GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA
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ANNOUNCEMENT
OF THE
HOLY EPARCHIAL SYNOD
OF THE
GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA
September 27, 2002
The Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
convened for the regular Fall session on September 25 and 26, 2002, at the
Archdiocese in New York.
Participating in the meeting, presided over by His Eminence Archbishop
Demetrios Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, were
Metropolitan Iakovos of Krinis (presiding hierarch of the Diocese of
Chicago), Metropolitan Maximos of Ainou (presiding hierarch of the Diocese
of Pittsburgh), Metropolitan Methodios of Aneon (presiding hierarch of the
Diocese of Boston), Metropolitan Isaiah of Proikonisos (presiding hierarch
of the Diocese of Denver, Bishop Alexios of Atlanta, and Bishop Nicholas of
Detroit. Also in attendance was the Chief Secretary of the Eparchial
Synod, Bishop Gerasimos of Krateia.
In the course of the session, the Synod addressed a number of
significant issues related to the life and the activities of the
Archdiocese of America, as well as critical issues facing the Church
throughout the world. His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios addressed the
issue regarding the delay of recognition of the Patriarch of Jerusalem by
the government of Israel, and he acknowledged the interest of President
Bush in this matter when it was discussed at the White House meeting with
the SCOBA Hierarchs on July 9. On this matter, the Synod issued a
statement calling upon the State of Israel to recognize His Beatitude
Irenaios as the canonically elected Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem.
The Synod also discussed the operation of the Archdiocese and the
Dioceses and attention was given to identifying ways to make the Total
Commitment Program more beneficial. Further, the Synod decided to merge
the committees of the Synod with the committees of the Archdiocesan Council
to provide for more input by members of the Council, as well as facilitate
the implementation of decisions that are made in basic areas of the life of
the Church. This will apply to all committees with the exception of the
Synod committees on monasticism and canonical and liturgical issues.
Discussion was also held on the enhancement of Greek Education for future
generations of Greek-Americans and on the diocesan see and episcopal
vacancy in the Diocese of New Jersey. On this issue, a list of eligible
candidates was presented to the Synod for review.
Other issues that were discussed included Youth and Campus Ministry,
Inter-Orthodox relations, the meeting of the Hierarchs of the Ecumenical
Throne at the Phanar last month, and the work and needs of the missionary
Metropolises of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The next regular session of
the Eparchial Synod will be held in the Spring of 2003.
Issued by the
Office of the Chief Secretary
of the
Eparchial Synod
September 30, 2002
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