Minutes of the 2006 spring session of the Holy Synod of Bishops of The Orthodox Church in America

PARTICIPANTS:

The Most Blessed HERMAN, Archbishop of Washington and New York, Metropolitan of All America and Canada, Chairman

The Most Reverend KYRILL, Archbishop of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania

The Most Reverend DMITRI, Archbishop of Dallas and the South

The Most Reverend NATHANIEL, Archbishop of Detroit and Romanian Episcopate

The Most Reverend JOB, Archbishop of Chicago and the Midwest

The Right Reverend TIKHON, Bishop of San Francisco, Los Angeles, and the West

The Right Reverend SERAPHIM, Bishop of Ottawa and Canada

The Right Reverend NIKOLAI, Bishop of Sitka, Anchorage and Alaska

The Right Reverend NIKON, Bishop of Boston, New England, and the Albanian Archdiocese

The Right Reverend TIKHON, Bishop of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania

The Right Reverend IRINEU, Bishop of Dearborn Heights, Auxiliary of the Romanian Episcopate

The Right Reverend BENJAMIN, Bishop of Berkeley, Auxiliary of the Diocese of the West

The Right Reverend ALEJO, Bishop of Mexico City, Auxiliary to the Metropolitan

STAFF AND GUESTS: As indicated in the Minutes.

His Beatitude, Metropolitan HERMAN, Chairman, opened the meeting of the Spring Session of the Holy Synod, at The Orthodox Church in America Chancery, at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 23, 2006, with a Service of Prayer

Metropolitan HERMAN welcomed the hierarchs, and reviewed the agenda .

Metropolitan HERMAN invited Archpriest Paul Kucynda, who presently serves as Acting Treasurer and Secretary of The Orthodox Church in America, to be present to record the minutes at the non-closed sessions.

His Beatitude, Metropolitan HERMAN presented his address to the Holy Synod.

Archbishop Kyrill expressed the gratitude of the Holy Synod for the words of the Metropolitan. In particular, he noted the description of the lively condition of parish life, and the good work of the departments of the Church as well as of the chancery staff.

He noted the impending changes in the chancery staff, and the impending release of Protopresbyter Robert S. Kondratick from the Diocese of Washington and New York. He expressed the distress of all about the negative nature of writing on the internet, the divisive results, and the scandalizing of faithful people. He expressed the bishops’ support of the Metropolitan’s efforts to restore the good reputation of The Orthodox Church in America.

Archbishop NATHANIEL recalled that before the Fourteenth All-American Council, a report regarding the preliminary review of our Statute was presented to the Holy Synod. He expressed the opinion that, in the context of the recent situation, this work must resume expeditiously. He said that having a clear and canonical set of processes for asking questions and solving problems would be very helpful.

Archbishop DMITRI opined that the proper, traditional, and canonical nature of the dioceses be spelled out, together with the relationship with, and the responsibility towards, the Central Administration of the Church, so that this may be clear to all.

On behalf of all the members of the Holy Synod, His Eminence, Archbishop KYRILL thanked His Beatitude, Metropolitan HERMAN for this, and his other reports, that offer good information for future discussion.

HEARD: After a statement about the overall nature of his life and service, about his health and recent service, Bishop TIKHON of San Francisco, Los Angeles and the West, reflecting on the content of a recent meeting with his Deans, announced his retirement, effective 14 November, 2006. This decision had been taken prior to the most recent meeting of the Lesser Synod.

HEARD: Archbishop DMITRI also requested that Igumen Vladimir (Wendling) be named Auxiliary for the Diocese of the South, and that this would be accomplished perhaps near the end of 2006.

HEARD: Archbishop NATHANIEL gave a report on the work of the Joint Commission of the Romanian Episcopate of The Orthodox Church in America and the Romanian Archdiocese of the Romanian Patriarchate. He gave some historical background about how this Joint Commission came to be. He also explained that the purpose of the Commission was to reflect on the present relationship between the Episcopate and the Patriarchate.

After receiving the reports and the reflections of the members of the Commission and the conclusions that were arrived at, it was clear that any proposed canonical unity would require either the Romanian Episcopate of The Orthodox Church in America to merge with the Romanian Archdiocese and as such, be administratively united as one diocese of the Romanian Patriarchate, or it would require the Romanian Archdiocese to merge with the Romanian Episcopate of The Orthodox Church in America and as such, be administratively united as one diocese in The Orthodox Church in America. In this context, which had no possible mutually agreeable solution, he decided that the ROEA Commission had completed its work and was dissolved.

He announced this in a letter sent by first class mail to all communicants of the Episcopate presently included in list of addresses kept by the Episcopate.

Archbishop KYRILL expressed the gratitude of the Holy Synod for the clear letter, and fine pastoral approach used by Archbishop NATHANIEL in dealing with this matter. He also noted that he was informed that the Episcopate monasteries are firmly in support of Archbishop NATHANIEL’S decision.

At the conclusion of his report, Archbishop NATHANIEL reaffirmed the historic commitment of the Romanian Episcopate to The Orthodox in America, and its mission.

HEARD: A question was raised by members of the Metropolitan Council concerning the decision of the Holy Synod to hold the next All-American Council in the year 2010. This would mean that the period between the Fourteenth All-American Council and the Fifteenth All- American Council would be five years instead of three years as provided by the present Statute of the Orthodox Church in America.

DECIDED: The Holy Synod’s original explanation for their decision was reiterated. One of the primary topics of the next All-American Council will be the Statute of The Orthodox Church in America. A review of the entire Statute of The Orthodox Church in America, and appropriate changes in the text must be undertaken so that our Statute will conform both to the canonical tradition of the Church and to civil law. This process requires volunteer work by competent canonists and those skilled in civil law, and requires sufficient time for including contributions from others in the Church’s administration.

Metropolitan HERMAN reported on the current welfare of Archbishop PETER, the retired bishop of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey.

Metropolitan HERMAN reported that the candidacy of the Priest John Erickson, present Dean of St. Vladimir’s Seminary, for a second term as Dean, was not accepted by the Board of Trustees. A search for other candidates by the Board of Trustees has begun again. Father Erickson will complete his present term as dean in June 2007, and he will continue at the Seminary as a Professor.

A general assembly of all Orthodox bishops in America, sponsored by the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas, will be held in Chicago, IL in October 2006.

It was recalled that one of the main reasons for convening this assembly was in response to Archbishop NATHANIEL’S previous calls to meet, and discuss mutual concerns, including full administrative and sacramental unity of all Orthodox Christians in North America.

Archpriest Gregory Safchuk presented the Minutes of the recent meeting of the Board of Theological Education, held prior to the beginning of this Spring 2005 Meeting.

HEARD: It was proposed that the St. Stephen’s Program as it is currently offered by the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese, with testing afterward, instead of the current Late Vocations Program.

DECIDED: It was decided to review the St. Stephen’s curriculum, and compare it with our Late Vocations Program, to determine whether changes should be made to our present program.

At the request of Father Safchuk, the Holy Synod agreed to begin a search, for a successor to Father Safchuk as coordinator of the program.

HEARD: Seven diaconal candidates were proposed by the Board of Theological Education as candidates for ordination to the Holy Diaconate.

DECIDED: The seven diaconal candidates proposed by the Board of Theological Education were approved as candidates for ordination.

HEARD: Bishop NIKOLAI proposed changing the name of the program from the “Late Vocations Program” to the “Diaconal Vocations Program” to clarify the primary purpose of the program.

DECIDED: The Holy Synod decided to make this change.

The Diaconal Vocations Program, as the name implies, is for diaconal candidates only.

Attendance at an Orthodox seminary remains the rule for candidates preparing for ordination to the Holy Priesthood. This existing norm was reaffirmed.

Metropolitan Herman asked the Chairman of the Diaconal Vocations Program to avoid recommending candidates younger than 35 years of age. Nevertheless, candidates for the program will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Metropolitan HERMAN expressed gratitude to Father Safchuk for his labors dedicated to the Diaconal Vocations Program.

Diocese of Alaska

HEARD: The Right Reverend NIKOLAI, Bishop of Sitka, Anchorage and Alaska presented his report.

DECIDED: After a discussion of the report of Bishop NIKOLAI by the members of the Holy Synod, Metropolitan Herman expressed the gratitude of the Holy Synod to His Grace, Bishop Nikolai for his report, and for his dedicated work in the Diocese of Alaska.

Albanian Archdiocese

HEARD: The Right Reverend NIKON, Bishop of Boston, New England, and the Albanian Archdiocese, presented his report.

In particular, Bishop NIKON reported on his recent visit to the Autocephalous Orthodox Church in Albania.

He noted the progress made there since the fall of Communism. A seminary is built. Programs to aid the needy are established, and charitable work among all needy Albanians, not just to the Orthodox or Christian communities. Women’s monasteries are being developed. Cathedrals are being built and various parish and monastery buildings are being built while others, destroyed or damaged during the Communist era are being restored for use.

DECIDED: After a discussion of the report of Bishop NIKON by the members of the Holy Synod, Metropolitan HERMAN expressed his and the Holy Synod’s gratitude to Bishop Nikon for his report, and for his dedicated work as Bishop of the Albanian Archdiocese.

HEARD: Archpriest Paul Kucynda, Acting Treasurer of The Orthodox Church in America, presented his report.

He also distributed the draft of “Best Practices” that were sent to the members of the Metropolitan Council. It will be reviewed, discussed and proposed for adoption at the June Meeting of the Metropolitan Council.

Mr. Steve Lamos from the accounting firm of Lambrides, Lamos & Moulthrop gave an oral report about the Year 2004 Audit, and the review of the Annual and Special Appeals for the years 2001 through 2004.

DECIDED: Metropolitan HERMAN, expressed the gratitude of the Holy Synod to Father Kucynda for his service as Acting Treasurer, and Secretary of The Orthodox Church in America. Metropolitan HERMAN also thanked Mr. Lamos for his work guiding the independent audits of the Central Administration of The Orthodox Church in America assigned to him.

Archpriest Stavros Strikis, our Comptroller, and to the others working in the area of finance, were thanked for their work.

HEARD: The report of Archpriest Eugene Vansuch, Director of the Fellowship of Orthodox Stewards, was received.

In addition, Father Eugene distributed a copy of The Steward, as well as the new brochure which describes the departmental work of the Church, normally supported to a great extent by gifts contributed to FOS.

He spoke about his efforts to regain the trust of pastors and parishioners as he makes visits to local parish communities.

DECIDED: Metropolitan HERMAN expressed the Holy Synod’s gratitude to Father Vansuch for his work as FOS Director.

HEARD: The report of Archpriest John Dresko, Director of Development was heard.

DECIDED: Metropolitan HERMAN expressed the Holy Synod’s gratitude to Father Dresko for his work in the area of development.

HEARD: The report of David Lucs, Coordinator of Special Appeals was heard.

He commented on the information included in his report.

DECIDED: Metropolitan HERMAN expressed the Holy Synod’s gratitude to David Lucs for his work related to special appeals.

Bulgarian Diocese

HEARD: The Most Reverend KYRILL, Ruling Bishop of the Bulgarian Diocese, presented his report.

DECIDED: After a discussion of the report of Archbishop KYRILL by the members of the Holy Synod, Metropolitan HERMAN expressed the Holy Synod’s gratitude to His Eminence, Archbishop KYRILL for his report, and for his dedicated work in the Bulgarian Diocese.

Archdiocese of Canada

HEARD: The Right Reverend SERAPHIM, Bishop of Ottawa and Canada presented his report.

DECIDED: After a discussion of the report of Bishop SERAPHIM by the members of the Holy Synod, Metropolitan HERMAN expressed the Holy Synod’s gratitude to His Grace, Bishop Seraphim for his report, and for his dedicated work in the Archdiocese of Canada.

Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania

HEARD: The Right Reverend TIKHON, Bishop of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, offered his report.

DECIDED: After a discussion of the report of Bishop TIKHON, Metropolitan HERMAN expressed the gratitude of the Holy Synod to His Grace, Bishop TIKHON for his dedicated work in the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania.

HEARD: The report concerning the various Departments of our Church, compiled by Matushka Michelle Jannakos, Church Ministries Coordinating Secretary, was reviewed.

Mr. David Lucs, a chancery staff member, and liaison with Matushka Michelle Jannakos, elaborated on her report.

During the discussion of the report, it was determined that the Missions and Mission Stations of each diocese, be added to the official OCA website to assist those seeking such information.

Each bishop was given a copy of the musical setting for “Many Years to be Sung After the Dismissal of the Divine Liturgy,” appropriate for use in his diocese. The bishops were asked to make any corrections to their diocesan “Many Years” text so that it can be finalized by the Department of Liturgical Music.

DECIDED: It was decided that a report form be prepared in order to receive Mission and Mission Station information from all dioceses for the OCA website. This was prepared and subsequently distributed to the bishops.

A Skills Conference being planned for year 2007, which will be representative of various ministries in the Church, was approved. Dates, location, and topics will be forthcoming.

A number of bishops requested that the mission stations of their dioceses be added to the web site. This will be done in the near future.

Also, pictures of all clergy and parishes are needed to make the website more complete. All bishops are asked to support the effort to gather the needed pictures.

Metropolitan HERMAN expressed the gratitude of the Holy Synod to Matushka Michelle Jannakos, Church Ministries Coordinating Secretary, David Lucs, and to all those involved in the many ministries of our Church.

Exarchate of Mexico

HEARD: The Right Reverend ALEJO, Bishop of Mexico City, presented his report on the life and work of the Mexican Exarchate.

The respect for the Exarchate by the Patriarchates of Constantinople and Antioch, who also minister to specific ethnic communities in Mexico, is growing. The clergy from the Orthodox Church in America Cathedral of the Ascension assist the Greek and Antiochian communities as much as possible.

The Greek and Antiochian Churches have organized a seminary which now includes seminarians of our Exarchate. Presently, there are two diaconal candidates preparing for Ordination to the Holy Diaconate.

Bishop Alejo was invited to celebrate the Divine Liturgy with His All Holiness, Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople during the recent visit of the Patriarch to Mexico.

Bishop ALEJO requested videos of liturgical services to be used in their Diaconal Formation Program.

Bishop TIKHON of the West expressed satisfaction that the Exarchate in Mexico is truly a local Church led by a bishop who is Mexican by nationality, and by priests, and deacons, all of whom were born in Mexico.

Bishop ALEJO and Archbishop DMITRI reported that a very large part of the fixed and movable service texts and service books have been translated into Spanish.

It was also reported that there is a great need for a full time missionary priest in the State of Vera Cruz where over 20 Orthodox communities are only served by visiting priests.

DECIDED: The needs of the Exarchate of Mexico will be presented at the year 2006 Fall Session of the Holy Synod, to determine the best way in which help can be given to support the mission work in Mexico.

After a discussion of the report of Bishop ALEJO by the members of the Holy Synod, Metropolitan HERMAN expressed the gratitude of the Holy Synod to His Grace, Bishop Alejo, for his report and for his dedicated archpastoral work in the Exarchate of Mexico.

Diocese of the Midwest

HEARD: The Most Reverend JOB, Archbishop of Chicago and the Midwest, presented his report.

Commenting on the content of his report, Archbishop JOB indicated that the growth of the number of new parishes and missions is encouraging. However, the supporting membership in his diocese is changing due to the number of deaths each year in the older parishes. Declining membership in other inner-city parishes is also noticeable. Addressing these facts are a concern for him. He also reported concerning his desire to give more attention to the two monasteries in his diocese—one for men, and one for women.

DECIDED: After a discussion of the report of Archbishop JOB by the members of the Holy Synod, Metropolitan Herman expressed the gratitude of the Holy Synod to His Eminence, Archbishop Job, for his report and for his dedicated archpastoral work in the Diocese of the Midwest.

Diocese of New England

HEARD: His Grace, Bishop NIKON, Bishop of Boston, New England, and the Albanian Archdiocese, presented a written report.

Bishop NIKON reported that with the transfer of V. Rev. John Dresko to the Stavropegial Chapel of St. Sergius in Syosset, New York, for service as the Director of Development of The Orthodox Church in America, the diocesan newspaper previously edited by Father John is undergoing a transition.

He also reported on the health of his Chancellor, V. Rev. Nicholas Timpko who has undergone three surgeries in a very short period of time, but is now recuperating, and will soon resume his duties.

DECIDED: After a discussion of the report of Bishop NIKON by the members of the Holy Synod, Metropolitan HERMAN thanked Bishop NIKON, for his report and for his dedicated archpastoral work in the Diocese of New England.

HEARD: There was a brief discussion of the appropriate ways to publicize the work of the Holy Synod. Though all agreed that more information should be made public, how to do this is unresolved at this time.

Currently, the minutes of the Holy Synod meetings are forwarded to V. Rev. John Matusiak by Bishop Seraphim, Secretary of the Holy Synod, who in turn writes an article which is posted on the OCA website.

Bishop Seraphim raised the possibility of posting the abridged minutes of Synod Meetings on the OCA website as is done by other Orthodox Churches throughout the world.

DECIDED: Since there was no objection to posting the Abridged Minutes as soon as possible after the meeting, in addition to the article that has generally been posted within two days of the meeting, the Abridged Minutes will begin to be posted on the OCA Website.

HEARD: The comprehensive report from His Grace, Bishop SERAPHIM, Chairman of the Department of External Affairs and Inter-Church Relations was presented .

The report detailed the tension between the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and the Russian Orthodox Church over the Diocese of Surozh located in Great Britain.

The report also included information about the All-Diaspora Sobor of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia held recently in San Francisco.

A celebration in Bulgaria will take place on the Feast of the Apostle Andrew. Archbishop KYRILL of Pittsburgh will attend.

There was a discussion concerning a request of the Moscow Patriarchate regarding former clergy of The Orthodox Church in America now serving in the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.

DECIDED: After a discussion of the report of Bishop SERAPHIM by the members of the Holy Synod, Metropolitan HERMAN thanked Bishop SERAPHIM, for his report and for his dedicated work as chairman of the Department of External Affairs.

Vacant Parishes

HEARD: There was a discussion about some of the vacant parishes, and who might be available to serve them.

Report on Clergy Awards System

HEARD: Bishop NIKOLAI presented his report on the Clergy Awards system of The Orthodox Church in America .

DECIDED: After a long discussion of the points, it was decided to table the matter indefinitely.

The Concern of Clergy “On Loan”

Archbishop NATHANIEL addressed the matter of a current practice of long-term lending of clergy from one bishop to another, and he requested clarification.

DECIDED: When a cleric is transferred from one bishop to another, it must be on the basis of canonical release only.

Synodal Clergy Awards

The list for clergy awards was presented.

Synodal Awards are granted in accord with the Spring 1994 resolution of the Holy Synod of Bishops for years of service and/or in recognition of exceptional service to The Orthodox Church in America:

List of Synodal Awards May 2006 (PDF)

DECIDED: The Holy Synod approved the candidates and clergy awards listed above in accord with the Spring 1994 resolution of the Holy Synod of Bishops, which has determined that such awards are to be based on years of service, and/or in recognition of exceptional service to the Orthodox Church in America.

Romanian Episcopate

HEARD: The Most Reverend Archbishop NATHANIEL, Archbishop of Detroit and Romanian Episcopate, presented his report. Archbishop NATHANIEL also distributed a copy of the Annual Report of the Romanian Episcopate.

DECIDED: After a discussion of the report of Archbishop NATHANIEL by the members of the Holy Synod, Metropolitan HERMAN expressed the thanks of the Holy Synod to His Eminence, Archbishop NATHANIEL for his report, and for his faithful ministry in the Romanian Episcopate.

Diocese of the South

HEARD: The Most Reverend Archbishop DMITRI, Archbishop of Dallas and the South, presented his report.

Archbishop DMITRI made a formal petition for an Auxiliary Bishop, and requested the approval of Igumen Vladimir (Wendling) as the candidate.

Archbishop DMITRI continued his diocesan report. He spoke of two of the monastic institutions, their progress and difficulties. He reported on the steadily increasing number of missions, and the many candidates for Holy Priesthood, who are studying at our seminaries, in preparation for work in the diocese.

The newer communities near Dallas, TX are growing steadily, and others are being prepared.

DECIDED: The Holy Synod agreed to the request of Archbishop DMITRI for an Auxiliary Bishop to be appointed to his diocese.

After a discussion of the report of Archbishop DMITRI by the members of the Holy Synod, Metropolitan HERMAN expressed the thanks of the Holy Synod to His Eminence, Archbishop DMITRI, for his report and for his leadership in the Diocese of the South.

The Minutes of the current meeting were reviewed, and corrected, to this juncture.

DECIDED: Bishop SERAPHIM, the Secretary, will prepare a final, and corrected version of these minutes, in association with His Beatitude, Metropolitan HERMAN.

Diocese of Washington and New York

HEARD: His Beatitude, Metropolitan HERMAN reported on the life of the Diocese of Washington and New York, since the Fall 2005.

In addition to the details presented in the written report, Metropolitan HERMAN announced that he had appointed the Archpriest Joseph Lickwar as Chancellor of the Diocese.

DECIDED: His Beatitude, Metropolitan HERMAN expressed appreciation to the priests and faithful of the Diocese who assisted him in establishing administrative and financial order in the Diocese.

Diocese of the West

HEARD: The Right Reverend Bishop TIKHON, Bishop of San Francisco, Los Angeles, and the West, presented his report.

Bishop TIKHON expressed his great love for his diocese. He also expressed his thanks to the Holy Synod, that an Auxiliary Bishop had been given him so quickly, previously. He further expressed his satisfaction with the work, and the disposition of his Auxiliary. Bishop TIKHON expressed his thanks to all, who expressed concern, and support for him, regarding his health.

Bishop TIKHON also indicated that he would have the funds owing to the Central Administration forwarded next week to the Central Administration offices.

DECIDED: His Beatitude, Metropolitan HERMAN expressed the thanks of the Holy Synod to His Grace, Bishop TIKHON for his report, and for his faithful and creative work in the Diocese of the West.

Diocese of Western Pennsylvania
HEARD: The Most Reverend, Archbishop KYRILL, Archbishop of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania, presented his report.

Archbishop KYRILL expressed his satisfaction with the overall state of the Diocese of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania, and that there are no debts. There are many Bulgarians living in Pittsburgh, and he feels that they will be content in the existing diocesan parishes.

DECIDED: His Beatitude, Metropolitan HERMAN, expressed the thanks of the Holy Synod to His Eminence, Archbishop KYRILL for his report and for his work in the Diocese of Western Pennsylvania.

Personal Assistance Program, Health and Life Insurance, Pension Plan

HEARD: Matushka Elizabeth Kondratick offered a report concerning the various benefits programs of the Orthodox Church in America .

Bishop NIKON, Chairman of the Pension Board, offered further comments orally. He indicated that the Pension Plan is in overall good condition.

Bishop NIKON also indicated that, in the context of other family factors, Matushka Bette Kondratick has, for the present, been given health insurance coverage paid by the Pension Board, which will include her husband, Protopresbyter Robert S Kondratick.

DECIDED: Metropolitan HERMAN, expressed the thanks of the Holy Synod to Matushka Elizabeth for her dedicated work related to these programs that benefit the clergy and other employees of our Church.

HEARD: The date of the Spring Session of the Holy Synod was discussed.

Bishop TIKHON of the West cited the thirty-fifth Apostolic Canon, which prescribes a meeting twice annually: the fourth week of the Pentecostarion, and the week of October 12. The Council of Carthage provided that the first meeting could be before Great Lent.

DECIDED: It was decided to keep the Autumn Session in the third week of October, and to convene the Spring Session in the fourth week of Pascha. Either date could be slightly adjusted to the nearest agreeable date as needed.

The next regular meeting of the Holy Synod will be held at the Chancery of The Orthodox Church in America on October 24-26, 2006.

The Service of Prayer to offer thanksgiving was led by His Beatitude, Metropolitan HERMAN at 12:45 p.m. The Spring Session of the Holy Synod of Bishops was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

+ SERAPHIM

Bishop of Ottawa and Canada

Secretary