15th All-American Council announced

In a letter dated October 25, 2007, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman, officially announced that the 15th All-American Council of the Orthodox Church in America will take place in Pittsburgh, PA, November 10-13, 2008.

Metropolitan Herman’s letter reads as follows:

“It is with great joy and anticipation that I announce that the 15th All American Council of the Orthodox Church in America will be convened in Pittsburgh, PA, from November 10-13, 2008. Delegates and observers from throughout our Church will be given the opportunity to participate in the four key components of an All-American Council: Worship, Fellowship, Learning and Decision-making.

“Under the guidance of His Grace, Bishop NIKON of Boston, Chairman of the Preconciliar Commission, the members of the Preconciliar Commission will be working to set a theme, an agenda and a format which will encourage active participation by all the parish delegates and observers in a way that will benefit the parishes that they have been chosen to represent.

“Parishes will begin to receive resource materials later in this year to assist in their preparation for the All-American Council. These mailings will include documents what will focus on the topics that will be discussed at the Council. Parishes are asked to begin the delegate selection process in a timely manner so that their elected delegates may prepare themselves for significant and meaningful participation in the Council. Election of parish delegates is to be in conformity with The Statute of the Orthodox Church in America, Article III, Section 6.

“The 15th All American Council will take place at the Hilton Hotel, currently undergoing extensive renovations. The first plenary session will begin in the morning of Tuesday, November 11, 2008. We have made arrangements with the hotel to honor conference rates for three days before and three days after the Council to any delegates interested in extending their stay.

“It is my sincere prayer that the Holy Spirit will continue to inspire and guide us as we prepare ourselves, corporately and personally, for this significant event in the life of Christ’s Holy Church in North America.”