Antiochian Archdiocese Poised for Autonomy

By George Matsoukas 

The Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America held its convention in mid July 2003 in Miami, Florida.  It was a week full of prayer and progress.  As an official observer, I was able to participate in workshop meetings and observe the general assembly sessions.

The great work of the convention was that 99 per cent of all the delegates in a roll call vote approved the document developed by the Patriarchal committee and the Antiochian Archdiocese Committee outlining autonomy/self-governance for the North American Archdiocese.  In October, both groups will meet again with the Synod of Antioch, and self-governance should be a reality.

The vespers and morning liturgies were packed with faithful of all ages singing the services in English.  I was amazed how many 20, 30 and 40 year olds participated in this meeting and in the morning and evening services. 

Reports presented to the body of delegates in the general assembly sessions indicate that this is a growing archdiocese.  Under the guidance of Metropolitan Philip, the Archdiocese has grown from 56 to 285 parishes and missions.  Truly the inclusive spirit of Antioch, where Sts. Peter and Paul lived, is the spirit of the Archdiocese of North America.  Faithful people seeking Orthodoxy are accepted within this archdiocese.  They do not have to be Hellenized first. They are not made to linger in corridors and then sent home because they do not pass an ethnic test! 

I was most impressed by the fact that this archdiocese can accomplish so much on a modest budget of $4 million.  It seems that many of the priests not only have parish duties, but also have responsibilities to the ministries, publications and administration of the national church.  How cost effective!  I had to reflect: “How could Metropolitan Philip accomplish so much with 5 staff members at the archdiocese in Englewood, yet the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese accomplishes so little with a staff of 45.” 

Truly attending this convention was like coming home.  I felt comfortable all the time.  The archdiocese has bridged the ethnic and American divide.  Together, the Orthodox faithful in the archdiocese working in synergy with each other have created an American indigenous church that is multicultural, but foremost is Orthodox Christian. 

May God grant his Eminence Philip many years to complete the work that he has begun.  There is no going back.  The faithful support his vision.