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In a Communiqué of the Holy Eparchial Synod on September 14, 2025:
“Yesterday, September 13, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros presided over the regular fall session of the Holy Eparchial Synod, which convened at Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Boston. Under the shadow and blessing of the Precious Cross and in a spirit of joy on the eve of the visit of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the United States, the Eparchial Synod examined current matters concerning the life of the Church.
The Holy Eparchial Synod was informed by His Eminence Metropolitan Constantine of Denver regarding the volatile situation that has arisen around the monastery of Saint Iakovos “New Studion,” located in Piedmont, Oklahoma. The monastery was founded in 2018 and until recently was under the omophorion of the Patriarchate of Georgia, under the spiritual guidance of His Grace Bishop Saba. On March 20, 2025, according to an official document from Bishop Saba, the former abbot Athanasios (Clark), as well as Abbot Christophoros (Khadasok) of the Holy Spirit Monastery in Maryland, were deposed by the Patriarchate of Georgia and returned to the status of simple monastics.
Furthermore, on February 27, 2025, the aforementioned former abbot Athanasios Clark joined the self-proclaimed “Greek-Palestinian Orthodox Church” in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, under the similarly self-proclaimed “Archbishop Aimilianos.”
The faithful Orthodox Christians are hereby cautioned that this church is not a member of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA. Consequently, it lies outside the canonical order of the Orthodox Church in our country, and our faithful must keep in mind the serious canonical consequences that this entails, should they consider having any contact or relationship either with the aforementioned monastic community or with its leaders.
The Holy Eparchial Synod then examined the reports of the Synodal Committees and, among other things:
Approved the advancement of the Traditional Folk Dance Festivals to a National Ministry.
Adopted a policy regarding service animals in our churches as a first step to ensuring that all parishes are accessible to those suffering from physical disabilities.
Was informed by the President of the School of Theology that, in response to a request of the Holy Synod, a theological studies program in the Spanish language has already been created.
Revised the list of candidates eligible for election to the episcopacy, which will be sent to the Ecumenical Patriarchate for final review and approval.
Decided to establish the Sunday of the Sower as the day dedicated to Sunday school teachers and religious educators.
The gathering of the synodal hierarchs in Boston culminated with a concelebration of the Divine Liturgy in the Chapel of the Holy Cross on Sunday, September 14, the feast day of the School of Theology.”
From the Chief Secretariat
Photo by Orthodox Observer
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