Browsing: Governance & Unity News

Source: Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America The Address of His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph to the General Assembly of the 52nd Archdiocesan Convention July 24, 2015, Boston, Massacusetts Listen to His Eminence’s address on Ancient Faith Radio Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the Cross,…

Source: The National Herald Efforts Behind the Scenes Regarding Choice of Next Archbishop Intensify By Theodore Kalmoukos CONSTANTINOPLE – Metropolitan Elpidoforos of Bursa, Abbot of the Holy Trinity Patriarchal Monastery on the island of Chalki, is making efforts to succeed Demetrios as the future Archbishop of America, sources in Constantinople, Athens, and New York told TNH. But Archbishop Demetrios told TNH that he has not resigned and has no intention of doing so. “No, absolutely not,” the archbishop said, calling the information “mendacity” and “fable.” But does he intend to resign soon? Again, Demetrios responded:  “I want you to know…

Source: Orthodox Church in America AAC delegates adopt Statute revision in 473-15 vote ATLANTA, GA [OCA]  Delegates to the 18th All-American Council here overwhelmingly adopted proposed revisions to the Statute of the Orthodox Church in Americain a 473 to 15 vote during the AAC’s second plenary session on Tuesday morning, July 21, 2015. Members of the Statute Revision Task Force—His Eminence, Archbishop Nathaniel; His Grace, Bishop Daniel; and Archpriest Alexander Rentel and Judge E. R. Lanier—introduced the proposed revisions and outlined the Church-wide process that produced them. The resolution to adopt the revised Statute was made by Gregory Nescott, Allison…

Source: Orthodox Church in America Metropolitan Tikhon’s Address at the AAC opening plenary session ATLANTA, GA [OCA]  His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon, addressed hundreds of delegates and observers at the opening plenary session of the18th All-American Council of the Orthodox Church in America on Monday evening, July 20, 2015. Metropolitan Tikhon called the AAC to order after an opening Service of Intercession. In his address, Metropolitan Tikhon challenged the assembly to join him “in this ascetical journey to discern and develop our apostolic calling here in North America, through prayer, repentance and common work for the glory of God, always remembering…

Source: Orthodox Church in America Orthodox Church in America: 18th All-American Council Opens ATLANTA, GA [OCA]  Hierarchs, clergy and faithful from across the US, Canada and Mexico began arriving in Atlanta over the weekend of July 18-19, 2015 for the 18th All-American Council of the Orthodox Church in America.  They joined hundreds of participants in the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians of America’s 89th national convention, which was already underway.  The convention is the first to be held in conjunction with an AAC.His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon arrived on Saturday, July 18, at the Atlanta Hilton. where he was given a warm…

Source: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Greek Orthodox Bishop Philotheos of Meloa Elevated to Metropolitan NEW YORK – The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America announces the elevation of Bishop Philotheos of Meloa to the rank of Metropolitan of Meloa, according to an official announcement of July 9, from the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The announcement states that the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, following a recommendation by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, elevated His Grace Bishop Philotheos of Meloa to active Metropolitan of Meloa. His Eminence Metropolitan Philotheos came to the United States in 1960, as a deacon, on…

Source: Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America released a new study report today. The report focuses on Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF), the official collegiate campus ministry program of the Assembly. OCF plays a critical role in the lives of young Orthodox adults who study at US colleges and universities. Strong OCF chapters can provide a vital connection for youth to the Orthodox Church and stem the tide of students who leave the Orthodox Faith while in college. For the study, student leaders were surveyed in 130 OCF chapters.…

Source: Orthodox Christian Laity Where is ANTIOCHIAN participation in the Assembly of Bishops in the USA and in Europe? Where is the participation of the Laity of the Antiochian Archdiocese on the matter of Unity?  Why have the many years of leadership – promoting Unity, the  legacy  Metropolitan Philip, been reversed by Metropolitan Joseph? Why do the problems of the Patriarchates in Europe and other regions have ripple effects on the work of the Assembly of Bishops in charge of the spiritual lives of the faithful in the United States? Controversy between Patriarchs of Antioch and Jerusalem caused a directive to…

Source: Orthodox Christian Laity George Karcazes, Vice President and George Matsoukas, Executive Director of Orthodox Christian Laity (OCL) had the privilege of attending the recently-held conference co-sponsored by the  Orthodox Theological Society in America (OTSA ) and the Orthodox Christian Studies Center of Fordham University held at Fordham University School of Law, Lincoln Center Campus, on  Friday, June 26 and Saturday, June 27, 2015. On Friday evening, the Florovsky Lecture on “The Decisive Importance of Councils in the Life of the Church” was delivered by His Eminence, Metropolitan Kallistos Ware at the Leon Lowenstein Center of the Lincoln Center Campus,…

Source: Women in Theology by Maria Gwyn McDowell The Orthodox Church in America (OCA) has issued a statement regarding the recent Supreme Court decision regarding same-sex marriage. I appreciate the following from His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon: The ruling does not change the teaching of the Church, but it does remind us of the need to be Christ-like in our dealings with everyone. The state has the responsibility to enact laws that protect the rights of each individual. The Church, while it does not bless “same-sex marriages” or view them as sacramental, does see the image of Christ in every individual,…

Source: Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the USA The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America posted two videos today of the Pan-Orthodox Doxology and Clergy Laity Gathering held in Dallas during Assembly V. The first video features highlights of the Doxology and the opening remarks of Assembly Chairman Archbishop Demetrios. The second video presents, in full, the question and answer session with five of the Assembly’s hierarchs. The Assembly is grateful to the Virginia H Farah Foundation for its recent grant to the Assembly, which enabled the final production of the videos. …

Source: Orthodox Church in America SYOSSET, NY [OCA]  Participants in the 18th All-American Council of the Orthodox Church in America, slated to convene July 20-24, 2015 in Atlanta, GA, are reminded that the registration deadline Is Friday, July 10. “Registration must be completed by that date to ensure a place at the Council,” said Archpriest Eric G. Tosi, OCA Secretary.  “Registrations that arrive after that date will require special approval by the Preconciliar Commission and the registrants’ diocesan bishops.” The on-line registration procedure may be completed here. In related news, the Atlanta Convention Bureau has created two special web sites…