Court upholds conviction of Archbishop Seraphim
On Thursday, February 6, 2015, the Court of Appeals of the Province of Manitoba affirmed the conviction of Archbishop Seraphim on one count of sexual assault. Archbishop Seraphim has begun his eight-month prison sentence imposed by the trial court in this case.
The process leading to a spiritual court will commence as mandated by the Canons of the Orthodox Church and by the Policies on Sexual Misconduct of the Orthodox Church in America, the latter of which require that clergy who have been convicted of child sexual abuse be deposed by the Holy Synod of Bishops.
The Synodal Commission investigating the case on behalf of the Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America has been directed to complete its investigation and submit its conclusions and recommendations to the Synod of Bishops for consideration and final disposition of this matter.
The action of the Canadian Courts will now permit the Synod to proceed with both a Spiritual Court and with appropriate pastoral care for those who are victims in this matter and all those involved in this case.