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The Metropolitan Council of the Orthodox Church in America met for its Regular Fall 2026 Session from October 14–15 in Springfield, VA, under the presidency of His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon. Meetings were held at the Hotel Belvoir, with the Council also gathering at Saint Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral in Washington, DC, for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy.
His Beatitude opened the Council session on Wednesday, October 14, with a Molieben. After the call to order, agenda review, and roll call, the Council approved the minutes of the Regular Spring 2026 Session and special sessions held earlier in the year. The Council then heard the report of the Metropolitan.
In his report, His Beatitude welcomed newer diocesan representatives to the Metropolitan Council and remembered clergy, monastics, and faithful who had fallen asleep in the Lord since the Council last gathered. He then reflected on what he described as an overarching season of growth and expansion in the life of the Orthodox Church in America, highlighting the Church’s work in mission planting, liturgical music, youth ministry, and the support of clergy and their families. He also reflected on the opportunities and challenges experienced throughout the dioceses of the Orthodox Church in America in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
His Beatitude devoted particular attention to the recently acquired property in Washington, DC, which will serve as the permanent residence of the Metropolitan and the new home of the Chancery Offices. He expressed gratitude to the ever-memorable servants of God Joseph and Theresa Domanick, whose generosity made the acquisition possible, and described the new property as a significant step toward integrating the Chancery more fully within the Archdiocese of Washington and establishing a permanent home for the central administration of the Church near the Primatial Cathedral.
Looking to the broader mission of the Church, His Beatitude reflected on the responsibility entrusted to the Orthodox Church in America as a local autocephalous Church and on the importance of maintaining communion and working toward greater Orthodox unity on this continent. He concluded by reminding the Council that the growth presently being witnessed in the Church is God’s gift and that every program, institution, and initiative must remain grounded in Jesus Christ and serve the unity of His Church.
Following His Beatitude’s report, Archpriest Alessandro Margheritino, Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America, offered his report to the Council. In his report, Fr. Alessandro reflected on the ongoing work of the Chancery and the opportunities presented by the continued growth of the Orthodox Church in America. He highlighted several important initiatives, including the expansion of missionary support. Fr. Alessandro devoted particular attention to the relocation of the Chancery, including the anticipated sale of the former Chancery property on Long Island and the recent acquisition of the new Metropolitan’s residence and Chancery in Washington, DC. He emphasized the significance of this transition, which brings the residence of the Primate, the central administration of the Church, and Saint Nicholas Cathedral into close proximity, strengthening their connection and providing new opportunities for the Church’s mission and ministry.
Archpriest David Bozeman, Secretary of the Orthodox Church in America, reported on the administrative and operational work of the Chancery, including personnel transitions, records management, information technology, and communications. He also highlighted the relocation of the Church’s archival materials to Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary and the submission of a $5 million grant proposal to the Lilly Endowment’s New Churches Initiative, intended to strengthen the Church’s capacity for missionary expansion.
Archpriest Nicholas Solak then presented the report of the Office of Pastoral Life, and Archpriest Justin Patterson offered a report on the work of the Departments of the Orthodox Church in America and presented candidates for the Church Planting Grant and the new Growing Spaces Grant.
Mr. Andrew Smith, Treasurer of the Orthodox Church in America, presented his report on the Church’s finances, highlighting its sound financial position and continued commitment to responsible stewardship and transparency. The report reflected the Church’s financial stability and its ability to support ongoing ministries and future initiatives. Following the Treasurer’s presentation and discussion, the Metropolitan Council approved the proposed 2027 budget. The day’s meetings concluded with remarks from His Beatitude and prayer. The Council members then participated in an orientation session led by the Chancellor, the Secretary, and Council member Mr. David Lane, Esq.
On Thursday, October 15, the members of the Metropolitan Council traveled to Saint Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral in Washington, DC, where His Beatitude presided at the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. Concelebrating with His Beatitude were Fr. David Bozeman, Archpriest Timothy Sawchak, and Deacon Matthew Prentice.
Following the Divine Liturgy and brunch, the members of the Metropolitan Council had an opportunity to visit the newly acquired Metropolitan’s residence and Chancery Offices. The Council then returned to Springfield and reconvened for its final meeting.
In recognition of the unique role of Saint Nicholas Cathedral as the Primatial Cathedral of the Orthodox Church in America, the Metropolitan Council approved a one-time contribution toward the Cathedral’s ongoing renovation and improvement campaign, including improvements to its parking facilities. With the relocation of the Metropolitan’s residence and Chancery to Washington, DC, Saint Nicholas Cathedral is assuming a more prominent role in the life of the entire Church, serving as a principal setting for primatial liturgical celebrations, ecclesiastical gatherings, and the welcoming of hierarchs, dignitaries, and visitors. The Council recognized that these improvements will help the Cathedral more fully carry out its responsibilities not only to its local community, but also to the Metropolitan and the Orthodox Church in America as a whole.
The Council heard the report of the Pension Board, presented by its Chair, Archpriest John Dresko, and the Plan Administrator, Mr. Michael Steiglitz, followed by the Legal Report offered by Mr. Mark Hamilton, General Counsel of the Orthodox Church in America, who joined the session via teleconference. Mr. Greg Honshul then presented the Property Committee report. The Council also discussed plans for its 2027 sessions, expressing its preference to return to two in-person meetings, which was the practice prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
His Beatitude concluded the meetings by expressing his gratitude to the members of the Metropolitan Council for their service to the Church. The Regular Fall 2026 Session of the Metropolitan Council was then adjourned and concluded with prayer.
Minutes from the Regular Fall 2026 Session of the Metropolitan Council will be posted on the Orthodox Church in America website as they become available.
