Source: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Sacred Archdiocese of America
Holy Eparchial Synod
Boston, September 13, 2024
Communiqué
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America presided over the Holy Eparchial Synod which convened today in its regular meeting at the Theological School of the Holy Cross in Boston.
Among other things it discussed:
a) The Archbishop thanked His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco for his hospitality and kind cooperation with officials of the Sacred Archdiocese in the realization of the 47th Clergy-Laity Congress this past July in San Diego, which by common acclamation was successful and was characterized by enthusiasm and the participation of clergy, monastics, and laity from all over America.
b) He rejoiced and welcomed to the meeting of the Holy Eparchial Synod His Eminence Metropolitan Constantine of Denver, who for the first time took part as a member of the Synod after his election to his eparchy of the Archdiocese.
c) The Holy Eparchial Synod was informed about the findings of the special delegation, which went to Greece to ascertain the needs of the fire victims, to whom the gathered financial aid of the Sacred Archdiocese will be directed.
d) An update was made by the Department for Religious Education (DRE) on the completion of the Sunday School curriculum for the third grade and they expressed congratulations to its Director, His Grace Bishop Athenagoras of Nazianzos.
e) With sadness, the Holy Eparchial Synod learned of the Reverend Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne Martin Ritsi’s letter regarding his imminent retirement from the position of Executive Director of the pan-Orthodox missionary organization OCMC.
f) It decided that it would introduce a recommendation to the Board of Trustees of the Theological School, the preparation of an online Spanish-language program of Orthodox theological studies.
g) Approved the proposal of Dr. Anthony Limberakis, National Commander of the Order of Saint Andrew, regarding appointing a yearly “Archons Sunday”, on the Sunday closest to the feast of St. Andrew, with the circulation of an Archiepiscopal Encyclical. Likewise, it endorsed a Sunday School curriculum on the role and importance of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
h) After a report by Dr. Demetrios Katos, the President of Hellenic College Holy Cross School of Theology, regarding the financial and the general situation there, accepted the proposal of the Archbishop to lead a campaign to gather financial resources to support its work and programs, with the organization of large events in every Metropolis dedicated to this purpose, since, according to the Archbishop’s permanent statement, the School is now the first priority of our Sacred Archdiocese.
i) It was discussed and decided to adopt a uniform practice for the issuance of leaves of absence and travel for clergy of all ranks, as defined by the Charter and the Uniform Regulations of the Archdiocese.
j) The Hierarchs were appointed Chairmen of the Synodal Committees as follows:
Canon Law Committee – His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios of Boston
Committee of Liturgical Texts – His Eminence Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh
Committee of Byzantine Music – His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey
Committee for the Holy Monasteries – His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago
Committee of Inter-Orthodox Relations – His Eminence Metropolitan Constantine of Denver
Committee of Ecumenical Dialogue – His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios of Boston
Clergy Benefits Committee – His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco
k) The Hierarchs were appointed Chairmen of the Archdiocesan Council Committees as follows:
Administration Committee – Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco
Audit Committee – His Eminence Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh
Communications Committee – His Eminence Metropolitan Constantine of Denver
Greek Education Committee – His Grace Bishop Nektarios of Diokleia
Legal Committee – His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey
Marriage and Family Committee – His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco
Religious Education Committee – His Grace Bishop Anthony of Synada
Stewardship Outreach and Evangelization Committee – His Eminence Metropolitan Constantine of Denver
Youth and Young Adult Committee – His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey
Finance Committee – His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit
Technology Committee – His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago
l) It was decided that the 2028 Clergy-Laity Congress will be held in the Holy Metropolis of Denver.
m) The following clergy were proposed for inclusion in the list of candidates for election to the hierarchy. They have fulfilled the requisite requirements and it was decided to send their names to the Mother Church for approval:
The V. Rev. Archim. Meletios Gianniodis
The V. Rev. Archim. Gedeon Varytimos
The V. Rev. Archim. Ioannikios Gregoriades
The V. Rev. Archim. Spyridon Chatzis
n) It was decided to request from His All-Holiness for the canonical incardination of His Grace Bishop Athenagoras of Nazianzos into the hierarchy of the Sacred Archdiocese of America.
From the Chief Secretariat
Photo: GOARCH