Holy Synod Meets for its Regular Spring 2025 Session
On March 17–20, 2025, the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America met for its 2025 Regular Spring Session in Springfield, VA, under the presidency of His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon.
The Holy Synod met at the Hilton Springfield, beginning with an Opening Molieben on Tuesday morning. His Beatitude offered introductory remarks, followed by his report.
The Holy Synod then heard reports and updates on a range of internal Church matters, including the Archdiocese of Washington and relocation planning, as well as the stavropegial institutions. Diocesan reports were received throughout the sessions.
The Holy Synod also received an update from the Canonization Commission concerning the ongoing process of the glorification of Matushka Olga, along with discussions of liturgical calendar considerations, and other matters pertaining to the various Offices and Committees.
During the session on external affairs, the hierarchs reviewed recent visits to Constantinople, Bulgaria, and Serbia, the repose and funeral of Archbishop Anastasios of Albania, and discussed developments related to the Macedonian Church, and the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops.
On Wednesday, March 19, the Holy Synod heard the report from Archpriest Alessandro Margheritino, Acting Chancellor and Secretary of the Orthodox Church in America, which included updates on chancery operations, international travel, property, archives, SMPAC, and preparations for the 21st All-American Council. The bishops also approved the agenda and liturgical calendar for the Council. Plans for the 22nd All-American Council were reviewed, including the approval of its proposed date and location.
Reports were received from Archpriest Daniel Andrejuk, the Dean of the Representation Church in Moscow, and Mr. Andrew Smith, the Treasurer of the Orthodox Church in America, who presented the Church’s financial report. The Pension Board also offered an update during Wednesday’s sessions.
In the afternoon, the Synod considered various clergy cases and received the report of the Board of Theological Education, amongst other matters.
On Wednesday evening, the bishops traveled to St. Nicholas Cathedral in Washington, DC, for the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts. The service was celebrated by Hieromonk Vasily (Permiakov) with Dn. Alexander Woodill. The Archdiocesan Choir offered the liturgical responses.
The final day of the Spring Session included reports from the Office of Pastoral Life, the various Departments of the Orthodox Church in America, and legal counsel. Additional time was dedicated to diocesan reports, seminary updates, and other discussions.