To: The Reverend Clergy and Faithful of the Archdiocese of Canada

Re: Leave of Absence of His Eminence Archbishop Seraphim

Christ is in our midst.

As most are aware, our Archdiocese is being put through great trials.  As the  Administrator of the Archdiocese of Canada I would like to address you today with the following  information.

On October 1, 2010 during the meeting of the Archdiocesan Council, Archbishop Seraphim announced that he had previously asked for, and had been granted, a Leave of Absence by the Lesser Synod of the OCA.

On Sunday October 3, 2010 in the evening, the following announcement was posted on the official web-site of the OCA in New York:
SYOSSET, NY [OCA] -- The Lesser Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America, meeting at the OCA Chancery in Oyster Bay Cove, NY, September 21 - 24, 2010, heard an official report that police in Canada have received a complaint alleging misconduct committed by His Eminence, Archbishop Seraphim of Ottawa and Canada some 30 years ago. An investigation is now in progress.

The central administration of the OCA has stated the following: 
“I (Metropolitan Jonah) have blessed the Church's Office for Review of Sexual Misconduct Allegations to work in conjunction with the Canadian police authorities and to comply with the Orthodox Church in America's policies and procedures in order to obtain the necessary information needed to bring about a proper resolution.” 

I understand and share the pain that all the circumstances are causing the faithful of our Archdiocese, and, of course, to many others.

I humbly ask for your prayers and support in leading you through these trying times. I am requesting that regular prayers of intercession be offered in each parish for Archbishop Seraphim, for all the people involved, and for all of us in the Archdiocese of Canada.

With Love in Christ,

† Irénée
Bishop of Quebec, Administrator of the
Archdiocese of Canada