NEW YORK: April 26, 2018
A regular session of the Synod of Bishops commences

On Thursday, April 26, 2018, during the third week of Pascha, a regular session of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia began. In addition to its Chairman, His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York, participating were: His Eminence Archbishop Mark of Berlin and Germany; His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco and Western America; His Eminence Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal and Canada; His Eminence Archbishop Peter of Chicago and Mid-America; His Grace Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan, and His Grace Bishop Irenei of Sacramento.

Greeting his fellow bishops, Metropolitan Hilarion opened the meeting and congratulated them on the continuing Paschal feast, wishing them Divine help.

The bishops then heard a report by Archbishop Mark on the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem and about his meetings with the hierarchy of the Moscow Patriarchate.

Deacon Michael Pavuk then read a report on the establishment of a Master’s degree program at Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville, NY. The Synod expressed its gratitude to God and invoked His blessings upon the further efforts of this vineyard of Orthodox theology abroad.

The Synod then heard and approved a report by Protopriest Andre Papkov, Chairman of the Synodal Liturgical Music Commission and head of the Summer Church Music School in Jordanville.

Reports by George Schatiloff, the Synodal Treasurer, and other members of the Synodal administration were also heard.

God willing, the next session of the Synod of Bishops will convene in London in the fall.

On Saturday, April 28, the members of the Synod of Bishops will pray at the grave of the great composer, pianist and director Sergei Rachmaninoff to mark the 75th anniversary of his repose.

The Synod of Bishops continues its work on Friday, April 27.