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The Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America met for its Regular Fall 2026 Session from November 2–4, 2026, at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in Yonkers, NY, under the presidency of His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon.
The session opened on Monday, November 2, with a Molieben in Three Hierarchs Chapel, and was attended by members of the Seminary community. His Beatitude offered introductory remarks before the hierarchs convened for the first meeting of the Fall Session. His Beatitude thanked the seminary for hosting the Holy Synod and stated:
“We meet under the protection of three hierarchs who knew well what it means to bear responsibility for the Church: Basil, the shepherd and builder; Gregory, the theologian; and John, the preacher of the golden mouth. Each of them was formed for that ministry long before he was called to it, through years of prayer, study, and service. That is why it is fitting that we meet here, in a house of formation. You, our seminarians, are the future clergy of this Church, and in a real sense the work of the Holy Synod this week is undertaken for your sake, and for the sake of those whom you will one day serve.”
Read full text of His Beatitude’s statement
During the first meeting, the Holy Synod canonically elected His Grace Bishop Gerasim (Eliel) as Bishop of Dallas and the South. His Grace had been nominated by the clergy and lay delegates of the Diocese of the South at a Special Nominating Assembly held on July 24, 2026. His enthronement is scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 14, at St. Seraphim Cathedral in Dallas, TX.
The Holy Synod then received the Report of the Metropolitan and addressed a number of Synodal and episcopal matters, including the work of Synodal Offices and Commissions.
The hierarchs also reviewed the work of the special commission on Medical Assistance in Dying and Assisted Suicide. During the session, the Holy Synod approved a synodal statement entitled “A Christian Ending to Our Life,” addressing assisted suicide, euthanasia, and the care of those approaching death. The statement reaffirms the Church’s teaching on the sacredness of human life and offers pastoral guidance to the faithful, clergy, healthcare professionals, families, and caregivers.
The first day continued with discussion of internal Church matters, including an update on the relocation of the Chancery of the Orthodox Church in America and matters concerning the canonical assignment of retired clergy. The Holy Synod also received reports concerning External Affairs, including developments in world Orthodoxy, recent travels, and the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America.
On Tuesday, November 3, the Holy Synod received reports from Archpriest Alessandro Margheritino, Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America, Archpriest David Bozeman, Secretary of the Orthodox Church in America, and Mr. Andrew Smith, Treasurer of the Orthodox Church in America. The Treasurer’s report included a financial report and the 2027 budget.
The hierarchs then received a report on the work of the Departments of the Orthodox Church in America. During the session, the Holy Synod confirmed the recipients of the 2027 Church Planting Grants and the inaugural Growing Spaces Grants, previously approved by the Metropolitan Council at its Regular Fall 2026 Session.
The Holy Synod also heard reports from the Pension Board and from St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary and St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary. Archpriest Nicholas Solak also presented a report on the work of the Office of Pastoral Life. The day concluded with a report concerning the Representation Church of St. Catherine the Great Martyr in Moscow.
On Wednesday, November 4, the members of the Holy Synod gathered for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, presided by His Grace Bishop Gerasim, at St. Vladimir’s Seminary before resuming their meetings.
The Holy Synod received a report from the Board of Theological Education, followed by the Legal Report and consideration of clergy matters. The hierarchs also received reports concerning the Office for Review of Sexual Misconduct Allegations and the Sexual Misconduct Policy Advisory Committee.
The Regular Fall 2026 Session concluded on Wednesday afternoon. That evening, the members of the Holy Synod joined the St. Vladimir’s Seminary Board of Trustees for dinner.
