Orthodox bishops temporarily revoke Mitro Repo’s office as priest

Archbishop says move could be permanent

print this

The Bishops of Finland’s Orthodox Church voted 2-1 on Tuesday to ban Mitro Repo, or Father Mitro, from serving as a priest of the church during his candidacy for the European Parliament, and during a possible term as an MEP.
      Repo is running for the European Parliament on the ticket of the Social Democratic Party.
      While the ban is in force, Repo will not be allowed to officiate at church events, or to use his priestly cassock, his cross, or other symbols of the office.
     
Repo was interviewed by the bishops on Tuesday morning, but he says that he was not asked any questions, and he was not told of any demands that had been put to him, nor was he given reasons for the decision. He was allowed to respond to the decision by fax after it had been made.
      Repo feels that the age-old policies of the church should be applied according to human rights principles of the 21st century.
      “The kinds of possibilities for citizens to have an influence on events that exist today did not exist in medieval times.”
      Taking Repo’s side was Metropolitan Ambrosius, who was nevertheless outvoted.
     
Under legislation governing the Orthodox Church in Finland, the decision cannot be appealed. However, Repo is considering an appeal to the Supreme Administrative Court concerning the administrative procedure involved.
      Under Finnish law, it is not possible for Repo to give up his candidacy for the European Parliament.
     
Meanwhile, the Tampere-based newspaper Aamulehti reports that Mitro Repo might lose his right to the Orthodox priesthood permanently.
      Finnish Orthodox Archbishop Leo notes in an interview with the paper that Repo’s priesthood will not be automatically restored even after his activities in European politics are over.
      Leo said that Repo can apply to get his office back, and that it is up to the Orthodox bishops to decide if he can return.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Candidate Mitro Repo could face expulsion from priesthood and Orthodox Church (18.5.2009)
  WHO? Celebrity pastor dealing out blessings (17.4.2009)
  Orthodox Church: Father Mitro should stand as candidate in European Parliament election without his cassock (17.4.2009)

Links:
  The Finnish Orthodox Church

Helsingin Sanomat