NEW YORK: April 1, 2008
The Pre-Council Committee Meets For the First Time

On Monday, March 31, 2008, the first meeting of the Pre-Council Committee established by the Synod of Bishops was held. The session, which me at the Synodal building under the chairmanship of His Eminence Archbishop Hilarion of Sydney, Australia and New Zealand, included His Grace Bishop Gabriel of Manhattan; Protopriest Michael Boikov, Personal Secretary of the Acting President of the Synod of Bishops; and Protopriest Serafim Gan. 

An organizing committee for the ceremonies on the day of the enthronement of the new First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia was formed consisting of Protopriest Andrei Sommer and Prince Vladimir Galitzine, Warden of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Sign. Fr Serafim and Peter Fekula, the Synodal Choir Director, were appointed to a committee to outline the election method, the enthronement procedure of the Primate and questions of related divine services. In addition to practical matters, the agenda of the Council of Bishops was discussed.