Initial plans for 14th All-American Council Discussed

TORONTO, ONT [OCA Communications]—The second meeting of the local planning committee charged with organizing the 14th All-American Council [AAC] of the Orthodox Church in America took place here in mid-July 2004.

Over 70 volunteers from 10 Toronto area parishes met with Protopresbyter Robert Kondratick, OCA Chancellor; the Very Rev. Joseph Fester, Assistant to the Chancellor; the Very Rev. Myron Manzuk, Council Coordinator; and Mr. David Lucs of the OCA Chancery staff, to review the council venue, site, publicity, and housing. Local committee members, who represent parishes from the OCA’s Archdiocese of Canada, Bulgarian Diocese, and Romanian Episcopate, are excited about showcasing Toronto’s diversity and history and look forward to welcoming delegates from across North America.

The AAC, to be held July 17-22, 2005, will be the second to take place in Canada. In 1977, an All-American Council was convened in Montreal, at which His Beatitude, Metropolitan Theodosius was elected to succeed His Beatitude, Metropolitan Ireney, who had retired after some 13 years of ministry as Primate of the Orthodox Church in America.

The theme of the 14th AAC, “Our Church and the Future,” will be explored through worship, fellowship, learning and decision-making sessions.

His Grace, Bishop Seraphim of Ottawa and Canada serves as chairman of the AAC Preconciliar Commission.