|
|
Session
of the Synod of Bishops
The regular session of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox
Church Outside of Russia was held from 2-4 September in the
Synodal Building in New York, in the presence of the Miracle-working
Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God. Participating were the
President of the Synod of Bishops, His Eminence Metropolitan
Laurus, members of the Synod: His Eminence Archbishop Mark of
Berlin, Germany and the United Kingdom, and His Grace Bishop
Kyrill of San Francisco and Western America. The Secretary of
the Synod of Bishops, His Grace Bishop Gabriel of Manhattan
was in Australia following the repose of his mother. Besides
the Synod members, also present were His Grace Bishop Michael
of Boston, Bishop Agapit of Stuttgart and Bishop Peter of Cleveland.
The Synod heard the report of His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus
on the life of the Church, which included the consecration of
Bishop Peter and news on the parishes of the Eastern Canadian
Diocese; a report from Archbishop Mark on the Holy Land, Bishop
Michael on the parishes in Russia, the written report of Bishop
Alexander on the South American Diocese, the written report
of Bishop Agathangel and the report of Fr. Peter Holodny on
legal matters.
The most important topic on the agenda of the Synod of Bishops
was the preparation for the Expanded Clergy Conference of the
Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia and the forthcoming
Council of Bishops.
The decision was made to convene the Conference at Holy Virgin
Protection Church in Nyack, NY from 9-12 December 2003. In part,
the Conference was scheduled for this time to coincide with
the celebration of the feast day of the Kursk-Root Icon at the
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Sign in the Synodal building. The
topic of the Conference will be: “The Path of the Russian
Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, Past and Future.”
After the Expanded Clergy Conference, the Council of Bishops
of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia will take place
in New York from 13-17 December.
A decree on the Expanded Clergy Conference will be posted on
the Synod website at russianorthodoxchurch.ws.
The following statements were also issued by the Synod of Bishops:
Statement from the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox
Church Outside of Russia
A concelebration of two clergymen of the Russian Orthodox Church
Outside of Russia with two clergymen of the Constantinople Patriarchate
occurred in Ireland.
This concelebration took place without the blessing of Archbishop
Mark. It occurred under an unexpected confluence of circumstances,
the visit of the Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God and, at
the same time, great inspiration on the part of the entire church
gathering and clergymen who were present. This does not correspond
with the norm of our behavior and should not be repeated in
this manner.
We are grateful that the Greek parish allows the parish of the
Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia in Dublin the possibility
of performing services in their church, but this must not serve
as an excuse for the arbitrary actions in regard to canonical
law.
Chancery of the Synod of Bishops
Statement from the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox
Church Outside of Russia
In view of several statements on the internet regarding the
consecration of His Grace Bishop Peter of Cleveland, the Synod
of Bishops declares that both before and after his nomination,
and until the consecration of Bishop Peter, the Synod of Bishops
exhaustively and with full responsibility examined the life
and ecclesiastical development of this candidate. Having heard
some accusations, the Synod of Bishops studied all the facts
and has found no impediment for this consecration.
The Synod of Bishops states that for us, there can be no compromises
whatsoever in regard to the moral purity and spiritual standing
on the position of Orthodox purity for candidates for the clergy,
moreover for membership in the Council of Bishops. We have always
held fast to this principle in the past and will continue to
do so in the future.
Chancery of the Synod of Bishops
20 August/2 September 2003 |
|
|
