallas (Texas) that he did not agree with the proposed solution of intra-Orthodox misunderstandings and disputes in the USA (between various jurisdictions) through the “submission of all” to the Patriarchate of Constantinople, which he said was a “foreign patriarchate”, “still under Islamic domination”. Two days later, he apologised for his “too harsh” statements.

It may be helpful to understand that Metropolitan Jonah was far from alone amongst prominent leaders in speaking without due caution on occasion.

He advocated socio-political activism, believing that it was time for Orthodox Americans to declare their position on some social problems. In his opinion, the American Orthodox community was faced with a choice : to remain locked in ethnic enclaves and play no role in society, or to express their position openly, and to try to change things.

Fraternal visit to the Patriarchate of Moscow, April-May, 2009

From 25 April to 4 May, 2009 (because it was a decision of the Holy Synod that the metropolitan always be accompanied by at least 1 bishop on trips abroad), Archbishop Seraphim (Storheim) with others accompanied Metropolitan Jonah on a primatial fraternal visit to the Patriarch of Moscow Kirill (Gundyaev). The entourage travelled from the Danilovsky Monastery to the Donskoy Monastery in order to venerate the Holy Relics of Saint Tikhon (Belavin). Afterwards, they attended the Resurrectional Vigil at the Danilovsky Monastery.

On Sunday, the members of the entourage served with Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev) and 18 bishops at Christ the Saviour Cathedral. During the Primatial Divine Liturgy, there was the ordination of a bishop. After formal greetings and a tour, there was a concert in the evening at the Moscow Conservatory.

On Monday, there was a visit to the Holy Trinity-Saint Sergius Monastery with veneration of the Holy Relics of many saints. At that time, there was also a visit to the Theological Academy there, with conversations. After a visit to the Sofrino Church Goods Factory, there was a meeting in Moscow with the Ambassador of the USA, and a visit to the Saint Catherine Representation Church, and to the Novospassky Monastery with Archbishop Aleksy (Frolov).

On Tuesday, there was a visit to the Sretensky Monastery nearby the Moscow Kremlin (including its seminary and its bookstore). This was followed by a formal meeting of Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev) and Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen) and their companions in the Holy Synod building at the Danilovsky Monastery. After a formal dinner, Metropolitan Jonah and the entourage travelled by rail to Saint Petersburg. There, the visitors were taken to the Saint Petersburg Theological Academy. Afterwards, from the Saints Peter and Paul Fortress, the Metropolitan and his entourage were taken by helicopter to the Valaam Monastery in Lake Ladoga.

Main Temple of the Valaam Transfiguration Monastery

Bishop Pankratiy (Zherdev) (the archimandrite of the monastic communities) met the visitors and led them around the various sketes and communities which were being renewed and repaired. Metropolitan Jonah served the Primatial Divine Liturgy with 3 bishops for the Feast of Saint Alexander of Svir. This was followed by a visit by hovercraft (because of ice) to the Holy Island (Saint Alexander's cave and skete) and to Saint Elias Skete on another island.

Interior of the upper Temple of Valaam Monastery

New patriarchal residence and skete at Valaam

At Saint Vladimir's Skete, Valaam

Metropolitan Jonah and Bishop Pankratiy, Saint Alexander's Island, Valaam

The next day, there were visits to more communities. Then, Metropolitan Jonah and the entourage were returned to Saint Petersburg to visit the Saint John of Rila Monastery, and to venerate the Holy Relics of Saint John of Kronstadt.

Saint John of Rila Monastery

Afterwards, they travelled to the Smolensk Cemetery and to venerate the Holy Relics of Saint Xenia of Saint Petersburg.

Restored Chapel with the Holy Relics of Saint Xenia

Metropolitan Jonah and Archimandrite Zacchaeus (Wood) returned to Moscow for meetings, while the remainder of the entourage visited the Saint Alexander Nevsky Lavra and its cemetery. Afterwards, they visited the Saint Vladimir Sobor and then they returned to Moscow by the night train.

The next day, the members of the entourage went to the Saint Catherine Representation Church where Metropolitan Jonah served with 5 bishops (including Bishop Zosima (Davydov) of Irkutsk), 14 priests and 4 deacons. Afterwards, there was a visit to the Saint Tikhon University for the 3rd annual "Saint Innocent Readings". This was followed by participation in the Vigil at the Temple of Saint Nicholas, followed by a visit to a Temple of the Theotokos to venerate its wonder-working Icon.

On Sunday, Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen) and the entourage participated in the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy at the Dormition Cathedral in the Moscow Kremlin. This was followed by a brief visit to the Tretiakov Gallery to venerate the Wonder-working Vladimir Icon of the Theotokos, and a visit to the Pokrovsky Women's Monastery in order to venerate the Holy Relics of Saint Matrona. There was tea given to the visitors, and the orphans gave a musical presentation.

This was followed later by a farewell dinner at the hotel.

Before the departure to the USA, Metropolitan Jonah and the entourage participated in a Lity for the late Patriarch Aleksey II (Ridiger) before their departure.

Ordination of Archimandrite Irénée (Rochon) to the Holy Episcopate in Ottawa, Ontario, October, 2009

On 2 April, 2009, the Holy Synod of Bishops of The Orthodox Church in America elevated Igumen Irénée (Rochon) to the dignity of archimandrite. At the same time the Holy Synod chose and elected him to become Vicar-Bishop for Archbishop Seraphim (Storheim) and the Archdiocese of Canada.

On 1 October, 2009, at the Annunciation to the Theotokos-Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen), together with 10 other bishops, ordained Archimandrite Irénée (Rochon) to the Holy Episcopate.

Annunciation-Saint Nicholas Cathedral, Ottawa, Ontario

Manhattan Declaration, 2009

In November, 2009, Jonah signed an ecumenical statement known as the “Manhattan Declaration” calling on evangelicals, Roman Catholics and Orthodox not to comply with rules and laws permitting abortion, same-sex marriage and other matters that go against their religious consciences.

Regarding "ecumenical" relations with non-Orthodox jurisdictions and heterodox Christian bodies, Metropolitan Jonah severed contacts with The Episcopal Church of the USA, because of their acceptance of same-sex relationships. Instead, he turned his support towards the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA), which had been formed in December, 2008, from various conservative Anglican groups that had broken away from the Anglican Communion. He also expressed a desire to establish full communion between the OCA and the ACNA at some time when it could be feasible. He had supported the creation of the ACNA, and he had addressed its assembly in June, 2009.

Metropolitan Jonah let it be known that he expected the bishops of the OCA to be present at the annual March for Life each January in Washington, DC. He publicly threatened to pull some 26 OCA military chaplains out of the American military if they were to be ordered to officiate at same-sex marriages or condone homosexuality in any way. In connexion with the changes in administration, Metropolitan Jonah began to press for steps to be taken which would allow for a permanent move of the OCA headquarters from Oyster Bay Cove, New York to Washington, DC. While some Orthodox applauded his proposed changes, others objected to their being too hastily undertaken.

Bishop for New York and New Jersey, 2009-2010

On 22 September, 2009, Archpriest Michael Dahulich was elected by the Diocese of New York and New Jersey to become the diocesan bishop. Accordingly, on 24 October, at Saint Tikhon’s Monastery, South Canaan, Pennsylvania, Metropolitan Jonah tonsured him to be a rasophore monk. Then, on 15 December, 2009, Monk Michael (Dahulich) was assigned by the Holy Synod to serve as Administrator of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey, effective 1 January, 2010.

Following this, on 8 May, 2010, Rasophore Monk Michael (Dahulich) was ordained to the Holy Episcopate by Metropolitan Jonah with other bishops in Saint Peter and Paul’s Orthodox Church, Jersey City, New Jersey.

Repose of Archbishop Job (Osacky), 2009

On Friday, 18 December, 2009, Archbishop Job (Osacky) of Chicago and the Midwest unexpectedly reposed in the Lord during an archpastoral visit, at a hotel in Maumee, Ohio. It was determined that he had suffered from a bad case of “walking pneumonia”.

On Monday, 21 December, the body of Archbishop Job rested in Christ the Saviour Temple in Chicago, Illinois, and Panikhidas (memorial services) were offered. In the evening, his body was transferred to Holy Trinity Cathedral, where a Panikhida was served at 7:00 p.m.

On Tuesday, 22 December, at 7:00 p.m., at Holy Trinity Cathedral, Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen) led the Funeral Service for the Burial of a Hierarch. He was assisted by bishops of The Orthodox Church in America, and by other Orthodox bishops, as well as priests, deacons, and parishioners of the diocese.

On Wednesday, 23 December, at 9:00 a.m., the Hierarchical Memorial Divine Liturgy was served for Archbishop Job (Osacky) at Holy Trinity Cathedral. It was led by Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen) with bishops of The Orthodox Church in America, and by other Orthodox bishops, as well as priests, deacons, and parishioners of the diocese.

After the funeral services, the body of Archbishop Job was transported to Saint Theodosius Cathedral in Cleveland, Ohio, and thence to Saint John the Baptist Church in Black Lick, Pennsylvania, for interment.

On Wednesday, 23 December, following the funeral services, the Holy Synod of Bishops held a brief meeting at the cathedral. The Holy Synod declared the Chicago See vacant, and Metropolitan Jonah was assigned to serve as Locum-Tenens of the Diocese of the Midwest.

Archdiocese of Canada Assembly, 2010

On 25-31 July, 2010, the Archdiocese of Canada held its regular triennial assembly in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. On this occasion, Metropolitan Jonah travelled to the assembly, where he gave the main address on 28 July.

Planning retreat at Santa Fe, New Mexico 2011

On 22-24 March, 2011, Metropolitan Jonah led the Holy Synod of Bishops in a retreat in Santa Fe, New Mexico. During this time, amongst other matters, they reflected on the OCA strategic plan, preparations for the upcoming Assembly of Bishops, and plans for the 16th All American Council to be held in Seattle, Washington.

At this time, Metropolitan Jonah requested and was given leave to take 60 days for a personal retreat in the context of Great Lent. Therefore, from 25 February to 24 April, 2011, he made a personal retreat. Archbishop Nathaniel (Popp) was given the responsibility of the temporary administration of the OCA during these 60 days. At that time, the Holy Synod transferred his responsibility as Locum-Tenens of the Diocese of the South to Bishop Nikon (Liolin), and his responsibility as Locum-Tenens of the Diocese of the Midwest to Bishop Tikhon (Mollard).

This retreat was interrupted by his attendance at the inauguration of the “Anglican Church of North America” on 1 March, in Bedford, Texas.

Other events

In 2011 and extending into 2012, Metropolitan Jonah presided at or participated in several events of historical significance in the Orthodox Church. These included a February, 2011, concelebration with Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev) of Volokolamsk and Archbishop Justinian (Ovchinnikov) of Naro-Fominsk in the Saint Nicholas Cathedral in New York City.

In that same month, Metropolitan Jonah also met Metropolitan Krystof (Pulec) of the Czech Lands and Slovakia, as well as Patriarch Irinej (Gavrilović) of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

In May and December, 2011, Metropolitan Jonah concelebrated with Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral) of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR). These were the first concelebrations between hierarchs of the OCA and ROCOR. The May Divine Liturgy was the first concelebration between the Primate and First Hierarch of the respective churches, and the December liturgy involved many more bishops from both Synods.

In August, 2011, Metropolitan Jonah was to have travelled to Prague to visit the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia, but cancelled his portion of the trip in order to attend to the dying Archbishop Dmitri (Royster) of Dallas. Bishop Benjamin (Peterson), who was to have accompanied the metropolitan, travelled to Prague in his stead.

In August, 2011, Metropolitan Jonah's first book was published by Saint Vladimir's Seminary Press. Entitled “Reflections on a Spiritual Journey”, the book is a collection of several of Metropolitan Jonah's writings, speeches, and interviews, both from his time as abbot and mission priest as well as after his election as Metropolitan.

Repose of Archbishop Dmitri (Royster), 2011

On 28 August, 2011, Archbishop Dmitri (Royster) fell asleep in the Lord in Dallas, Texas, Metropolitan Jonah was in Dallas for the funeral obsequies, which culminated in the Funeral Service for the Burial of a Hierarch on Wednesday, 31 August, and the Memorial Divine Liturgy with Litya and Interment on Thursday, 1 September at Saint Seraphim Cathedral in Dallas.

At the 16th All American Council (31 October-4 November, 2011), in his opening address, the Metropolitan, in particular, stated :

 The past three years have been the hardest three years of my life.  For most of this time, I have 
 been under incessant fire from every forum that is entrusted to my supervision : the offices and 
 staff of the Chancery, the Metropolitan Council, and - most painfully for me - the Holy Synod of 
 Bishops.  I admit that I have very little administrative experience, and the Council of 2008 took 
 the risk of electing me, the youngest and most inexperienced of the bishops.  I have worked very 
 hard to meet your expectations.  But that's no excuse.  These three years have been an 
 administrative disaster and I must take full responsibility for it.
 
 I did not understand the depth of the discord with the bishops.  I thought we had a good working 
 relationship, but it's obvious that something is completely broken.  I need to regain the trust of 
 my fellow bishops and many others in leadership positions in our Church.  I tell you all here and 
 now that I deeply regret this and ask for your forgiveness.
 
 How to get to the root of this rift in trust and correct it if possible is a real challenge for me 
 and I am ready to do whatever is necessary, working closely with the Holy Synod.  As a first step, 
 I have agreed to begin an explanatory process that will include a full course of screening in a 
 specialty clergy programme beginning the week of 14 November.

The serious tensions continued between Metropolitan Jonah and both the Holy Synod of Bishops and the OCA Administration. In obedience to the Holy Synod, therefore, in November, 2011, he presented himself at Saint Luke's Medical Institute (in the state of Maryland, in the vicinity of the US capital Washington) for a psychiatric examination.

After that, Metropolitan Jonah continued his activities, speaking in various forums, making archpastoral trips, releasing new publications. At the meeting of the Holy Synod on 7-10 May, 2012, the new chancellor of the OCA, Archpriest John Jillions, reported about his "good co-operative relationship" with Metropolitan Jonah.

On 1 January, 2012, he presided at the Divine Liturgy at the ROCOR Cathedral Parish of Saint John the Baptist in Washington, DC, with the blessing of Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral). This was the first time an OCA bishop had led Divine Liturgy at a ROCOR parish, in the absence of any ROCOR bishops. Several OCA and ROCOR priests concelebrated on this historic occasion.

Saint John the Baptist Cathedral, Washington, DC

Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen), June, 2012

Resignation, 2012

On 6 July, 2012, the Chancellor of the OCA, Archpriest John Jillions, met Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen) in Washington, DC, and he presented the request of the Holy Synod of Bishops that he resign. Accordingly, on 6 July, 2012, in the presence of the chancellor, Metropolitan Jonah composed a letter in which he tendered his resignation as Primate of the Orthodox Church in America.

On 7 July, 2012, during a telephone meeting of the members of the Synod of Bishops of the OCA, the resignation was accepted by the bishops.

Following this, Metropolitan Jonah and his legal representative engaged in negotiations with the OCA for several months, beginning sometime before 9 November, 2012. These negotiations eventually resulted in an agreement with the Holy Synod of the OCA.

Bereavement, 2012

On 18 November, 2012, Laura L Paffhausen, sister of Metropolitan Jonah, fell asleep in the Lord in Washington, DC.

After the funeral obsequies, her body was interred in Rock Creek Cemetery, Washington, DC.

Retirement, 2013

On 27 May, 2013, the Holy Synod of Bishops of The Orthodox Church in America, which was meeting at Saint Tikhon’s Monastery in South Canaan, Pennsylvania, declared the retirement of Metropolitan Jonah.

He was to have the title “Former Metropolitan of All America and Canada”.

Bereavement, 2013

On 5 December, 2013, James V Paffhausen, Senior, father of Metropolitan Jonah, fell asleep in the Lord in Washington, DC.

After the funeral obsequies, his body was interred in Rock Creek Cemetery, Washington, DC.

Celebration of the Divine Liturgy at the William & Mary Wren Chapel, 2014

On Sunday, 16 March, 2014, at the request of the College of William & Mary’s Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF), Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen) celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the College’s Wren Chapel in Williamsburg, Virginia.

The Divine Liturgy, held in the colonial capital of Virginia, is believed to be the first ever Eastern Orthodox Divine Liturgy celebrated in the Wren Chapel in the College’s Wren Building, the oldest college building in the USA. The Wren Building is situated near the home of Philip Ludwell III (the Ludwell-Paradise House) in Williamsburg. Colonel Ludwell is the first known American convert to the Orthodox Christian Faith. It was attended and supported by some 70 people, including Faithful of numerous Orthodox jurisdictions from parishes in Virginia (including Williamsburg, Richmond, Culpeper, Northern Neck, and Fairfax), Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New York. There was special assistance from the parish of Saint John the Baptist Cathedral in Washington, and Holy Trinity Monastery and Seminary in Jordanville, New York.

Immediately following the Divine Liturgy, a Memorial Service was offered for Colonel Philip Ludwell III and other members of his family who were known to be Orthodox Christians (together with Metropolitan Laurus (Škurla) of blessed memory on the sixth anniversary of his repose). Then a reception was held, at which (with the blessing of Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral) of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, Reader Nicholas Chapman delivered a presentation on his latest research into the life of Colonel Ludwell and his descendants.

Philip Ludwell III was himself a student at the College in the 1730s, and his father served as rector there in 1716.

Divine LIturgy at the Wren Chapel, 2014

Release to the ROCOR, 2014

On 24 June, 2014, the Synod of Bishops of ROCOR, having discussed the application of Metropolitan Jonah (the former primate of the Orthodox Church in America) for admission to the Russian Church Abroad, expressed its readiness to accept him as a retired bishop, should he be granted a release-letter.

Transfer to the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, 2015

At a meeting on 9-11 June, 2015, the Holy Synod of Bishops of The Orthodox Church in America decided to release Metropolitan Jonah to the jurisdiction of the Russian Church Outside Russia.

On 15 June, 2015, Metropolitan Jonah received official permission from Metropolitan Tikhon (Mollard) and the Holy Synod of The Orthodox Church in America to transfer to the jurisdiction of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, and he was formally released.

He was then accepted into ROCOR as a retired bishop with the title of “Most Reverend” (instead of “His Beatitude”) until ratified by the Patriarch of Moscow. Upon his acceptance into the ROCOR, he was also accepted into the Moscow Patriarchate.

Metropolitan Jonah was blessed to serve in the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Washington, DC. At the same time, he was permitted to make archpastoral visits within the diocese, with the blessing of Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral).

In addition, after transferring to ROCOR, he was enrolled on the staff of the Pastoral School of the Mid-American Diocese, where he began to teach dogmatic theology.

Teaching dogmatic theology

However, having left the OCA, Metropolitan Jonah lost the right to a modest pension, which he had briefly received from the Synod of the OCA. Since ROCOR was unable to pay him a pension, Metropolitan Jonah received charitable support from the Orthodox Fund of the Holy Archangels, which had been established for this purpose.

In addition to the blessing to teach and preach at Saint John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Washington, DC, Metropolitan Jonah received the blessing to do so also at Saint Herman of Alaska Orthodox Church (ROCOR) in Stafford, Virginia.

In September, 2017, Metropolitan Jonah was assigned to serve as the Rector of Saint Herman of Alaska Orthodox Church.

He also served the Holy Archangels Orthodox Foundation, with a home chapel and weekly Divine Liturgies.

Bereavement, 2018

On 10 June, 2018, Metropolitan Jonah's mother, Juliana Louise S Paffhausen, fell asleep in the Lord in Washington, DC.

On Tuesday, 12 June, 2018, Metropolitan Jonah served the Funeral Service for the Burial of a Lay-Person for her at Saint John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Washington, DC.

On Wednesday, 13 June, 2018, Metropolitan Jonah served the Memorial Divine Liturgy for her at Saint John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Washington, DC.

After the funeral obsequies were completed, her body was interred at Rock Creek Cemetery, Washington, DC.

Within a week of the funeral, Metropolitan Jonah was hospitalised briefly because he had contracted cellulitis.

Further pastoral activities

He also was teaching Dogmatics and Catechetics for the online Pastoral School of ROCOR’s Chicago and Midwest Diocese, and Dogmatics for students studying in the Certificate of Theological Studies programme of Holy Trinity Seminary.

He has been a member of the Society of Orthodox Philosophers in America, which meets annually in Kendalia, Texas.

He has made presentations at Diocesan conferences of the ROCOR in New Jersey, Australia, and at Holy Trinity Seminary, Jordanville, New York.

He has continued to give various talks and retreats in various places.

Saint Demetrios of Thessalonika Monastery, Spotsylvania, Virginia, 2016/2020

By 2016, some monks had gathered around Metropolitan Jonah, and they began to pray together in Vladyka Jonah’s home. By 2020, the monks were searching for a suitable site which would be both affordable, and not very far away from Washington, DC.

Later in that year, they found and began the purchase of a house at Spotsylvania County, Virginia, which became the future site of the monastic brotherhood. The community was named Saint Demetrios of Thessalonica Monastery. Spotsylvania is a county founded in 1721, and it is situated 28 km (17 mi) southwest from Fredericksburg, Virginia, and it is 103 km (64 mi) southwest from Washington, DC.

This monastery, following in a way and to some extent the Valaam inheritance, intends to focus on missionary work, teaching and preaching.

– Bishop of Fort Worth 2008. Preceded by : See created. Succeeded by : ____.

– Archbishop of Washington and New York, 2008-2009. Preceded by : Metropolitan Herman (Swaiko). Succeeded by : Bishop Michael (Dahulich), as Bishop of New York and New Jersey.

– Archbishop of Washington 2009-2012. Preceded by : See re-established. Succeeded by : ____.

– Metropolitan of All America and Canada 2008-2012. Succeeded by : Metropolitan Tikhon (Mollard).

– Former Archbishop of Washington, Metropolitan of All America and Canada 2012-____.

Reflections

As is usually the case with patriarchs and other heads of local Churches, there is criticism (often politicised) of their behaviours and decisions by those within the Church who disagree with them about one or another matter, and by those outside the Church who have a different perception of the world and of situations. An assessment of such a person cannot be limited to one or even several matters. Rather, it must consider the whole of the person's life and service. For an Orthodox Christian, a main criterion in discernment (or “litmus test”) is the Dominical saying : “By their fruits you will know them” :

 ‘Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly 
 they are ravenous wolves.  You will know them by their fruits. Do men 
 gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles ?  Even so, every good 
 tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.  A good tree cannot 
 bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.  Every tree that does 
 not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  Therefore by 
 their fruits you will know them’ (Matthew 7:15-20).

About the resignation

According to the “Wikipedia” article, a statement released by the OCA's Synod of Bishops claimed that their request that he either resign or take a leave of absence for treatment "came at the end of a rather long list of questionable, unilateral decisions and actions, demonstrating the Metropolitan's inability to be truthful and accountable to his peers". The statement also alleged that Vladyka Jonah had interfered with the proper investigation of multiple complaints of clerical sexual misconduct. The Synod's allegations were subsequently disputed for apparent internal inconsistency, witness testimony that contradicted the allegations, use of language that was apparently misleading and could have distorted press coverage of the event, as well as the allegations' apparent inconsistency with other OCA investigations and their conclusions. As of 8 December, 2015, the accusatory statement no longer appeared on the OCA web-site.

In an interview with “Neskutchny Sad” magazine on 10 July, 2012, Archpriest Leonid Kishkovsky explained that

The meeting of the Lesser Synod of the American Church on Thursday posed a number of
difficult questions for Metropolitan Jonah, in response to which he wrote his letter on
Friday, approved by the telephone meeting of the bishops on Saturday. […] So everything
is going according to the established procedure, but in difficult circumstances.

Vladyka Jonah himself composed his appeal, these are his words and they must be
treated with all seriousness and respect, These words are written sincerely and truthfully,
especially when he admits that he himself came to the conclusion that he is not suitable for
the metropolitan ministry.
[As Father Leonid explained, the day after the synodal telephone meeting, the same issue was to be
raised at a meeting of members of the Holy Synod and the Metropolitan Council. It is this
joint body, the Council, consisting of representatives of the clergy and laity from each
diocese, that makes important legal and financial decisions.]

This is not a personal, but an ecclesiological conflict ; the problem is not in personal
sympathies or antipathies, but in some misunderstanding by Metropolitan Jonah of the
conciliar dispensation of the Orthodox Church. The primate cannot make decisions
without the advice of the episcopate, without a council. Vladyka (this is my personal
opinion, which I express with great sadness) never had the ability to work conciliarly either
with bishops or with councils. It is not difficult, but it requires attention to people.
Reducing the conflict to personal antipathies would be too crude a reduction and a
completely wrong view of events.

Even the Moscow Patriarch, having very great power, makes decisions carefully ; all his
decisions are passed by the Synod, recorded in journals, although I have no doubt that
Patriarch Kirill’s proposals are key at synodal meetings. Metropolitan Jonah often made
very inaccurate statements, and the current decision was the result of a number of events,
and not just one. [...] In addition, tension was caused by his proposals to change the
canonical status of the American Orthodox Church from autocephalous to autonomous.
He believed that this would be a way out of the canonical impasse in which the American
Church had entered. [...]

Because of the formation and education, and the preparation in monastic life of Metropolitan Jonah, it is not likely that all of Father Kishkovsky’s assessment was completely accurate. However, if Metropolitan Jonah were truly not comprehending the ecclesiology correctly, and if Metropolitan Jonah were truly not a suitable person to fulfil the responsibility of leading the OCA, then the responsibility (as he indirectly noted in his resignation) lies with the Faithful who chose him (perhaps in emotional reaction to previous events in the Church, and possibly a lack of enough preparatory prayer) and particularly with the bishops of the Holy Synod who ultimately elected him after the usual nomination procedure. It was an extremely difficult period of time for all concerned, and Metropolitan Jonah ought not to be singled out for blame (even though he did bear the highest responsibility). It is possible that his brother bishops themselves had not found the best way to help him fulfil his responsibilities. Whether or not this is the case, his resignation left the OCA with 3 former metropolitans living in retirement at the same time. That this is so suggests the need for more repentance on the part of all, and for mutual forgiveness on the part of all, in accordance with the Holy Gospel (see Mark 11:25-26) :

 And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father
 in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.  But if you do not forgive, neither will your 
 Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.

From the reporting of more recent events, it seems that something of that sort did indeed begin.

Awards

• Order of St. Innocent, Metropolitan of Moscow and Kolomna, 1st class (Russian Orthodox Church, 28 April, 2009 ) - in consideration of diligent missionary work and the development of fraternal relations between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Orthodox Church in America

• Znamenny (Sign of the Theotokos) Synodal Order of the Russian Church Outside Russia, 1st degree (ROCOR : 10 December, 2011)

Writings

• “Reflections on a Spiritual Journey (Orthodox Christian Profiles)” (Crestwood, New York : Saint Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 2011). ISBN 10 : 0881418803. ISBN 13 : 9780881418804.

• “Divine Ascent, A Journal of Orthodox Faith”. Editor 1997-2008. Point Reyes Station, California : Divine Ascent Press.

• Multiple articles in assorted publications, and introductions to books from Conciliar Press, Ben Lomond, California.

• ‘Contemporary Monasticism : Why Join a Monastery ?’ in “Orthodox Monasticism Past and Present. Sophia Studies in Orthodox Theology”, McGuckin, J A, editor, vol. 8 (New York : Theotokos Press-The Sophia Institute, 2014). Available for download.

Selected Video Homilies, Lectures, Interviews

Following is a selection of the many video homilies, lectures and talks by Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen) which are available on the internet :

• Talk : “Psychology to Orthodox Spirituality” (7 December, 2012)

• Talk : “The Spiritual Process : On Dispassion, Illumination and Deification” (18 December, 2012)

• Talk : “Orthodoxy 101 : #1” (18 May, 2013)

• Talk : “Be Transformed in the Renewal of your Mind” (part 1) (22 March, 2014)

• Lecture : “The Legacy of Saint Innocent and ROCOR” (15 November, 2015)

• Homily : “Saint Herman of Alaska” (25 December, 2015)

• Video : “From the Jesus Prayer to the Prayer of Jesus” (4 September, 2016)

• Talk : “Catechesis”, part 1 (13 November, 2018)

• Interview by Dmitry Zlodorev : “The Way to Orthodoxy” (7 December, 2018)

• Talk : “Prophetic Visions”, part 1 (5 February, 2019)