Metropolitan Council concludes fall 2014 session
The fall session of the Metropolitan Council of the Orthodox Church in America concluded on Thursday, September 25, 2014.
Chaired by His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon, the meetings also were attended by the members of the Lesser Synod of Bishops, including His Eminence, Archbishop Nikon; His Eminence, Archbishop Benjamin; and His Grace, Bishop Michael.
Sessions opened on Monday, September 22, with a one-day retreat on Christian Stewardship conducted by Priest Robert Holet of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, who drew upon his book, The First and the Finest: Orthodox Christian Stewardship as a Sacred Offering, as a resource. The retreat offered a variety of practical suggestions to Council members, whose duties include financial oversight and fundraising.
In his opening address to the Council, Metropolitan Tikhon offered a comprehensive review of his work and travel schedule. He also presented the ongoing evolution of his comprehensive vision for the work of the Church with regard to evangelism/mission/revitalization, the development of monasteries and monastic life, and the care for and development of pastoral care for the clergy. He fielded questions on a variety of concerns, including the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA, the work of the Chancery, and the field of development.
Archpriest John Jillions, OCA Chancellor, reported on his current work and direction for the coming year, while Archpriest Eric G. Tosi, OCA Secretary, presented an overview of current issues, including the approval of a Document and Electronic Retention and Disposal Policy for the Chancery, funding for 2015 Church Planting Grants for fledgling missions, and emerging plans for the OCA’s Mission School program. He also offered a comprehensive review of preparations in process for the 18th All-American Council [AAC], slated to be held in Atlanta, GA in July 2015. In addition to presenting a preliminary draft agenda, he reviewed plans for the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America’s annual national convention, which will be held concurrently with the AAC; the AAC’s youth program; electronic registration; and related areas of operational concern.
Alexis Liberovsky, OCA Archivist, reviewed the work of and recommendations by the Archives Advisory Committee, while Archpriest Leonid Kishkovsky, Director of the Office of External Affairs and Interchurch Relations, advised Council members on funding concerns for the coming year.
Reports were given by representatives of the Metropolitan Council’s committees, including the Legal, Ethical and Charity Committees; the Crisis Management Team; and the Human Resources and Internal Governance Committees. Reviews of ongoing litigation issues and legal concerns, Human Resource policies and plans, and the work of the Crisis Management Team and potential training in this regard were offered. The Internal Governance Committee reviewed the new internal and external auditors, revision of the Metropolitan Council Handbook, and upcoming meeting agendas and retreats. The Strategic Plan Committee reported on the recent integration and implementation of its plans.
Melanie Ringa, OCA Treasurer, reported on the OCA’s current financial status. She noted that, as of August 1, 2014, a surplus of $182,410.00 had been realized, and she shared the positive reports of the internal and external auditors. She went on to present the balanced budget of $1,912,570.00 for 2015. The budget is based on a $90.00 per adult member assessment rate—a further reduction of the assessment rate, based on the resolution of the 17th AAC, which resulted in a $15.00 per adult member decrease in the past five years.
The Financial Development Committee reported on investment strategies, which include moving assets to the Philadelphia Trust Company. The Committee also reported on the Stewards of the OCA campaign, which netted $27,000.00 through August 2014. A stewardship plan for 2015 is in the process of being developed.
Archpriest Dr. Alexander Rentel reported on the work of the Statute Revision Committee in anticipation of the 18th AAC, while Priest Gleb McFatter offered a report on behalf of the Pension Board. Ms. Cindy Davis reviewed the work of the Office of Review of Sexual Misconduct Allegations [ORSMA] while Dr. Al Rossi reported on the work of the Sexual Misconduct Policy Advisory Committee [SMPAC].
As part of rotating presentations by the OCA’s departments and offices, Council members heard reports on the work of the Office of Militray Chaplains by the Dean, Archpriest Theodore Boback, and Assistant Dean, Archpriest Joseph Gallick and the Department of Liturgical Music and Translations by Prof. Dr. David Drillock. Council members lauded these bodies for their incredible and sacrificial work that continues to make a huge impact in and beyond the OCA.
The minutes and reports of the fall session will be posted on the OCA web site as they are received.
A photo gallery can be viewed on the OCA web site and Facebook page.