Notes from GOARCH Eparchial Synod

(GOARCH) - The Holy Eparchial Synod of the Holy Archdiocese of America convened in its regular fall meeting on October 13 - 14 at the Synodal Chamber of the Holy Archdiocese in New York. His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America presided and participating were also the Members of the Synod.

The Holy Synod deliberated on the following issues:

1. Educational and Youth: The Holy Eparchial Synod had the opportunity to exchange ideas on issues of Religious Education. The Synod was briefed on the work of the Department by its director Dr. Anton Vrame. It was emphasized that Religious Education should be extended beyond the children and adolescents to include adults. The beneficial effect on the youth offered by youth camps, liturgical and cultural opportunities, and other programs was determined, especially by the didactic success of the use of the new media used by the Religious Education Departments of the Archdiocese (i.e. magazines, CDs etc.)

2. Clergy: The Eparchial Synod dealt with issues of the spiritual, bodily and psychological health of the clergy, and decided to take measures to promote their psychosomatic well being. On the same subject, it was decided to strengthen the candidates to the priesthood through relevant lessons during their studies.

3. Canonical: The Holy Eparchial Synod, after a long working session, finalized the text on Regulations for Spiritual Courts. In addition, the Holy Synod discussed canonical issues pertaining to the clergy, and made pastoral and disciplinary decisions.

4. Inter-Orthodox: There was a report and a discussion on the Pan-Orthodox Episcopal Assembly, that took place this past May in New York, as well as the meeting of the Executive Committee of the Assembly, with his All Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Constantinople in September of this year.

5. Liturgical Issues: The Holy Eparchial Synod worked on a text of Holy Services: of Orthros and Vespers. Also, the Ecclesiastical Music was a subject of relevant discussion, which concluded with specific proposals.

In addition to the detailed discussion on the above subjects, there was also discussion on the Special Educational Program for Deacons, as well as the important Conference that will be held in Brussels, for the support of religious rights and freedom for our Ecumenical Patriarchate. The conference is organized by the Archons of our Ecumenical Patriarchate, who are members of our Holy Archdiocese of America.

The Members of the Holy Eparchial Synod participated in the morning of October 14th in the meeting of the Executive Committee of the Archdiocesan Council, and on the following day in the first meeting of the new term 2010-2012 of the Archdiocesan Council.