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On November 4-7, 2024, the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America met for its Regular Fall 2024 Session in Springfield, VA, under the presidency of His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon.
The meeting began on Tuesday, November 5, with an opening Molieben and introductory remarks from His Beatitude, followed by an overview of the Fall Session. The Holy Synod addressed various matters, including updates from Synodal Offices and Committees, discussions on the Canonization Commission — particularly the glorification of Matushka Olga. Dates surrounding her upcoming glorification were decided upon and will be made public soon. His Eminence Archbishop Daniel made a report on the Canonical Procedures Conference recently held in Chicago.
Discussions also covered internal church matters such as the Chancery relocation process and Stavropegial institutions. Reports on External Affairs included updates on the visits to Ukraine, Romania, and Constantinople, as well as discussions regarding the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops.
The second day began on Wednesday, November 6, with a Divine Liturgy at the Protection of the Holy Mother of God Church in Falls Church, VA. His Grace Bishop Andrei presided at the celebration of the Liturgy. Following the Liturgy, His Beatitude led a memorial service for the departed hierarchs of the Orthodox Church in America and family members of the Holy Synod.
After brunch at Saint Mary’s, Protodeacon Peter Danilchik, a member of the Sexual Misconduct Policy Advisory Committee, made a report and detailed his recent trip to Alaska where he, and Archpriest Alexander Rentel, Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America, made a presentation to the Alaskan Diocesan Assembly on the topic of compliance with the Sexual Misconduct PSPs.
The Holy Synod continued with reports from Father Alexander Rentel and Archpriest Alessandro Margheritino, Secretary of the Orthodox Church in America.
The Synod then heard a presentation from Insurance Systems on a new term life insurance program which will be made available, on a voluntary basis, to all clergy and lay workers of the Orthodox Church in America–more information on this will be shared in due course. Mr. Andrew Smith, Treasurer of the Orthodox Church in America, followed with a financial report, which included the 2025 budget and All-American Council assessments.
The afternoon sessions continued with discussions on various clergy matters, the Pension Board report presented by Matushka Mary Buletza-Breton and Ms. Melanie Ringa, the Legal Report presented by Mr. Mark Hamilton, OCA General Counsel, and the report of the Board of Theological Education presented by Archpriest Kirill Sokolov.
The final sessions on Thursday, November 7, included presentations from the Office of Pastoral Life by Archpriest Nicholas Solak, a report on the OCA Departments by Archpriest Thomas Soroka, and reports from St. Tikhon’s and St. Vladimir’s Seminaries, respectively by Archpriest John Parker and Dr Alexander Tudorie.
