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The Spring Session of the Metropolitan Council of the Orthodox Church in America opened this morning—Wednesday, February 13, 2019—at the Immaculate Conception Seminary, Huntington, NY. The members of the Standing Synod of Bishops, who will meet concurrently, also will participate in the deliberations.
According to Archpriest Eric G. Tosi, OCA Secretary, the gathering, which will run through Friday, February 15, will open with the report of His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon, in which he will offer updates on the work of the Chancery and recent events in the life of the Church. The recently appointed Chancellor, Archpriest Alexander Rentel, will report on his work since he assumed duties on January 1, 2019, while Father Eric will offer a proposal concerning the 20th All-American Council, a progress report on the Archives Project, and an update on the OCA website redesign. Melanie Ringa, Treasurer, will report on finances and present a proposal with regard to external audits.
Protopresbyter Leonid Kishkovsky, Director of External Affairs, will report on the state of ecumenical relations and other issues, while Cindy Heise will present an update on the work of the Office of Review of Sexual Misconduct Allegations, including the results of the recently completed survey of clergy wives. Archdeacon Joseph Matusiak will update Metropolitan Council members on the work of the Stewards of the Orthodox Church in America [SOCA], after which Judge E. R. Lanier, General Counsel, will review a number of current legal matters.
Other updates and reports will include an in-depth presentation by the OCA Pension Board on the Plan’s current status and present proposals for the future. A report on the “Thriving In Ministry” program, which recently received a Lilly Grant, will also be offered. The Metropolitan Council’s committee chairs also will report on their work.
On Thursday morning, February 14, Metropolitan Tikhon will preside at the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at the Chancery’s Saint Sergius of Radonezh Chapel, marking the 15th anniversary of his consecration to the episcopacy.
The Metropolitan Council is the permanent executive body of the Church Administration which exists for the purpose of implementing the decisions of the All-American Council and continuing its work between sessions. Members include the Metropolitan, who serves as Chair; the Chancellor, the Secretary, and the Treasurer; one priest and one layperson elected by each diocese; and three priests and an equal number of laypersons elected by the All-American Council.
Minutes and reports will be posted as they become available.
