Browsing: Governance & Unity News

by Fr. Alexander Schmemann Editor’s Note: As the Assembly of Bishops meets in Chicago on September 15-17, 2013, please review some of the following canonical issues related to unity. The Canonical Problem [St. Vladimir’s Seminary Quarterly, 1964, Vol. 8, # 2, pp. 67-85.] 1. An Uncanonical Situation No term is used—and misused—among the Orthodox people in America more often than the term canonical. One hears endless discussions about the “canonicity” or the “uncanonicity” of this or that bishop, jurisdiction, priest, parish. Is it not in itself an indication that something is wrong or, at least, questionable from the canonical point of…

We are happy to reprint this resolution as the Assembly of Bishops begins its deliberations developing a blueprint for an administratively-unified, self-governing Orthodox Church in North and Central America. For the last 200 years, Orthodox Christians in North America have been working together to bring the message of Christ to their brothers and sisters and to care for widows, the poor, and the least of God’s Children. They lived the faith before there was a formal structure here. They also built most of the churches before there was a formal administrative structure. The Assembly is a turning point to build…

Source: Orthodox Church in America Sunday, September 15, 2013, has been designated “Assembly Sunday” by the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America to draw attention to the fourth meeting of the Assembly’s hierarchs at the Chicago Marriott here September 17-19. The following encyclical from His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Assembly Chair, was issued in conjunction with the occasion. Encyclical to All Orthodox Christian Faithful of North and Central America Concerning Assembly Sunday 2013 To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and…

Source: Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America In an unprecedented action, two Orthodox Christian churches—one Greek and one Antiochian—have merged together to form a new parish in northeastern Tennessee. Holy Resurrection (AOCA) in Johnson City and Holy Trinity (GOA) in Bluff City joined together in their first liturgy on June 23, the Feast of Pentecost. The new parish, which has taken the name Christ the Savior, comes under the jurisdiction of His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. The parish is served by Fr. Stephen Mathewes, an Antiochian priest who had been assigned to…

Source: Greek Orthodox Christians for Truth and Reform Two recently published articles, one in the Orthodox Observer and the other in The National Herald caught the attention of our Editors. Both concern the administration and the future of our Church and Faith. They come from two different perspectives yet both accurately indicate the present condition. Both authors draw upon their own views and reach, in our minds, the identical conclusion that foreshadows the future of our Church. These authors have not yet fully appreciated the foresight, power or the precision of their observations. Remarkably, it is as if both of…

Source: Assembly of Bishops The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America will hold its annual meeting September 17-19, 2013 at the Chicago Marriott in Schaumburg, Illinois. This is the fourth Annual Meeting of the Assembly. The agenda, which includes discussion of the Assembly’s vision, proposals for canonical restructuring, and an Assembly-sponsored national youth conference, can be found here. The Assembly requests the prayers of all clergy, monastics, and laity. The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops is comprised of all 65 active Orthodox hierarchs serving the United States, Canada, and Mexico. [subscribe2]

Source: Assembly of Bishops The Executive Committee of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America held an official meeting at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan headquarters in New York on Tuesday, August 13. Under the chairmanship of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, the Executive Committee made final preparations for the fourth general Assembly of Bishops meeting in September. The members of the Executive Committee also reviewed the process by which the Assembly would reach consensus, when required. Participating in the meeting were: Archbishop Demetrios (Ecumenical Patriarchate); Metropolitan Philip (Patriarchate of Antioch, by phone); Archbishop Justinian (Patriarchate of Moscow);…

Source: Milwaukee – Wisconsin Journal Sentinel Leaders at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church cite financial discrepancies  By John Diedrich of the Journal Sentinel The Milwaukee County district attorney’s office has been asked to investigate possible theft from theAnnunciation Greek Orthodox Church by a former priest. Assistant District Attorney David Feiss confirmed Monday that he was reviewing documents sent to the office by Annunciation’s Parish Council. Feiss declined to comment further. After discovering financial “discrepancies,” the council voted to request the district attorney investigate the matter, according to a news release from the church. “The concerns that have been raised have nothing to do with current church operations…

Source: City Weekly (Salt Lake City, UT) by Stephen Dark The Metropolitian Isaiah, head of the Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake City (which is a single parish with two churches — the Holy Trinity Cathedral in downtown Salt Lake City and Prophet Elias Church in Holladay) has ordered that both churches discontinue offering sacrament, liturgy, weddings and baptisms indefinitely as of Sunday, August 4, 2013. The surprise decision marks a bitter climax in a power struggle for the future of the Salt Lake City-area’s Greek Orthodox parish. A call seeking comment from Rev. Matthew Gilbert of the Holy…

 “After this I will pour out my spirit on all humanity….Your old men will have dreams, and your young men will see visions.”  Joel 2:28 Since the imposition of a Charter on the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America without the input and approval of the Clergy and Laity within that particular Orthodox grouping in the United States, the consequences have been chaotic.  There is no accountability within the Archdiocese.  The Metropolitans each report directly to the Patriarch in Istanbul. They see the Archbishop as a figurehead.  Each Metropolis sees itself as an independent entity.  The Metropolitans in these geographic areas…

Source: Orthodox Evangelist Newsletter By Joseph Abbate Vice President  of the Brotherhood of St Symeon the New Theologian                 For those of you who may have just discovered St. Symeon’s Ministry, you might have found the word Renewal in many of the Ministry’s publications.  For those of us who have been involved in this Ministry through the years, it is important to refresh our memories on the meaning of this word.  First of all, Renewal does not bring any additions to doctrines or theology. It does not involve new teachings or motives other than what our Church Fathers have taught.…

Source: Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America On Thursday, July 25, the General Assembly was convened by His Eminence Metropolitan Philip at the 51st Antiochian Archdiocese Convention being hosted by St. George Church in Houston, Texas. The Assembly was graced by the welcome presence of His Eminence Metropolitan Paul of Australia, and His Eminence Metropolitan Silouan of Argentina. The meeting opened at 10:30, and it was announced that a quorum of delegates was present. Much productive business was accomplished, and many reports and videos were presented. (See below for updates from the conclusion of the Assembly.) Highlights from the…