Chancellor’s Letter to the Faithful of the Orthodox Church in America

April 12, 2002

To Clergy, Parishes, and Institutions of the Orthodox Church in America:

On April 2, 2002, it was announced that His Beatitude, Metropolitan THEODOSIUS recently requested of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America that he be granted retirement from the office of Metropolitan of All America and Canada as well as status of Retired Hierarch. The Holy Synod responded by granting His Beatitude’s request. Thus, his retirement will become effective at the conclusion of the first session of the 13th All-American Council on Monday, July 22, 2002.

The Holy Synod will meet in special session at Saint Tikhon’s Monastery on May 24, 2002, to approve the procedure for the election of the new Primate of the Orthodox Church in America. Although we will await the final decision of the Holy Synod of Bishops, it is anticipated that the nomination and election will be held on Monday, July 22, or Tuesday, July 23, 2002.

We anticipate that all rooms that have been designated for the 13th All-American Council at our special rate will soon be reserved. Thus, it is strongly suggested that you notify your parish delegates, observers, and others who plan to attend the Council and urge them to make their hotel reservations in the immediate future. We also encourage all those who will participate in this historic moment in the life of our Church to be present for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, July 21st.

All parishes and institutions of the Church have already received the necessary registration forms. To receive the special Council room rate of $103.00 per night, reservations must be received by June 17, 2002. According to our contract, this deadline will not be extended. All reservations made after the deadline date will be at a rate of $239.00 per night.

Please make your hotel reservations using the revised Renaissance Orlando Resort reservation form mailed to you. (The form is available on-line at: http://aac.oca/pages/registration.html). Reservations may also be made by telephone: 1-800-327-6677. The revised reservation form may also be faxed to 407-351-4618. It is highly recommended that you also request a reservation confirmation number from the hotel.

Let us join together in prayerful preparation for this significant moment in the life of our Church, asking the All-Holy Spirit to enlighten our hearts and minds that we may welcome with love the one who will soon be chosen to fulfill the primatial ministry.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Protopresbyter Robert S. Kondratick
Chancellor