GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA 8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY 10021 Tel: (212) 570-3530 Fax: (212) 774-0215 Web: http://www.goarch.org Email: communications@goarch.org
For Immediate Release March 16, 2007
Contact: Rev. Dr. Frank Marangos Tel.: 212-774-0244
Holy Eparchial Synod Meets
New York, NY - The Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America convened in the Synod Room of the Holy Archdiocese of New York on March 14 and 15, 2007.
His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios presided over the meeting. Present were the members of the Holy Synod, namely the Metropolitans Iakovos of Chicago, Maximos of Pittsburgh, Alexios of Atlanta, Nicholas of Detroit, Gerasimos of San Francisco and Evangelos of New Jersey. Also present was the Chief Secretary of the Synod Archimandrite Sebastian Skordallos. Metropolitans Methodios of Boston and Isaiah of Denver were absent from the meeting because of illness.
During the meeting, the Holy Eparchial Synod discussed a number of issues concerning subjects related to the life of the Church including the following:
1 - The parishes and monasteries of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem in America - Archbishop Demetrios of America informed the members of the Holy Synod about his recent trip to Jerusalem where he headed a delegation on behalf of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in meetings with the Patriarch of Jerusalem and members of the Synod of Jerusalem. They discussed the issue of the presence of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem in America. The results of these meetings conform with the proposals of the Holy Eparchial Synod of America and the related decisions of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. 2 - The program of permanent Deacons - The Holy Synod, in light of the possibility of ordination of permanent deacons, decided that the candidates must be educated in accordance with a special program that will be established by Holy Cross School of Theology following the guidelines of the Holy Eparchial Synod. It is expected that this program will begin in September of this year. 3 - Greek Education - It was reported that the cooperation between the Department of Greek Education of the Holy Archdiocese of America and the educational officials in Greece and Cyprus continues on the subjects of teaching materials, methods of teaching the Greek Language by electronic means and educational seminars for teachers. There was also discussion regarding the Greek American Day Schools, Afternoon Schools, and the Charter Schools which function in each Metropolis and the Direct Archdiocesan District. Also it was decided to gather experts in Greek Education, from each Metropolis and the Direct Archdiocesan District in order to cooperate in promoting the subject of Greek Education. 4 - Youth ? Related to the youth, there was discussion about the various programs, with emphasis on summer camps. It was noted the significant success of the summer camps of each Metropolis and the Direct Archdiocesan District, as well as Ionian Village. Furthermore, it was mentioned that the second Conference of Youth at the Ecumenical Patriarchate will convene in July 2007. Details regarding this Conference will be forthcoming. 5 - Canonical Matters - The Holy Eparchial Synod also discussed canonical matters related to the Holy Priesthood. The Holy Synod cares for and heals all ailing spiritual children of the Church. 6 - Synodal Committees Proposals - There was discussion on Regulations of the Operation of Spiritual Courts, Regulations of the Operation of the Holy Eparchial Synod and liturgical matters.
After the conclusion of the meeting, the members of the Holy Eparchial Synod participated in the meeting of the Executive Committee of the Archdiocesan Council.
From the Office of the Holy Eparchial Synod