2024年3月14日、キリスト教／東方正教会／アンティオキア総主教庁の聖シノドは、同総主教庁下のアンティオキア正教会北米大主教庁首座／ニューヨーク・北米全土府主教を務めたジョセフ元・府主教を聖職追放処分としました。
元府主教は一信徒となったとしています。
ジョセフ元府主教は、2022年から、女性との関係や、教会財産に関わる問題が取り沙汰されており、退任していました。
（英語：東方正教会 アンティオキア・東方全土総主教庁 公式ウェブサイト）Statement of the Holy Synod of Antioch 14 March 2024 – Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East
The Holy Synod was informed of the results of the Synodal Committee formed by the Patriarch regarding the events surrounding the resignation of Metropolitan Joseph Zehlaoui, formerly Metropolitan of the Archdiocese of North America.
To the dismay of the Synod Fathers, following his retirement, retired Metropolitan Joseph Zehlaoui wrongfully claimed rights over Archdiocesan property; through his attorneys, he demanded from the Archdiocese a large sum of money and threatened legal action and public conflict with the Church, reflecting through his demands an improper attitude as a bishop with regard to monetary matters; and he ultimately filed a lawsuit against the Archdiocese in U.S. civil court. These actions contravene Holy Scripture and the Holy Canons. Therefore, the Holy Synod found retired Metropolitan Joseph Zehlaoui guilty of canonical violations related to:
– Improper actions as clergyman (retired Metropolitan) with respect to church property and monetary matters, and
– Initiating a legal proceeding against the Church in a civil court.
Consequently, the Holy Synod defrocked the retired Metropolitan Joseph Zehlaoui from the holy episcopacy and returned him to the rank of layman. He is no longer entitled to the privileges and benefits associated with a bishop of the Orthodox Church. The Synod prays that he will spend the remainder of his life in peace and repentance.
The Synod also directs the Archdiocese of North America to take the necessary measures to preserve all the rights, interests, and property of the Archdiocese.
（英語：アンティオキア正教会北米大主教庁 公式ウェブサイト）Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America – Statement from the Meeting of the Holy Synod of Antioch
（英語）Former head of Antiochian Archdiocese defrocked by Holy Synod / OrthoChristian.Com
（英語）Patriarchate of Antioch: Former Metropolitan of New York was defrocked by decision of the Holy Synod | Orthodox Times (en)