Special Session of the Holy Synod, December 12-13, 2007

The Holy Synod of The Orthodox Church in America met in Special Session at the Chancery of The Orthodox Church in America, in Oyster Bay Cove, New York, on December 12 and 13, 2007.

The primary purpose of this Special Session was to consider the Appeal of the Judgment of the Spiritual Court of the Diocese of Washington, and New York, by Robert S Kondratick, former Chancellor of the OCA. That court had found cause for his deposition from all sacred functions of the Holy Priesthood. The Appeal had been personally presented by Mr Kondratick at the Holy Synod’s regular meeting in October 2007. The Appeal had been studied by the bishops since that meeting, and during this meeting the Appeal was again considered in detail. Following the deliberations, the following, already-published Decision was arrived at:

“Decision of the Holy Synod Regarding the Appeal of the Former Chancellor

“On Thursday, December 13, 2007, the Holy Synod held a special session at the OCA Chancery in Oyster Bay Cove, NY. The primary matter on the agenda was a review of the appeal of former OCA Chancellor, Robert S Kondratick. Mr Kondratick was deposed of all sacred functions of the priesthood, upon the recommendation of the Church Spiritual Court. The Holy Synod had heard Robert S Kondratick’s appeal at their Fall Session, on Tuesday, October 16, 2007.

“Upon serious deliberation on the facts presented in Mr Kondratick’s appeal, the Holy Synod has decided to uphold the deposition.”

The Holy Synod also received several reports on other clergy matters, which resulted in the following decisions

  • After hearing the report from His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman, concerning the Priest John Mack, the Holy Synod of Bishops, on December 12, 2007, meeting in at the Chancery of The Orthodox Church in America, the Westwood Estate, at Oyster Bay Cove, New York, resolved that the name of the Priest John Mack be removed immediately from the clergy list of the Orthodox Church in America.
  • After hearing the report from His Eminence, Archbishop Seraphim, concerning the Priest Leonid Misnik, the Holy Synod of Bishops, on December 12, 2007, meeting in at the Chancery of The Orthodox Church in America, the Westwood Estate, at Oyster Bay Cove, New York, resolved that the name of the Priest Leonid Misnik be removed immediately from the clergy list of the Orthodox Church in America.

Several other reports were given to the Holy Synod at these sessions. A report was presented on the release of Mr. Paul Bodnar, who had been nominated as Secretary of the OCA. His release was precipitated by significant, unforeseen difficulties in processing his R-1 religious worker’s visa, and significant financial constraints on the Central Church Administration’s operation. It was decided that the Chancellor of the OCA, Archpriest Alexander Garklavs, will continue, for the present, exercising the responsibility of Acting Secretary of The Orthodox Church in America.

The Holy Synod also heard the report of His Grace, Bishop Nikon, the Chairman of the Preconciliar Commission, which is preparing for the Fifteenth All-American Council, to be convened in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, November 10-13, 2008. Present also for this was Archpriest Alexander Garklavs, Chancellor and Acting Secretary of the OCA.

It was agreed that the theme of the 15th Council will be “Members of one another, in Christ.” There was also a full discussion about AAC’s the liturgical services, and the agenda items of this Council; this Council will be shorter that those of the recent past. Besides necessary business items, and reports, attention will be given to the recollection of our past, with a view to the future of our Orthodox Church in America.

The Treasurer of The Orthodox Church in America, Priest Michael Tassos, gave an encouraging report about the quality of the new accounting software, and about the state of affairs of the OCA’s financial records. Priest Michael indicated that some necessary refinements in the managing of this software are in process at this time. He said that it will be well capable of keeping clear and current records of all financial transactions, and of the state of all accounts, and funds of the OCA. He also emphasized that all funds are in order, and strict financial controls are being observed. Additionally, in consultation with the former Comptroller, Archpriest Stavros Strikis, a great deal more information has been provided in clarification of various funds, and accounts.

At this Session of the Holy Synod, His Eminence, Archbishop Job indicated that the funds due to the Central Church Administration, being held for some months in escrow by the Diocese of Chicago, and the Midwest, would now be released to the Central Church Administration of The Orthodox Church in America.

In addition to their meetings, the Holy Synod marked the feast of the Repose of St Herman of Alaska on December 13, with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at St. Sergius of Radonezh Chapel, at the OCA Chancery.