
"The days of leadership by intimidation are over!" These words were the heart of the speech that Bishop Jonah gave to the OCA leadership on November 11, 2008, which were met to choose a new patriarch.
The Church had undergone 30 years of corrupt leadership and Bishop Jonah fearlessly described the situation: "Christian leadership is based in love", he said. "Obedience to leadership is cooperation out of love and respect. Authority is responsibility AND accountability. It's not power." [View his speech here.]
Because of how he manifested these principles to those gathered, Bishop Jonah was chosen the next day to become the new metropolitan virtually by acclamation after only two weeks in office as bishop. Before that he lived a monastic life in California.
As the song says, "God moves in mysterious ways his wonders to perform." In this new beginning may the ecclesiastical order reflect and justify the trust that our young Metropolitan Jonah has won. God bless him and us!