Title of “Former Patriarch” officially restored to Ailing Irenaios (Skopelitis)

The ailing Irenaios (Skopelitis) has been formally reinstated to the episcopal dignity, and recognized with the title of “Former Patriarch” by the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem as romfea.gr reports.

The former Patriarch was removed from office by the Patriarchate of Jerusalem in 2005 due to allegations of dubious real estate transactions with Israeli authorities.

OrthoChristian recently reported on the former Patriarch’s failing health, which worsened after a hospitalization due to a pulmonary edema and cardiac arrhythmia.

Former Patriarch Irenaios, after being lowered to the status of a simple monk, had been living at the Jerusalem Patriarchate since 2008, reportedly leaving the apartment only a handful of times. On July 9, he was transferred to the Monastery of St. Gerasimos of Jordan in Jericho.

Yesterday, on July 25, we reported that ailing from the hot climate, the former Patriarch appealed to enter the newly opened St. Porphyrios Center for Gerontology and Welfare Support in Athens, where he was welcomed by Archbishop Ieronymos for as long as he needed to recover.

He appealed in a letter to the Greek Consulate for his passport. According to his letter, he is unpaid and uninsured, and his sister has found him more than once lying on the floor, after trying to get up in the middle of the night.

He would require the passport to travel to Athens, however there was an issue, as he signed the passport “Patriarch Irenaios”, but when he was defrocked by the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, he could no longer legally carry documents identifying him as a Patriarch. The consulate said the issue would be a matter for the Patriarchate.

The Patriarchate's unanimous decision, motivated by his failing health, to reverse the defrocking of the former Patriarch, may help him receive the care he requires.

Source: Orthochristian.com