OCA Holy Synod To Confirm Election Guidelines

Members of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America will meet in special session at Saint Tikhon Monastery here on Friday morning, May 24, 2002, in conjunction with the annual Pilgrimage to Saint Tikhon Monastery and the consecration of Archimandrite Nikon [Liolin] to the episcopacy.

“In light of the forthcoming retirement of His Beatitude, Metropolitan Theodosius, Primate of the Orthodox Church in America, effective July 21, 2002, the opening day of the 13th All-American Council, the hierarchs will meet to review and approve the final Council schedule and confirm guidelines in compliance with provisions in the Statute of the Orthodox Church in America for the election of a new Metropolitan,” according to the Very Rev. John Matusiak, OCA Communications Director. “The election, the first of its kind since Metropolitan Theodosius was elected to the primacy 25 years ago, will be held during the All-American Council, at which Metropolitan Theodosius’ 25th Anniversary as Primate of the Church also will be celebrated.”

In April 2002, Metropolitan Theodosius announced his desire to retire as Primate of the Orthodox Church in America, citing ongoing health concerns following a series of mini-strokes.