Archbishop Alexander Announces Upcoming Retirement from Diocese of the South

“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…