New York, May 1, 2009

The Holy Eparchial Synod of the Holy Archdiocese of America convened for its regular Spring Session in the Synodal Room of the Holy Archdiocese in New York on April 29 and 30 under the presidency of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America.

The Holy Eparchial Synod deliberated on a series of issues pertaining to the life of the Church. Among them, the following were discussed:

1. Liturgical Issues – The Holy Eparchial Synod worked for the preparation of a Service Text for the induction of the heterodox into the Orthodox Church through the administration of the Sacrament of Chrismation.
A new special pocket edition of the New Testament for the benefit of Orthodox military personnel was presented. It was published by the American Bible Society in cooperation with the Holy Archdiocese of America. Parishes of the Holy Archdiocese will be called by their local Metropolitan to honor their members serving in the military and offer them this special edition of the New Testament. 
2. Canonical Issues – The Holy Eparchial Synod a) discussed cases of canonical issues pertaining to inter-Orthodox relations in the USA, b) made decisions with regard to pending issues of disciplinary nature, c) approved the draft of the Regulations for the operation the Holy Eparchial Synod, which will be forwarded to the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for final approval, and d) worked on a text of the regulations for the operation of Spiritual Courts.     
3. Educational Issues
a) Holy Cross School of Theology / Hellenic College – A lengthy discussion took place regarding the Holy Cross School of Theology and Hellenic College, and more specifically the financial ramifications of the world financial crisis. Furthermore, gratitude was expressed to the members of “Leadership 100”, for it was their personal donations that covered the necessary amount for the continuation of the scholarship program offered to students of the Holy Cross School of Theology. It was also emphasized that the clergy of the Holy Archdiocese should increase their efforts to cultivate young people for the Priesthood, especially among altar boys.
b) Specialized Educational Program for Deacons – There was discussion on the practical aspects of this program that is already underway at the Holy Cross School of Theology and operates under the supervision of the Holy Eparchial Synod. A supplementary educational program at the Metropolis level was suggested. 
After the conclusion of the session of the Holy Eparchial Synod, the hierarchs participated in the meeting of the Executive Committee of the Archdiocesan Council.           

From the Office of the Holy Eparchial Synod