Metropolitan Theodosius’ Physicians Note Progress; Three OCA Chancery Staff Members Recouperating

Doctors for His Beatitude, Metropolitan Theodosius, Primate of the Orthodox Church in America [OCA], who began a four-month medical leave on May 4, 2001, are “pleased with the Metropolitan’s recovery and physical condition,” according to the Very Rev. John Matusiak, OCA Communications Director.

“At the beginning of May, Metropolitan Theodosius requested and was granted a four-month medical leave from the Holy Synod of Bishops in light of a series of minor strokes he had experienced,” explains Father Matusiak. “His physicians recommended a brief leave from his primatial duties in an effort to avoid additional or more serious strokes.”

Metropolitan Theodosius’ doctors expressed confidence that his physical condition is “headed in the right direction, thereby reducing his chances for subsequent strokes.”

His Eminence, Archbishop Herman of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, is serving as Temporary Administrator during Metropolitan Theodosius’ recouperation.

Cards and greetings may be sent to Metropolitan Theodosius at the OCA Chancery, PO Box 675, Syosset, NY 11791.

In related news, updates have also been released on three other members of the OCA’s Chancery staff who recently fell ill.

The Very Rev. Stavros Strikis, OCA Comptroller, continues to make slow yet steady progress after surgery for colon cancer.

“Father Strikis’ physicians are very positive in their short and long term prognoses,” Father Matusiak reports.

Meanwhile, the Very Rev. Leonid Kishkovsky, OCA Ecumenical Officer, underwent surgery on May 25 for a variety of internal conditions, including a perforated colon. Father Kishkovsky was hospitalized the preceeding week after taking ill during a trip to the Balkans. On Monday, June 4, he underwent a second exploratory surgery. His condition will be closely monitored by physicians for the next three months.

The Very Rev. Sergei Glagolev, Director Emeritus of the Fellowship of Orthodox Stewards, suffered a mild heart attack on May 11, 2001. Upon releasing him from a week in the hospital, Father Glagolev’s physicians recommended that he curtail many of his activities, including participation in the OCA’s Pastoral Ministry Conference at Saint Tikhon’s Monastery, South Canaan, PA June 5-7, at which he was to have been the keynote speaker. He remains under close medical supervision.

Greetings may be sent to Father Strikis at 1265 Little Neck Avenue, North Bellmore, NY 11710; to Father Kishkovsky at Willow Shore Avenue, Sea Cliff, NY 11579; and to Father Glagolev at 1789 Park Avenue, East Meadow, NY 11554.