The Holy Antiochian Orthodox Christian Diocese of Los Angeles and the West celebrates with greatest joy the election of our Father-in-Christ, His Eminence, Archbishop JOSEPH as the new Metropolitan of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America. Led by His Beatitude, Patriarch JOHN X, the Holy Synod of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East elected Sayidna JOSEPH at its meeting on Thursday, July 3, 2014 at the historic Our Lady of Balamand Patriarchal Monastery in Northern Lebanon.

Through the grace of the Holy Spirit, Sayidna JOSEPH was one of three hierarchs nominated by the Special Convention of the Archdiocesan clergy and laity in Chicago, Illinois on Thursday, June 5, 2014.

Coincidentally, Sayidna JOSEPH’s first pastoral visit after his election will be to San Francisco, California, just like his predecessor, His Eminence, Metropolitan PHILIP of thrice-blessed memory and eternal repose. Sayidna JOSEPH will preside over the 2014 Diocesan Parish Life Conference; Sayidna PHILIP presided over the 1966 Archdiocesan Convention.

Naturally, Sayidna JOSEPH will greet his clergy and laity at the PLC, where they will be among the first to congratulate him. Best wishes can also be sent via the contact section of the Website..

In 2010, the Diocese produced a tribute entitled “A Good Minister of Jesus Christ, Nourished in the Words of Faith: A Celebration in Honor of His Grace, Bishop JOSEPH on the Fifteenth Anniversary of His Episcopal Service to the Diocese of Los Angeles and the West.” It is filled with photos and a three-page story of Sayidna’s ministry in western North America.

The Diocese gives thanks to Almighty God for entrusting His Eminence, Metropolitan JOSEPH to lead the Antiochian Archdiocese, and to His Beatitude, Patriarch JOHN X and the Metropolitans of the Holy Synod for ensuring that our Lord’s will be done. May God grant them all many years!