OCA Holy Synod of Bishops, Metropolitan Council, continue sessions
Business matters filled the second day of the 2009 Fall Sessions of the Orthodox Church in America’s Holy Synod of Bishops and Metropolitan Council.
In his opening remarks, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah presented an outline of his work, noting in particular his recent visit to the Diocese of Alaska, issues involving inter-Church relations, the recent Chambessy statement regarding the “diaspora,” the impact of current legal issues on the life of the Church, and his work with OCA seminaries.
With regard to Saint Tikhon’s Seminary, Metropolitan Jonah stated, “I don’t want to see Saint Tikhon’s close,” adding that “what we need is a united vision of theological education in North America that will develop a complimentary relationship between our schools that will yield the best possible training for our future clergy and lay leadership.”
Probably the most important thing in the past 10 months,” Metropolitan Jonah said as he concluded his remarks, “is that the Holy Synod has really come together as a brotherhood that cares about one another and that can bring up difficult issues and discuss them in a spirit of love and respect.” He noted that the Metropolitan Council is also experiencing a similar renewal, stating that he looks forward to deepening harmonious relations between the Holy Synod and the Metropolitan Council for the continued healing and growth of the Church.
Following Metropolitan Jonah’s remarks, Council members heard reports from three members of the OCA Chancery administrative team: Chancellor, the Very Rev. Alexander Garklavs; Secretary, the Very Rev. Eric G. Tosi; and the Director of Ministries and Communications, the Very Rev. Andrew Jarmus. The report of the out-going Treasurer, the Rev. Michael Tassos, will be delivered at a later session.
In other news, the Holy Synod confirmed Melanie Ringa as Treasurer of the Orthodox Church in America. The name of Ms. Ringa, who is currently Associate Chancellor for Finance at Saint Vladimir’s Seminary, had been presented to the Synod by the Metropolitan Council earlier in the day. She will begin her new duties as Treasurer before the end of 2009.
The 2009 Fall Sessions of the Holy Synod of Bishops and Metropolitan Council will conclude on Friday, September 25, 2009.