“But let our leader in the discourse be my Christ (if thus I dare name Him) who inspires all hierarchical revelation…The aim of Hierarchy is the greatest possible assimilation to and union with God, and by taking Him as leader in all holy wisdom, to become like Him, so far as is permitted, by contemplating intently His most Divine Beauty.” ~~~ Saint Dionysius the Areopagite (The Celestial Hierarchy)
Beloved Clergy, Monastics, and Faithful of the Diocese of the South,
Christ is risen!
As you will see in the official announcement from the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America, the Holy Synod has accepted my request to retire from my responsibilities as Archbishop of Dallas and the South, effective July 23, 2026, upon the conclusion of the regular Diocesan Assembly. Until that time, I will continue to serve you in the ordinary responsibilities of my office, and after that date I will continue, by God’s mercy, in my archpastoral ministry as ruling bishop of the Bulgarian Diocese.
I receive this transition with gratitude to God and with deep affection for the clergy and faithful of this Diocese. The Diocese of the South has been entrusted with a rich inheritance: the labors of Archbishop Dmitri of blessed memory, the sacrifices of many faithful priests, deacons, monastics, and laity, and the continuing work of proclaiming the Gospel of Christ in a region marked by growth, challenge, and opportunity. Whatever good has been accomplished in these years belongs to Christ and to His Church. I am grateful to have been permitted to serve among you.
Saint Dionysius writes that “the aim of Hierarchy is the greatest possible assimilation to and union with God,” taking Christ as our leader in all holy wisdom and contemplating His most Divine Beauty. This is the true measure of the Church’s life, and it remains the path before us. I therefore ask you to receive this news not as a matter of anxiety, but as an occasion for prayer, sobriety, thanksgiving, and trust in the providence of God. The Church is not sustained by any one man, but by Christ Himself, who orders all things for our salvation.
In the months ahead, further information regarding the administration and future leadership of the Diocese will be provided in due course and in good order. I ask your prayers for me, as I will continue to pray for you, and I urge all of you, clergy and faithful alike, to remain steadfast, peaceful, and united in the life of the Church, “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.”
Asking your prayers, and assuring you all of mine, I am yours
With love in the risen Lord,
+Archbishop Alexander