Source: Orthodox Church in America
SYOSSET, NY [OCA] – The fall session of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America opened on Tuesday, October 15, 2013, and will run through Thursday, October 17.
According to Archpriest Eric G. Tosi, OCA Secretary, on Monday, October 14, the eve of the meeting, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon, will meet with members of the Sexual Misconduct Policy Advisorary Committee (SMPAC), at which time a final revision of the new Policies, Standards and Procedures (PSP) will be reviewed. The PSP will be presented to the members of the Holy Synod for approval.
Much of Tuesday’s agenda will be devoted to meeting with SMPAC members, legal counsel and canonists on various issues. A variety of episcopal matters related to open dioceses and candidates also will be held.
On Wednesday morning, following the celebration of the Divine Liturgy in Saint Sergius Chapel at which His Eminence, Archbishop Nikon will preside, the Holy Synod will hear the reports of the Church’s Chancellor, Secretary and Treasurer. Priest John Parker and Donna Karabin will offer presentations respectively on the work of the departments of Evangelization and Christian Service and Humanitarian Aid. [At every session, representatives of two departments offer reports and updates on a rotating basis.] Archpriest Leonid Kishkovsky will offer a report on external affairs. Various clergy matters will be discussed in closed session.
The Board of Theological Education will offer its report on Thursday, which will include a review of candidates in the Diaconal Vocations Program. Various procedures related to ordination will be reviewed.
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