The Official Text of the Charter
of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
[OFFICIAL ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF THE GREEK ORIGINAL]
Article 1
Preamble and Canonical Jurisdiction
a.- The Holy Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of
America (“Archdiocese”), with its headquarters located in
the City of New York, New York, United States of America, is an Eparchy
of the most Holy, Apostolic and Patriarchal Ecumenical Throne of Constantinople
(“Ecumenical Patriarchate”), which is the first-ranking
see of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church whose head is Christ.
b.- The Archdiocese, being Hierarchical, as an Eparchy
of the Ecumenical Throne, is governed by the Holy Scriptures, Sacred
Tradition, the Holy Canons, this Charter, the Regulations promulgated
pursuant hereto (“Regulations”), and as to canonical and
ecclesiastical matters not provided for herein, by the decisions of
the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate (“Holy
Synod”).
c.- The Archdiocese receives within its ranks and
under its spiritual aegis and pastoral care Orthodox Christians, who
either as individuals or as organized groups in Dioceses and Parishes
have voluntarily come to it and which acknowledge the supreme spiritual,
ecclesiastical and canonical jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
In the case of the coming to the Archdiocese of organized groups, either
Orthodox or heterodox, the opinion and approval of the Ecumenical Patriarchate
is required, as it exercises its ecclesiastical jurisdiction over the
Orthodox in the Diaspora.
d.- The Archdiocese serves and pastors to the Orthodox
Christians who live in the United States of America.
Article 2
Mission of the Holy Archdiocese
a.- The mission of the Archdiocese is to proclaim
the Gospel of Christ, to teach and spread the Orthodox Christian faith,
to energize, cultivate and guide the life of the Church in the United
States of America according to the Orthodox Christian faith and Sacred
Tradition.
b.- The Archdiocese sanctifies the faithful through
the Divine Worship, especially the Holy Eucharist and other Sacraments,
building the spiritual and ethical life of the faithful in accordance
with the Holy Scriptures, Sacred Tradition, the doctrines and canons
of the Ecumenical and local Synods, the canons of the Holy Apostles
and Fathers of the Church and of all other Synods recognized by the
Orthodox Church, as interpreted by the Great Church of Christ in Constantinople.
c.- The Archdiocese serves as a beacon, carrier and
witness of the message of Christ to all persons who live in the United
States of America, through Divine Worship, preaching, teaching and living
the Orthodox Christian faith. As to its intra-Orthodox, intra-Christian
and inter-religious activities, the Archdiocese follows the positions
and guidelines established by the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Article 3
Organization of the Holy Archdiocese
a.- The Archdiocese, being the Eparchy of the Ecumenical
Throne in the United States of America, is one indivisible entity in
its entirety. It is comprised of the New York based Direct Archdiocesan
District (“Archdiocesan District”), and Metropolises, the
number, seat, and boundaries of which are designated by the Sacred Eparchial
Synod of the Archdiocese (“Eparchial Synod”), in consultation
with the Archdiocesan Council (“Archdiocesan Council”),
and are submitted for evaluation and decision to the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
b.- The Archdiocese of America has its seat in New
York City and is incorporated in the State of New York. It is presently
comprised of the Direct Archdiocesan District and eight (8) Metropolises.
These Metropolises, which also are incorporated, are (according to the
order of the English alphabet) the following: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago,
Denver, Detroit, New Jersey, Pittsburgh and San Francisco.
c.- The Direct Archdiocesan District and each Metropolis,
being incorporated and recognized by civil law, are administered by
their respective hierarch according to the Holy Canons, the Ecclesiastical
Regulations, and the provisions of this Charter .
Article 4
Governance of the Holy Archdiocese
a.- Comprised of the Archbishop as President and
the Metropolitans as its members, the Eparchial Synod constitutes the
ecclesiastical instrument of governance of the Archdiocese.
b.- Presided over and represented by its President,
the Archbishop, the Eparchial Synod has the ecclesiastical and canonical
responsibility for the Archdiocese to the Ecumenical Patriarchate which
is its superior ecclesiastical authority.
Article 5
The Holy Eparchial Synod of the Holy Archdiocese
a.- The Archbishop as President and the Metropolitans
as members constitute the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Holy Archdiocese
of America (“Eparchial Synod”). The Archbishop convenes
and presides over meetings of the Eparchial Synod which shall meet in
regular session, according to the Holy Canons of the Orthodox Church,
twice annually, in the spring and in the autumn. The Eparchial Synod
may also meet in special session if a special need arises, or if the
Ecumenical Patriarchate requests it, in which case the meeting is obligatory.
The Eparchial Synod may also be especially called at the request of
the Archbishop or of a majority of its members, with the agenda topics
specified.
b.- The Eparchial Synod has all of the authority
and responsibility that the Holy Canons and this Charter ascribe to
the “Eparchial Synod”. All legal issues which affect the
Archdiocese as a whole and its Metropolises are within the exclusive
jurisdiction of the Eparchial Synod. Through its president, the Eparchial
Synod shall inform the Ecumenical Patriarchate about the issues discussed
and the decisions made at its meetings.
c.- Regulations hereafter promulgated by the Eparchial
Synod and approved by the Ecumenical Patriarchate shall govern its manner
of operation.
Article 6
Responsibilities and Rights of the Archbishop
The Archbishop of America presides over the
Holy Eparchial Synod and is the Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate
in the United States of America. In his capacity as Archbishop, as President
of the Eparchial Synod and as Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate,
among other rights and responsibilities, the Archbishop:
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Exercises and performs all of the rights
and duties designated for his office by the Holy Canons.
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Is responsible, together with the Eparchial
Synod over which he presides, to the Ecumenical Patriarchate concerning
the canonical and orderly functioning, life, governance and activities
of the one and indivisible Archdiocese.
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Reports
to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, to which he forwards an annual report
on the status of the entire Archdiocese.
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Is directly responsible for pastoring and
governing his own Archdiocesan District.
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Oversees and coordinates, together with
the Eparchial Synod and the Archdiocesan Council, the work which is
planned and carried out in each Metropolis, through which the unity
of the indivisible Archdiocese is secured and enhanced.
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Ordains and installs the Metropolitans
in their eparchies.
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Supports his fellow Hierarchs in a brotherly
manner as they implement the unified programs of the Archdiocese.
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Presides over the Eparchial Synod, the
Archdiocesan Clergy-Laity Congresses, the meetings of the Archdiocesan
Council and the boards of trustees of the major institutions and organizations
of the Archdiocese.
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Represents the Archdiocese and the Ecumenical
Patriarchate in their dealings with all ecclesiastical and civil authorities
in the United States of America.
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Presides
as Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate over Pan-Orthodox councils,
meetings and assemblies and promotes and fosters harmony and cooperation
among all Orthodox Christians in the United States of America.
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Is responsible for intra-Christian and
inter-religious activities in the United States of America.
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Cultivates and strengthens even more the
existing bond of unity between the Archdiocese and the Ecumenical
Patriarchate.
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Carries out and implements the provisions
of this Charter.
Article 7
Responsibilities and Rights of the Metropolitans
a. Each Metropolitan within his ecclesiastical
district and the Archbishop in his Direct Archdiocesan District have
the rights and responsibilities of a Bishop in accordance with the Holy
Canons and the long established life, praxis and order of the Church
as well as the provisions of this Charter, including the exclusive right
to occupy the throne behind the altar (Synthronon).
b. Among the rights and responsibilities
of each Metropolitan are the following:
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To be a member of the Eparchial Synod and
participate in its work, forwarding to the Archbishop an annual report
regarding the progress of the work of his Metropolis.
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To ordain deacons and priests for his Metropolis,
following his submission of their candidacy to the Eparchial Synod
and the Eparchial Synod’s approval.
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To consecrate and sanctify for worship
churches and chapels.
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To administer his Metropolis in a considered,
orderly, harmonious and fiscally responsible manner for the common
good.
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To convene and preside over the Spiritual
Court of First Instance in his Metropolis.
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To issue permits for the celebration of
the sacrament of marriage and decrees of ecclesiastical divorce in
the event of the dissolution of marriage.
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To distribute to the parish priests the
Myron (Holy Chrismation Oil) which is received from the Holy and Great
Church of Christ through the Archbishop, and
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To have his pheme (Bishop’s anthem)
canonically chanted during the Divine Liturgy. His pheme, however,
shall not include hypertimia (supreme honor) and exarchia (exarchy).
c. During the periods between meetings
of the Eparchial Synod, the Archbishop having received to this end
its authorization of the Eparchial Synod, issues the ordination permit
as well as the permit to the Metropolitans of the indivisible Archdiocese
of America for their canonical (annual) or extraordinary absence outside
the United States.
Article 8
Order of Commemoration
During Divine Worship, the Sacraments and the Sacred
Services, Priests and Deacons commemorate their canonical Hierarch.
The Archbishop and the Metropolitans commemorate the name of the Ecumenical
Patriarch at the liturgical exclamation of the “en protois mnestheti…”
(first of all remember Lord…). The Auxiliary Bishops commemorate
the name of their respective Hierarch. At the Great Entrance of the
Divine Liturgy, after the commemoration of their Archbishop and Patriarch,
the Metropolitans also commemorate their Archbishop in America.
Article 9
Spiritual Courts
a. A Spiritual Court of First Instance functions
within the Archdiocesan District and within each Metropolis. Each Spiritual
Court is comprised of four senior clergy selected by the Hierarch, who
presides over it, and hears cases involving family problems, divorce,
and moral and disciplinary offenses of clergy and lay persons. The Court
decrees the measures of correction and healing as provided by the Holy
Canons and Tradition of the Orthodox Church.
b. The Spiritual Court of Second Instance (Appeals)
is comprised of the Archbishop, who presides over it, the members of the
Eparchial Synod and the Chancellor of the Archdiocese as secretary. In
the absence of the Archbishop for good cause, the first ranking among
the Metropolitans shall preside. It is convened when the Eparchial Synod
meets, and hears at the Second Instance all appeals of decisions from
the Spiritual Courts of First Instance. The Hierarch who was the judge
of the First Instance Court shall not participate in the decision of the
Spiritual Court of the Second Instance (Appeals).
c. Appeals from the rulings of the Spiritual Court
of the Second Instance (Appeals) involving Clergy and Laity may be submitted
to the Ecumenical Patriarchate for review. The decisions of the Ecumenical
Patriarchate regarding these appeals are final and irrevocable.
d. According to ecclesiastical authorization granted
to it, the Eparchial Synod convenes as a Spiritual Court of First Instance
for cases involving Metropolitans and Bishops.
e. Acting as a Second Instance Court and a Court
of Appeals, the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate hears and judges
irrevocably those cases.
f. The Eparchial Synod submits any charges which
require defrocking of clergy to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The proposed
defrocking can only be determined by the Holy and Sacred Synod of the
Ecumenical Patriarchate.
g. The operating procedures of the Spiritual Courts
will be based upon Regulations hereafter promulgated by the Eparchial
Synod and approved by the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Article 10
Archdiocesan Clergy-Laity Congress
a. Archdiocesan Clergy-Laity Congresses (“Congress”)
are convened at least triennially and presided over by the Archbishop.
Except for dogmatic or canonical matters, they are concerned with all
other matters which affect the life, mission, growth and unity of the
Archdiocese of America, and especially the uniform administration of the
Archdiocesan District, the Metropolises and Parishes, the educational
programs, financial programs and philanthropic concerns of the Archdiocese,
and the more active participation of the Archdiocese in the life of the
United States of America. The Congress makes such decisions as it deems
appropriate.
b. The Congress is presided over by the Archbishop
and is comprised of the members of the Eparchial Synod, the Auxiliary
Bishops, the members of the Archdiocesan Council, and clergy and lay representatives
of the Parishes of the Archdiocese.
c . The decisions of the Congress are submitted by
the Eparchial Synod, through its President, the Archbishop, to the Ecumenical
Patriarchate for approval. In the event that no response is received from
the Ecumenical Patriarchate within ninety (90) days following the receipt
of the decisions by it, the decisions shall be deemed approved. Following
their approval, the decisions must be faithfully and firmly adhered to
by all Parishes, whether or not they were represented at the Congress,
and regardless of whether they voted with the minority.
d. Regulations hereafter promulgated shall set forth
the composition, functioning, and frequency of convening of the Congress.
Article 11
Local Clergy-Laity Assemblies
a. The Archdiocesan District and each Metropolis
shall have a Clergy-Laity Assembly (“Assembly”) convened and
presided over by its local Hierarch. The Assembly is comprised of the
priests and lay representatives of the Parishes within its jurisdiction
and the members of the Local Council.
b. Except for dogmatic or canonical issues, the local
Assemblies are concerned with matters affecting the life and growth of
the Archdiocesan District or the Metropolises, as may be applicable, and
the unity thereof. They deal with local matters including the uniform
governance of the Parishes, educational programs, financial programs and
philanthropic concerns, as well as with the better organization and effectiveness
of the Parishes.
c. Each Assembly may propose to the Archdiocese items
for inclusion in the agenda of the upcoming Congress.
d. Regulations hereafter promulgated shall
set forth the composition, functioning, and frequency of convening of
the Assembly.
Article 12
Locum Tenentes
a.- In the event of a vacancy in the office of the
Archbishop, the member of the Eparchial Synod first in order of seniority
of episcopal ordination, or--if he is impaired--the next in rank, becomes
the locum tenens by designation of the Ecumenical Patriarch, until the
election of the new Archbishop.
b.- In the event a Metropolitan See becomes vacant,
the Archbishop, in consultation with the Eparchial Synod, designates the
Metropolitan of an adjacent See as the locum tenens who serves until a
successor is elected.
Article 13
Election of the Archbishop
a. The election of the Archbishop is the exclusive
privilege and the canonical right of the Holy Synod. The Eparchial Synod,
as well as the Archdiocesan Council, have an advisory opinion regarding
the person of the Archbishop to be elected. This opinion will be submitted
in writing to the Holy Synod in a timely fashion or it may be submitted
by a special delegation so that it may be duly evaluated on the basis
of meritocratic criteria.
b. A candidate for the office of Archbishop
must be a person of deep faith and ethos, a Greek Orthodox Christian,
a graduate of an academically accredited Orthodox school of theology of
the highest level and have all the qualifications as provided by the Holy
Canons for Hierarchical office. Also, the candidate shall have a fluent
knowledge of spoken and written English and Greek, have proven ability
in administration and pastoral work, and be totally committed to the preservation
of unity within the Archdiocese as well as to its bond of unity with the
Ecumenical Patriarchate. In addition, he shall not be less than forty
(40) years of age and have had a period of successful service in the Archdiocese
of no less than five (5) years, or to have proven, direct, substantive
and broad knowledge of the life and status of the Church in America.
c. Those fulfilling the above conditions are
candidates regardless of the place of residence or service during the
time of the election.
Article 14
Election of a Metropolitan
a.- In every regular meeting and in consultation
with the Archdiocesan Council, the Eparchial Synod reviews and modifies,
through additions and deletions, the list of those eligible for the office
of Metropolitan. The Auxiliary Bishops are automatically included in this
list by virtue of their office. The Eparchial Synod submits the list so
completed to the Ecumenical Patriarchate for its approval. The list becomes
definitive after its ratification by the Ecumenical Patriarchate and is
then officially published by the Archdiocese.
b.- Immediately following a vacancy in the
See of a Metropolis, but no later than forty (40) days thereafter, the
Archbishop convenes the Eparchial Synod in a timely fashion, for the purpose
of nominating, after soliciting the opinion of the members of the Archdiocesan
Council, three persons, out of whom one shall be elected to fill the vacancy
of the Metropolis. The nominees are taken from the above mentioned list
of those eligible, pursuant to the procedure provided for by the Regulations
of the Eparchial Synod.
c.- The list of three nominees thus established
is submitted to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. According to the existing
practice, the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate elects
one of the three as the new Metropolitan.
d. A nominee for the office of Metropolitan
shall be a person of deep faith and ethos, a Greek Orthodox Christian,
a graduate of an academically recognized and accredited Orthodox school
of theology of the highest level, have a fluent knowledge of spoken and
written English and Greek, and have a proven ability in administration
and pastoral work. In addition, the nominee must have all the pertinent
qualifications defined by the Holy Canons, shall not be less than thirty-five
(35) years of age, and shall have had a period of sufficient service in
the Archdiocese.
e. Those fulfilling the above conditions are
candidates and are included in the list of eligible candidates regardless
of the place of residence during the time of the election.
Article 15
Elections of Auxiliary Bishops
a. For the election of Auxiliary
Bishops the same procedure shall be followed as for the election of
Metropolitans (see Article 14).
b. Regulations regarding the Auxiliary Bishops shall be promulgated
by the Eparchial Synod and put into effect after its approval by the
Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Article 16
Assignment and Transfer of Clergy
a. The assignment and transfer of Clergy within the
Archdiocesan District and each Metropolis is the exclusive right and
privilege of the respective Hierarch.
b. The initial placement of a clergyman is made by
the Archbishop in consultation with the Metropolitan in whose Metropolis
the clergyman will be placed. The assignment will be made by the Archbishop
or the Metropolitan in whose Archdiocesan District or Metropolis the
clergyman will serve.
c. The transfer of clergy between Metropolises (or
between the Archdiocesan District and a Metropolis) is the right of
the Hierarchs involved who will effectuate all transfers according to
the ecclesiastical regulations in force. All transfers and assignments
shall be communicated to the Archdiocese for its information and use.
Article 17
Archdiocesan Council
a. The membership of the Archdiocesan Council is
comprised of the Archbishop as President, the Metropolitans and Auxiliary
Bishops, and representatives of the clergy and laity from the Parishes
of the Archdiocesan District and of each Metropolis.
b. The Archdiocesan Council is convened by the Archbishop
and meets in regular session at least twice a year and in special session
as often as is considered necessary.
c. Except for dogmatic and canonical matters, which
are within the competence of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Archdiocesan
Council is concerned with matters and issues that affect the life, growth
and unity of the Holy Archdiocese of America, and makes such decisions
thereon as it deems necessary. The Archdiocesan Council functions as
the advisory and consultative body to the Archbishop and to the Eparchial
Synod.
d. The Archdiocesan Council is concerned with the
Archdiocesan ministries, institutions, and financial affairs of the
Holy Archdiocese of America. Together with the Eparchial Synod, the
Archdiocesan Council is concerned with the interpretation and implementation
of the decisions of the Congress, as well as the Regulations adopted
pursuant to this Charter on matters within its jurisdiction. The Archdiocesan
Council has such duties and responsibilities as set forth herein, as
well as those provided for under any Regulations pertaining to it in
matters within its jurisdiction.
e. In the event that action becomes necessary between
Congresses, the Archdiocesan Council shall exercise the authority of
the Congress when so convened by the Archbishop and advised as to the
purpose and necessity therefore.
f. Specific Regulations shall set forth the composition,
functioning, jurisdiction, and convening of the Archdiocesan Council.
Article 18
Local Councils
a. The Local Council of the Direct Archdiocesan District
and of each Metropolis (“Local Council”) is the consultative
and advisory body to its respective Hierarch. Except for dogmatic and
canonical matters, it is concerned with matters and problems that affect
the unity, life and growth of the corresponding ecclesiastical area,
and is comprised of the respective Hierarch as chairman, and clergy
and laity of his area as members.
b. The Local Council shall meet in regular session
at least semi-annually and in special session as often as the local
Hierarch deems necessary.
c. The Local Council is concerned with the ministries,
institutions, programs, and financial affairs of the corresponding ecclesiastical
area. It has the duties, responsibilities and competence designated
to it and provided for under the Regulations pertaining to it.
d. Specific Regulations shall set forth the composition,
functioning, jurisdiction, and convening of the Local Council.
Article 19
Education
a. The Archdiocese establishes and oversees educational
institutions, both religious and cultural, which offer Catechetical
training and Greek paideia, as may be necessary, such as the present
Holy Cross School of Theology and Hellenic College.
b. The Archdiocese also establishes educational programs
which may be necessary to serve its cultural, catechetical, educational
and other needs.
c. The Archdiocese publishes such religious and educational
materials as may be appropriate to the fulfillment of its mission.
d. Regulations hereafter promulgated shall provide
for the establishment and functioning of all necessary educational institutions,
as well as for the formation of related programs.
Article 20
Ministries and Institutions
a. All major existing or future institutions of the
Archdiocese shall be the property and responsibility of the Archdiocese
(see Article 17, d), while those of a local nature shall be the respective
property and responsibility of each local ecclesiastical administration
(see Article 18, c).
b. The establishment of new institutions, including,
but not limited to, educational, recreational, charitable, retirement
homes and the like, as well as the dissolution of such institutions,
requires prior approval of the Eparchial Synod and the consent of the
Archdiocesan Council or the Local Council, as may be applicable.
c. The manner of operation of such institutions shall
be pursuant to Regulations hereafter promulgated.
Article 21
Holy Monasteries
a. Monasteries and organized communities of monastics
function according to the long established, canonical tradition and
practice of the Church. As such, they are ecclesiastical institutions,
functioning under the direct canonical jurisdiction and supervision
of the Hierarch in whose ecclesiastical jurisdiction they are located.
b. Monasteries are founded by the local Hierarch,
following approval of the Eparchial Synod. Canonically, their administration
and financial affairs are the responsibility of the local Hierarch,
whose name is to be commemorated during Divine Worship.
c. The Monasteries that operate in the United States
of America continue the long established monastic life and witness.
They function according to the prevailing Monastic Law and the letter
and the spirit of the Regulations that define their operation.
d. Regulations for the establishment, organization
and operation of Monasteries shall be promulgated by the Eparchial Synod
and approved by the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Article 22
Regulations
a. All Regulations pertaining to the implementation
of this Charter shall be in conformity with the Holy Canons, Sacred
Tradition and long existing life and practice of the Holy Orthodox Church,
as developed in the framework of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and in
conformity with the letter and the spirit of this Charter.
b. Regulations for the implementation of this
Charter shall be proposed, approved, and ratified as follows:
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Regulations pertaining to the operations
of the Eparchial Synod, the Spiritual Courts and the Monasteries shall
be promulgated by the Eparchial Synod and approved by the Ecumenical
Patriarchate.
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Regulations pertaining to the composition
of the Archdiocesan Council and the Local Councils shall be promulgated
by the Congress. Regulations pertaining to the functioning of these
bodies shall be promulgated by the Archdiocesan Council.
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All other Regulations, including those
pertaining to the composition, the frequency of meetings and manner
of functioning of the Congress, Assemblies, and Parishes of the entire
Holy Archdiocese, shall be proposed by the Archdiocesan Council and
promulgated by the Congress.
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All regulations mentioned in the above
paragraphs 2 and 3 and, in general, all Regulations pursuant to the
present Charter shall be submitted by the Eparchial Synod, through
its President, to the Ecumenical Patriarchate for final review and
approval. In the event that no response is received from the Ecumenical
Patriarchate within ninety (90) days following the receipt of the
Regulations by it, they shall be deemed approved.
c. Until the adoption and approval of Regulations
under this Charter, all existing regulations shall continue in full
force and effect. However, in the event of a conflict between this Charter
and any such regulations, the provisions of this Charter shall prevail.
d. The present Charter and all Regulations
adopted and approved pursuant to this Charter shall be published by
the Archdiocese.
e. The Archdiocesan Council shall interpret
all Regulations except those approved and ratified pursuant to the provisions
of Articles 5, 9, and 21 hereof.
Article 23
Language and Authentic Text
The languages of this Charter and any Regulations
hereunder promulgated shall be English and Greek. The English text,
as approved by the Patriarchate, shall be deemed the legal and governing
text. In the event of need, this Charter shall be authoritatively interpreted
by the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Article 24
Implementation
This present Charter is granted to the Archdiocese
of America by the Ecumenical Patriarchate and is effective immediately.
Article 25
Amendment
The present Charter regulating the affairs of the
Holy Archdiocese of America as an ecclesiastical institution, may be
amended in its entirety or in part after a proposal of the Holy Eparchial
Synod submitted to the Ecumenical Patriarchate following the appropriate
procedure in the Archdiocesan Council and the Archdiocesan Clergy-Laity
Congress, and after the approval of the Holy and Sacred Synod of the
Ecumenical Patriarchate to which the proposal has been submitted.
In the year of our Lord 2003, on the 18th day of the month of January,
The Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch
Bartholomew declares
Chrysostom of Ephesus
Photios of Heracleia
Constantine of Derkon
Germanos of Theodoropolis
Theoklitos of Metra and Athyra
Cyril of Imvros and Tenedos
Iakovos of Pringhiponnison
Demetrios of Sebasteia
Irinaos of Myriophyton and Peristasis
Chrysostom of Myra
Apostolos of Moschonissia
Theoklitos of Iconium
This is a true copy given at the Patriarchate on the 18th day of January
2003
by the Chief Secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod,
[seal of the Chief Secretariat] [signed] Meliton of Philadelphia.
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