On Friday, December 1, the Eastern American Diocesan Council held its quarterly meeting in a remote, online format. His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York opened the meeting and, after a prayer, welcomed the Council members.

The Council heard reports from the legal and financial committees, the media office, the diocesan treasurer, and reviewed a variety of operational and financial matters. Taking into account discussions with attendees of the Diocesan Assembly this year, the Council decided to add the parish tithe (dues) register to the year-end financial report and to send the report to all rectors in the first months of the New Year.

The Council addressed the ongoing diocesan commitment to benevolent and youth initiatives. Among these initiatives is an annual contribution to Holy Trinity Seminary’s Archbishop Vitaly (Maximenko) Memorial Scholarship ($5,000), support for the XIV All-Diaspora Youth Conference ($5,000), as well as support for the annual St. Herman Youth Conference-East ($5,000).

The Council confirmed the dates of the Lenten Retreats for 2024. St. Mary of Egypt Church in Roswell, GA will host the Southern Lenten Retreat Monday, April 1 through Wednesday, April 3 (following the Sunday of the Holy Hierarch Gregory Palamas). The Northern Lenten Retreat will be hosted by Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY Monday, April 8 through Wednesday, April 10 (following the Sunday of the Cross [and Annunciation, in 2024]). More information about the Lenten retreats is to be published on the diocesan website by the end of the calendar year.

Additionally, the Council heard reports about parish life in the deaneries, clergy reassignments, the opening of mission parishes, property acquisitions, and church construction projects. His Eminence stated that the work of the Ordination Committee has been a great help to him. All candidates for ordination complete a standard package of forms, provide documentation, and are interviewed by selected members of the committee prior to ordination.

The meeting ended with Metropolitan Nicholas noting the good work of the Council, and reminding everyone of the upcoming in-person meeting of the Synod of Bishops, followed by the feast of the Kursk Root Icon, which is the Synod Cathedral’s patronal feast day on December 10.

The Diocesan Council scheduled its next meeting for Thursday, February 29, 2024.