Metropolitan Herman opens spring session of Holy Synod of Bishops

SYOSSET, NY [OCA Communications] — His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman, Primate of the Orthodox Church in America, opened the spring session of the Holy Synod of Bishops by offering a comprehensive report on his ministry and the state of the Church on Monday evening, March 28, 2005.

The meeting, which concludes on Thursday, March 31, is being held at the OCA Chancery, Syosset, NY.

At the opening session, the hierarchs prayed for the newly departed Mrs. Anna Osacky, mother of His Eminence, Archbishop Job of Chicago and the Midwest, who fell asleep in the Lord on Sunday, March 27.

During the four-day meeting, the hierarchs will consider a number of aspects of Church life. High on the agenda is a thorough review of plans for the forthcoming 14th All-American Council, slated to be convened in Toronto, ON, Canada July 17-22, 2005.

The hierarchs also will hear reports from Protopresbyter Robert Kondratick, OCA chancellor; the Very Rev. Dimitri Oselinsky, treasurer; and representatives of the Church’s numerous departments, offices, and other ministries.

On Wednesday and Thursday, March 30 and 31, the hierarchs will attend the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts in the chancery’s Saint Sergius of Radonezh Chapel, celebrated by His Grace, Bishop Tikhon of South Canaan and Metropolitan Herman respectively.

Reports also will be given on the current status of all OCA dioceses, the Fellowship of Orthodox Stewards, special appeals and planned giving, statistics, and the Church’s personal assistance, health and life insurance, and pension programs.

The Holy Synod of Bishops includes all diocesan bishops of the Church and meets twice every year, in the fall and spring under the presidency of the Primate. Auxiliary bishops with administrative responsibilities are also present at the meetings of the Holy Synod. Between sessions, the Lesser Synod of Bishops meets regularly to implement its decisions.