The fall session of the Metropolitan Council of the Orthodox Church in America opened on Monday, September 22, 2014.
The meeting began with a one-day retreat lead by Priest Robert Holet of the Ukranian Church of the USA. Father Robert offered presentations on Christian Stewardship as a preparation for the upcoming 18th All-American Council. His book, The First and the Finest: Orthodox Christian Stewardship as a Sacred Offering, formed the backdrop to the retreat.
The Council agenda includes the address on the state and vision of the Church His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon; a review of the work of ORSMA and the work of the Chancellor by Archpriest John Jillions; a review of the latest plans for the 18th All-American Council by Archpriest Eric Tosi, OCA Secretary; and a presentation of the 2015 budget by Melanie Ringa, OCA Treasurer. Reports from various committees, including legal and financial, also will be reviewed.
As part of the rotating departmental reports, Archpriest Theodore Boback will offer a presentation on the work of the military chaplains, while Prof. David Drillock will review the work of the Department of Liturgical Music and Translations. Other reports include a review of the work of the Statute Revision Commission by Archpriest Alexander Rentel, Commission Secretary.
Council members will also review and approve requests for 2015 Church Planting Grants.
The meeting will conclude on Thursday, September 25.
The Metropolitan Council, as defined in Article 5 of the Statute of Orthodox Church in America, “is the permanent executive body of the Church Administration which exists for the purpose of implementing the decisions of the All-American Counciland continuing its work between sessions.” Chaired by the Metropolitan, the Council’s membership includes the OCA’s Chancellor, Secretary, and Treasurer; one priest and one lay representative from each Diocese, elected by their diocesan assemblies; and three priests and three lay representatives elected at the All-American Council.
A photo gallery can be viewed on the OCA web site and Facebook page.
