Archdiocese of Pittsburgh and Western PA concludes annual assembly

CARNEGIE, PA [Archdiocese of W PA] — On Saturday, October 14, 2006, the Archdiocese of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania held it’s 90th annual Archdiocese Assembly at the Intercession of the Holy Virgin Church here.

Because of his recent hospitalization and subsequent recuperation, His Eminence, Archbishop Kyrill, was not in attendance.

According to the Igumen Patrich [Carpenter], archdiocesan spokesperson, the assembly was chaired by the chancellor of the archdiocese, the Very Rev. Paul Ziatyk. Twenty-five priests, four Archdiocese Council members, 22 lay delegates, and one observer were in attendance.

The assembly opened with the celebration of a Service of Intercession with added prayers for the health of Archbishop Kyrill. The first session began with a review of various reports on the life of the Archdiocese. Among the reports was that of the Metropolitan Council representatives, which gave rise to a lengthy discussion on the fiscal life of the Orthodox Church in America and the ongoing debate over “missing” or “misallocated” monies. The Metropolitan Council lay representative, Dr. John Schultz, patiently answered the many concerns and questions raised.

Following lunch, the assembly passed the archdiocesan budget and addressed resolutions and elections.

The first resolution passed dealt with insuring the role of the Archdiocesan Council in the sale of Archdiocesan properties.

The second resolution that passed emphasized the desire of the assembly that the statutory timing of All-American Councils be followed by the Holy Synod, and that the next AAC should be held no later than 2008, as mandated by the Statute.

A third resolution was approved, commending Mr. Gregory J. Nescott for his faithful service to the Archdiocese as a past member of the Metropolitan Council and for his diligence in seeking compliance of the Church with the Statute of the Orthodox Church in America.

A fourth resolution was passed emphasizing the desire of the assembly that the Holy Synod of Bishops follow fully the Statute of the Orthodox Church in America in the governance and functioning of the Church.

Mr. Nescott was elected as the archdiocese’s lay representative to the Metropolitan Council, while the Very Rev. John Reeves was elected as clergy representative to the Metropolitan Council. Elected to vacant seats on the Archdiocesan Council were Igumen Patrick, Dr. Shultz, and Mr. Ernest O’Brien.

The results of this Assembly were approved and blessed by Archbishop Kyrill on October 18, 2006.