Sean is correct and further speculation as to the reasons for the decision that former bishop Basil made, as well as posts that seek to discuss what those decisions mean in terms of his spiritual or personal life, are unacceptable and will be deleted.

This has ceased to be a news story and it is not the practice of this forum to support speculation, rumor, or judgement. The first and second are un-Christian and the third is God's province, not ours. Any further posts to this thread should be limited to prayers that the former bishop be blessed and at peace in his future life.

Many years,

Neil

Our eyes must acquire a gentle glance and so convey the mercy from on high. St. Gregory Palamas

Prayers for all involved!

Just a practical question maybe our priests can cover, is the retired Bishop now free to marry within the Church? If so, can any priest celebrate the Crowning - will there be Crowning? - or does the celebrating priest need special permission from the new Bishop? and does defrocking in this case mean that the retired Bishop now longer has to pray the Hourly prayers, etc.? does he still have the authority to act in emergencies (most laicized Catholic priests still have the authority to give Last Rites in an emergency)?

Yes.



Hard to say. For example, monks in the Little Schema are not allowed to marry even when allowed to return to the lay state. But these rules are no longer so hard and fast these days.

There is also a Canon which forbids marriage over the age of 70, so I imagine that the new bishop or the Synod of bishops may want to give permission to overlook it.



It is not an obligation in the Eastern Church for monks or nuns or priests to "pray the Breviary" when alone or when travelling, uinless they chose to do so out of personal piety. It is viewed as a public office which should be served in a church.



Not at all.