The Holy Eparchial Synod of the Holy Archdiocese of America convened its regular meeting on October 12-13, 2011, at the Synodal Chamber of the Holy Archdiocese in New York. His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America presided and all Members of the Synod participated.
Prior to the commencing of the Meeting of the Synod, Members had the opportunity to hold a special meeting with Rev. Father Stratton Dorozenski, Chairman of the Archdiocese Benefits Committee, during which relevant issues were discussed. They also met with Rev. Father James Kordaris, Director of Stewardship, Outreach and Evangelism, and were informed on the work being accomplished by said Committee.
During the meeting of the Synod, the following issues were discussed:
With regard to the resignation of Metropolitan Maximos of Pittsburgh, due to health reasons, the Synod expressed its deep gratitude and wholeheartedly recognized his most precious and lengthy offering to the Church, especially his decisive contribution in the meetings and decisions of the Holy Eparchial Synod.
The Synod then proceeded with the formulation of the triprosopo –a three-person list, for the filling of the vacant seat of the Holy Metropolis of Pittsburgh, to be submitted to the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which will then elect the new Metropolitan who will succeed the most worthy former Metropolitan of Pittsburgh Maximos.
Further, the Synod worked on the English translation of the original Greek text of the Divine Liturgy and approved the English translation of the hymn Christ is Risen to be used by the parishes of the Holy Archdiocese. Issues of pastoral nature and the administering of the Sacraments were also discussed.
The Synod reviewed and approved a recent list of clergymen eligible for episcopacy, and discussed general issues relating to clergy, and the ordination especially of new clerics, as well as issues with respect to the administration of parishes and the Holy Archdiocese in general.
Finally, a discussion took place on the fruitful cooperation between the Synod and the Hellenic College/ Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, the Assembly of all Canonical Orthodox Bishops, the special educational program for Deacons, the forthcoming Clergy-Laity Congress, and issues of pastoral care of clergy and laity.
From Office of the Holy Eparchial Synod