Concerning the Health of His Eminence Archbishop Gregory (Afonsky)

With deep concern Protopresbyter Robert Kondratick, Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America, reports that His Eminence, Archbishop GREGORY, retired bishop of Sitka and Alaska, suffered a heart attack in the early hours of the morning on Sunday, September 6 during a private visit to friends on Staten Island, NY.

Earlier the same day Archbishop GREGORY had been in Connecticut.

Archbishop GREGORY was taken to a Staten Island hospital for evaluation. Early Monday, September 7, he suffered a second heart attack, with a third following on Tuesday, September 8. Listed in critical condition, Archbishop GREGORY underwent catherization to determine if surgery would be required to correct an apparent substantial blockage.

Father Kondratick further reports that Archbishop GREGORY is slated to undergo surgery on Thursday, September 10 at Saint Vincent’s Hospital, Manhattan. “We ask all Orthodox hierarchs, clergy and faithful to remember His Eminence in their prayers,” Father Kondratick adds. “The Orthodox Church in America’s Office of Communications will issue updates on Archbishop GREGORY’S condition as further details become known.”

Cards and expressions of concern may be sent to His Eminence, Archbishop GREGORY [Afonsky], Saint Vincent’s Hospital, Smith Pavillion, 170 West 12 Street, New York, New York 10011.