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The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America met in Pittsburgh, PA from October 3-6, 2026, for the 15th convening since its formation. The Assembly expressed sincere gratitude to Metropolitan Savas for hosting the meeting at the new Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh Center, as well as the Pittsburgh pan-Orthodox community for hosting public events.
The weekend began with Vespers at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church on Saturday, October 3 and a concelebration of the Divine Liturgy at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Sunday, October 4.
Assembly XV focused primarily on the ongoing effort to create a Common Catechesis. After reviewing the work of the Theological Education Committee, the Assembly reaffirmed the mandate to the Committee to formulate a classical catechetical text.
> Read His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America’s closing remarks here.
The Assembly approved additional work on catechesis that engages many of the Assembly’s committees and new working groups. This comprehensive approach is unique in its inclusion of many voices and crucial in its collaborative nature for the teaching of the Orthodox faith in English. This represents a significant and distinctive undertaking which received the blessing and full support of all the Hierarchs present during the Assembly. Inspired by Saint Paul’s words: “and what you have heard from me before many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2), this collaborative project will be a unique offering to the entire Orthodox Church.
Additionally, the Assembly of Bishops approved the Sign Language Lexicon of Orthodox Christian Terminology as presented by the Assembly’s sign language lexicon team. The lexicon team members present included Presbytera Karen Bartz (Interpreter), Greg Coogan, Hannah Mann, and Lola Lee Beno, accompanied by Savannah Foster, President of the Orthodox Christian Deaf Association (OCDA). Deacon Tigran Khachikyan, Emily Hart (Interpreter) and Mah-Rya Proper (Interpreter) were also present digitally.
During their time together, the Hierarchs of the Assembly reaffirmed their calls for a peaceful and just ending to the ongoing war in Ukraine and the conflicts in the Middle East. Reiterating earlier statements, the Assembly continues to call for “an immediate cessation of hostilities wherever war persists.” They urged the governments engaged in these conflicts to end the suffering of the people. Also, the Hierarchs grieved the dangers that Orthodox Christians face daily, especially in Ukraine and the Middle East, and the diminishing populations of Christians there. The Hierarchs urge their flocks to offer assistance through charitable giving to those agencies working to alleviate the suffering of people, as especially through the various programs of the Assembly’s Humanitarian Agency: International Orthodox Christian Charities. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful” (Colossians 3:15).
The Hierarchs of the Assembly discussed the growing effects of artificial intelligence. Both positive and negative concerns were expressed that call for greater discernment and discussion. It was noted that the Assembly’s Affiliated Ministry, Orthodox Christian Association of Medicine, Psychology, and Religion (OCAMPR), will examine the topic at their 2027 conference.
On the tenth anniversary of the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church in Crete in 2016, the Hierarchs are reminded anew of the vital importance of pan-Orthodox cooperation and collaboration as an essential expression of the unity of the Orthodox Church and a faithful witness to the Orthodox Christian faith in today’s world.
With thanksgiving to the Almighty God for the unity and cherished brotherhood of the Assembly of Bishops of the United States of America, the Assembly appeals to the wisdom of our Mother Churches to encourage the active cooperation of all Hierarchs in the United States without exception.
The next Assembly meetings will be hosted by the Metropolitan Nathanael (Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago) October 23-26 in Chicago, Illinois, and the following Assembly meeting will be hosted by Metropolitan Saba (Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America) in Houston, Texas in October 2028.
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