Preconciliar Commission meets, plans series of “Town Hall Meeting” consultations
The Preconciliar Commission of the
Orthodox Church in America, charged with planning the 15th All-American Council that will convene in Pittsburgh, PA in November 2008, is planning a series of regional “town hall meeting” consultations in preparation for the Council.
An initial consultation, during which invited participants discussed various issues related to the upcoming AAC and the status of the Church in general, was held on Monday, April 7. This meeting was regarded as a breakthrough by Commission members, who gratefully acknowledged the support, openness, and leadership in this initiative of Commission Chair, His Grace, Bishop Nikon of Boston, New England, and the Albanian Archdiocese.
“The regional consultations will function as a series of ‘living study papers’ in preparation for the AAC. Feedback from these gatherings will help shape the final draft of the AAC’s agenda,” said Archpriest Andrew Jarmus, OCA Director of Ministries and Communications.
The regional consultations were discussed at the Commission’s meeting at the OCA Chancery on Tuesday, April 8, 2008.
The Preconciliar Commission will present the proposal for the regional consultations to the Holy Synod of Bishops.
AAC study papers were another topic of the April 8 meeting. Papers will address current issues in the Church, in addition to the three areas highlighted at the 14th All-American Council—administrative unity, missions and evangelization, and Christian education.
It was noted that reservations are now being taken by the Pittsburgh Hilton Hotel. Click here for information on reservations and related matters.
The next meeting of the Preconciliar Commission will be held on Monday, May 12, 2008.