Lesser Synod, Metropolitan Council hear investigative report on Monastery, Bookstore finances

In a closed executive session at the Chancery here Wednesday, March 3, 2010, members of the Lesser Synod of Bishops and the Metropolitan Council of the Orthodox Church in America heard the report of the Synodal Committee charged with conducting an investigation into financial practices at Saint Tikhon’s Monastery and Bookstore, South Canaan, PA.

At the conclusion of the session, the following statement was issued.

“In January 2009, the Treasurer of the Orthodox Church in America, in reviewing the accounts of Saint Tikhon’s Monastery and Bookstore, became concerned with past management practices at both of these institutions.

“The Holy Synod of Bishops of the OCA then appointed an Investigative Committee, which was composed of clergy and laity and led by His Grace, Bishop Nikon, to conduct a thorough investigation. The Holy Synod is very much aware of the historic and central importance of Saint Tikhon’s Monastery to the life of the entire OCA.

“Therefore, the Holy Synod requested that the Committee share its newly completed report with the Metropolitan Council during its spring joint meeting with the Lesser Synod, in a confidential executive session, even before members of the Holy Synod themselves would have the opportunity to discuss the report.

“Following presentation of the very detailed report, the Council passed a resolution thanking the Committee for its extraordinary work. Members of the Holy Synod will review the report, with its recommendations, at their regularly scheduled spring session to be held March 16-19, 2010.”