Passing of Protohierarch Archbishop Jorge Rodriguez-Villa, OCR

The Œcumenical Canonical Orthodox Church Worldwide has sent notification of the passing to spirit of Protohierarch Archbishop Jorge Rodriguez-Villa, OCR. The notice continues: “His Eminence +JORGE reposed in the Lord on the late evening of September 6, 2011 at a hospital in the Los Angeles, California area. It was reported by his brother Orlando Rodriguez of New York City, New York that His Eminence passed away following an extremely brief illness with his wife and family at his bedside. His Eminence +JORGE pastured a large and widespread community that spanned the entirety of the Los Angeles Basin in excess of 25 years and was greatly beloved by his large flock. +JORGE was consecrated a bishop in the Orthodox Old Catholic Church and enjoyed a long and active ministry and leaves a large community to mourn his passing. Additionally, +JORGE served as the inaugural presiding bishop of the Œcumenical Canonical Orthodox Church and his tenure lasted approximately three years and his shoes will be difficult to fill as he was a charismatic leader and greatly admired pastor. Arrangements for the funeral will be posted as information becomes available. Please join the Holy Synod of the ŒCOCW and the worldwide Orthodox Catholic community in praying for the repose of +JORGE.”

His Eminence +JORGE pastured a large and widespread community that spanned the entirety of the Los Angeles Basin in excess of 25 years and was greatly beloved by his large flock. +JORGE was consecrated a bishop in the Orthodox Old Catholic Church and enjoyed a long and active ministry and leaves a large community to mourn his passing. Additionally, +JORGE served as the inaugural presiding bishop of the Œcumenical Canonical Orthodox Church and his tenure lasted approximately three years and his shoes will be difficult to fill as he was a charismatic leader and greatly admired pastor.