New York - The Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America convened for its regular scheduled meeting in the synodal chamber at the Archdiocese headquarters on March 17 and 18, 2014. His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America presided at the meeting, and of all the Members of the Synod participated.

During the meeting, the Synod deliberated on matters relating to the life and the work of the Church, which included the following:

1.  Liturgical Matters: The Synod discussed matters that relate to the celebration of the Sacraments of Baptism and Marriage and keeping the Sacred Tradition of the Church while taking into consideration contemporary challenges.
2. Canonical Matters: a) The Synod deliberated on disciplinary matters for clergy.  b) The list of names, approved by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, of the eligible candidates for Hierarchical ordination has been received by the Synod and will be published in the next issue of the Orthodox Observer.
3. Administrative Matters: a) The Synod dealt with administrative matters for parishes and monasteries of the Holy Archdiocese. b) The Synod discussed the upcoming Clergy Laity Congress of the Holy Archdiocese, which will take place in July of 2014 in Philadelphia, PA. The theme of the Congress is The Orthodox Christian Family: A Dwelling of Christ and a Witness of His Gospel. His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey, as the host Hierarch of the upcoming Clergy Laity Congress, briefed the Synod on the preparations for this event. c) The challenges faced by small parishes were discussed, as well as possible ways to assist them. d) The Members of the Synod were briefed by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios regarding the progress for rebuilding the church of Saint Nicholas at Ground Zero.
4. Pastoral Care Matters: The Synod had a special meeting with the Director of the Youth Department of the Holy Archdiocese, Fr. Jason Roll, and was briefed on the work that is being accomplished by the Department. The Members of the Synod had the opportunity to discuss matters related to the pastoral care of our youth. An accomplishment worth noting is the weekly electronic outreach ministry which includes: questions and answers on subjects applicable to the youth, resources for the Sunday Gospel readings, and video clips on contemporary issues and Christian messages presented in an innovative way.

His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios commented on the significant events that have taken place since the previous meeting of the Synod. Among these events was the Synaxis of the Primates of the Orthodox Churches, which took place from the 6th to the 9th of March 2014 in Constantinople and was presided by His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

The two-day meeting of the Synod concluded in the evening of March 18th 2014.