wfn.org | [GOAA] Holy Eparchial Synod Convened Sept 28-29

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  Press Release

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
  October 6, 2005

  HOLY EPARCHIAL SYNOD CONVENES SEPT. 28-29

   New York, NY- The Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese
  of America convened September 28-29 under the presidency of His Eminence
  Archbishop Demetrios of America.  Several issues were discussed at length
  including: Holy Cross School of Theology/Hellenic College, permanent
  Deacons, regulations for Auxiliary Bishops and the operation and
  establishment of monasteries. All Synodal Hierarchs were present except
  for Metropolitan Maximos of Pittsburgh who was recovering from a fall
  earlier in September. Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos was also present
  performing the duties of the Chief Secretary.

  1) Holy Cross School of Theology and Hellenic College
  Rev.  Father Nicholas Triantafilou, president of HC/HC, had been invited
  and reported on issues concerning the life and operation of the School.
  An extensive discussion ensued regarding language, finances and number
  and background of seminarians.
  The Holy Eparchial Synod, among other conclusions, recommended that the
  Hierarchs increase their visits to the School, individually or in groups,
  as an expression of affection, care and essential contribution to its
  holy mission.

  2) Permanent Deacons
  The issue of permanent Deacons, which has been under consideration by the
  Holy Synod, was examined in its final stage and decisions were made for
  the application of specific relevant programs.

  3) Regulations regarding Auxiliary Bishops
  Archbishop Demetrios presented to the Holy Synod the Regulations
  regarding Auxiliary Bishops, which were drawn according to the Charter of
  the Holy Archdiocese (Article 15) and which were recently ratified by the
  Ecumenical Patriarchate. The English translation is in the process of
  being finalized.

  4) English translation of General Regulations regarding the Establishment
  and Operation of Holy Monasteries within the Holy Archdiocese of America
  Archbishop Demetrios presented to the Holy Synod the English translation
  of the General Regulations. The original Greek text has been already
  distributed to the Holy Monasteries in America. When said translation is
  published, it will be distributed to all Monasteries and Parishes of the
  Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

  5)  Various Issues
  The meetings concluded with discussion of issues specific to individual
  Metropolises including:

  a) Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago requested that an Auxiliary Bishop be
  elected to serve his Metropolis. The Holy Synod agreed that the request
  was reasonable and decided to begin the procedure that is provided for by
  the Charter regarding Auxiliary Bishops of the Archdiocese of America.

  b) The Holy Synod agreed to convene henceforth four times annually
  instead of two, as the number of two sessions per year was deemed
  insufficient for its work.

  c) The Holy Synod also considered several Canonical issues (impediments
  of acceptance into the clergy, special cases of marriages and divorces
  etc.), issues of Monasticism and liturgical practice.

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