July 6, 2016
Synod of Bishops ratifies Resolution of Spiritual Court in Case of Former Priest Vadim Arefiev

For Release: At the June 30-July 1, 2016, session of the Synod of Bishops, which was held in San Francisco in the Diocesan Library of Archbishop Anthony (Medvedev) of blessed memory, located in the building formerly housing St. Tikhon of Zadonsk Orphanage, wherein lived, served, and labored the great and holy hierarch and wonderworker John (Maximovitch; +1966), a special appeal was heard from the members of the Diocesan Council of the Eastern American Diocese regarding the activities of Priest Vadim Arefiev who, while under suspension from serving, wrought disturbance in the church life of several diocesan parishes. Having discussed comprehensively the appeal of the members of the Diocesan Council and the circumstances of this case, to say nothing of the lies disseminated by Priest Vadim and his supporters, and of the multiple violations of the terms set forth in his suspension that have been a cause of temptation for both clergy and flock, it is with sorrow that the Synod of Bishops adopts the following resolution, provided here in brief:

To ratify the resolution of the Spiritual Court of the Eastern American Diocese. To laicize Priest Vadim Arefiev.

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese