NEW YORK – The Holy Eparchial Synod of the Holy Archdiocese of America convened its regular fall meeting on March 16-17 at the Synodal Chamber of the Holy Archdiocese in New York.  His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America presided with members of the Synod participating.

Prior to the commencing of the Meeting of the Synod, Members had the opportunity to participate in the meeting of the Executive Committee of the Archdiocesan Council on Tuesday March 15, 2011. During the meeting administrative and other matters were discussed.  The Executive Committee affirmed the manner of administration of the Parishes, which is based on the documents of the Holy Canons, the Charter and Regulations of the Holy Archdiocese.

During the next two days the Synod discussed the following:

1. Canonical Matters:  Reviewed and finalized a specific draft for the Regulations for Spiritual Courts which will be submitted to the Ecumenical Patriarchate for approval.
2. Liturgical Matters: Approved the text of Vespers and Orthros which was submitted by the Synodal Committee on Liturgical Matters, and will submit it to the Ecumenical Patriarchate for final approval. The Synod had also the opportunity to meet in a special session with the Chairpersons of the Committees of the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians and discussed among other subjects the following: a) the development of Church Choirs and recruitment of new members, b) the Liturgical Guide Book, c) the cooperation between the Church Choirs and the Chanters, and d) the development of Youth Choirs.
3. Pastoral Matters:  The Holy Eparchial Synod reviewed new samples of Baptism Certificates, and will proceed with printing for use by the parishes. The Synod discussed special matters for pastoral care for clergy, especially those with special needs.
4. Administrative Matters:  The Holy Eparchial Synod discussed current and urgent administrative matters related to the life and activity of the Church of the Holy Archdiocese.  It was noted by all the Members that the responsibility of shepherding the parishes in each Holy Metropolis of the Holy Archdiocese belongs to the respective Hierarch who shepherds them according to the order of the Church, her Canons, the Charter and the Regulations of the Holy Archdiocese.
5. Inter-Orthodox Matters: There was a report and extensive discussion on the upcoming Meeting of the Episcopal Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America, which will take place in Chicago this May 2011.

From the Office of the Holy Eparchial Synod