The Second Plenary Session of the 19th All-American Council of the Orthodox Church in America, held on Tuesday, July 24, 2018, featured the reports of the OCA’s Officers—Archpriest John Jillions, Chancellor; Archpriest Eric G. Tosi, Secretary; and Melanie Ringa, Treasurer—while Archdeacon Joseph Matusiak delivered a report on the Stewards of the OCA.
His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon and the members of the Holy Synod of Bishops and clergy and lay delegates voted on two major issues. The first was a proposed amendment to the Statute, calling for the periodicity of the All-American Council to be changed from every three years to every four years. The necessary two-thirds majority was not achieved to pass the amendment. The second was a vote on a resolution for a funding mechanism for the OCA for implementation over the next three years, based on the vision set forth at the 18th All-American Council, to establish a proportional-giving system rather than a head tax assessment. The resolution was overwhelmingly passed by the assembly.
During the plenary session, brief videos showcasing the work of the dioceses were shown. His Grace, Bishop David of Sitka and Alaska spoke movingly about the plight of Orthodoxy in his diocese. He then presented the Order of Saint Innocent to Mary Anne Khoury for her nearly two decades of tireless work supporting the Alaskan Church.
Photo credit: Fr. Gregory Safchuk
