September 5, 2009
Howell, NJ: A regular meeting of the Diocesan Council was held

On Friday, September 4, after the panihida for Archbishop Nikon, a regular meeting of the Diocesan Council was held in Howell, NJ. The meeting was presided over by the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, His Eminence, Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York. Council members heard the following reports and issued the following resolutions:

1) A report from the chairman of the Auditing Committee, Protodeacon Constantine Semyanko, on the ongoing audit of financial reports from previous years. Council members expressed their satisfaction with the ongoing audit.

2) A report from Mr. George Nikolsky regarding the abandoned diocesan property in Philadelphia. The council resolved to sell the property immediately. 

3) A report from Bishop George regarding his trip with Priest John Moses to the parishes in the south of our diocese. Vladyka explained about the life and condition of the parishes and also passed along recommendations from the southern rectors to the council. Vladyka also reported on the possibility of opening new parishes in Tennessee. 

4) A report from Metropolitan Hilarion about the condition of the parishes and missions in the Caribbean Islands. 

5) A written report from Ms. Elizabeth Ledkovsky regarding the work of the Eastern American Diocesan Music Commission. Council members expressed sincere gratitude to members of the EADMC for their excellent work.

6) A report by Reader Peter Lukianov regarding the work of the Diocesan Media Office and official diocesan website. Council members expressed their satisfaction with the diocesan website and thanked the media office staff. 

7) Members of the council discussed details of the upcoming pastoral conference in Atlanta and a ukase was issued by Metropolitan Hilarion which will be sent to all diocesan clergy shortly. Detailed information and registration forms will be published on the diocesan website within the next week.

8) The council approved the creation of a commission to assist clergy with immigration questions. 

9) The council approved the creation of a commission to investigate health care and pension plans for diocesan clergy.

10) The council approved the printing of ID cards for diocesan clergy.

11) Council members were displeased to hear that some parishes have not sent in their dues by the end of August, as instructed in a letter sent to all rectors in June. Metropolitan Hilarion requested a list of all parishes who have not paid their dues, and instructed the diocesan treasurer to follow up with letters and phone calls. 

12) The Council also discussed a series of miscellaneous items concerning Diocesan life and administration.

The next council meeting has been scheduled for November 2.

 

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese