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Published
by the Greek
Orthodox Archdiocese of America,
October 6, 2005
Holy
Eparchial Synod Convenes
Sept.
28-29
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October
6, 2005
New York, NY- The Holy Eparchial Synod of the
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America convened
September 28-29 under the presidency of His
Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America.
Several issues were discussed at length
including: Holy Cross School of
Theology/Hellenic College, permanent Deacons,
regulations for Auxiliary Bishops and the
operation and establishment of monasteries. All
Synodal Hierarchs were present except for
Metropolitan Maximos of Pittsburgh who was
recovering from a fall earlier in September.
Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos was also present
performing the duties of the Chief Secretary.
1) Holy Cross School of Theology and Hellenic
College
Rev. Father Nicholas Triantafilou, president of
HC/HC, had been invited and reported on issues
concerning the life and operation of the School.
An extensive discussion ensued regarding
language, finances and number and background of
seminarians. The Holy Eparchial Synod, among
other conclusions, recommended that the
Hierarchs increase their visits to the School,
individually or in groups, as an expression of
affection, care and essential contribution to
its holy mission.
2) Permanent Deacons
The issue of permanent Deacons, which has been
under consideration by the Holy Synod, was
examined in its final stage and decisions were
made for the application of specific relevant
programs.
3) Regulations regarding Auxiliary Bishops
Archbishop Demetrios presented to the Holy Synod
the Regulations regarding Auxiliary Bishops,
which were drawn according to the Charter of the
Holy Archdiocese (Article 15) and which were
recently ratified by the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
The English translation is in the process of
being finalized.
4) English translation of General Regulations
regarding the Establishment and Operation of
Holy Monasteries within the Holy Archdiocese of
America
Archbishop Demetrios presented to the Holy Synod
the English translation of the General
Regulations. The original Greek text has been
already distributed to the Holy Monasteries in
America. When said translation is published, it
will be distributed to all Monasteries and
Parishes of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of
America.
5) Various Issues
The meetings concluded with discussion of issues
specific to individual Metropolises including:
a) Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago requested
that an Auxiliary Bishop be elected to serve his
Metropolis. The Holy Synod agreed that the
request was reasonable and decided to begin the
procedure that is provided for by the Charter
regarding Auxiliary Bishops of the Archdiocese
of America.
b) The Holy Synod agreed to convene henceforth
four times annually instead of two, as the
number of two sessions per year was deemed
insufficient for its work.
c) The Holy Synod also considered several
Canonical issues (impediments of acceptance into
the clergy, special cases of marriages and
divorces etc.), issues of Monasticism and
liturgical practice.
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