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On the evening of October 2, 2024, the Pre-Conciliar Commission (PCC) and Diocesan Chancellors and Treasurers held a joint meeting via teleconference to discuss items surrounding the upcoming 21st All-American Council, July 14-18, in Phoenix, AZ. The session was led by Archpriest Alexander Rentel, Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America, and included presentations on budget assessments, updates on the canonization of Matushka Olga, and the AAC youth program.
Mr. Andrew Smith, Treasurer of the Orthodox Church in America, presented a proposed method for collecting AAC assessments and outlined a draft budget developed in collaboration with Pdn. Peter Ilchuk, Council Manager, and Priest Jason and Mka Ashley Foster, Council Youth Coordinators. This budget aims to enable a full and enjoyable council while remaining sensitive to financial constraints.
The PCC unanimously approved the draft budget. A tentative date of March 1, 2025, has been set for diocesan assessments to be submitted.
The group was offered an update on upcoming events surrounding the canonization of Matushka Olga, including the uncovering of her relics, with concrete dates to be announced following the consideration and approval of the Holy Synod in November.
Fr. Alexander emphasized the importance of the AAC as a moment for reflection and discernment within the life of the Church. He reminded the Chancellors to engage with His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon’s call to reflection, while using the study guide provided, and asked them to encourage all parishes to participate and submit their own reflections to grandinvitation@oca.org.
After the PCC had been dismissed, the Diocesan Chancellors and Treasurers remained to review a number of additional items.
The meeting also included updates from Archpriest Alessandro Margheritino, Secretary of the Orthodox Church in America, regarding a new life insurance program for the employees of the OCA, aimed at providing coverage on a voluntary basis. More information will be shared after the upcoming Metropolitan Council and Holy Synod Fall Sessions.
He also offered an update on the Financial Health Initiative from the Office of Pastoral Life. This initiative is supported by a substantial grant from the Lily Foundation and looks to address clergy financial challenges.
Looking forward, Fr. Alexander suggested an additional meeting for diocesan chancellors in the new year and urged them to consider candidates with relevant professional experience for upcoming openings in the Metropolitan Council.
The Metropolitan Council meets for its regular Fall 2024 Session in October.
