September 19, 2013
Diocesan Hierarchs Travel to Chicago for Meeting of Canonical Assembly of Bishops

From Tuesday the 17th through Thursday the 19th of September, the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North & Central America is holding its annual meeting at ROCOR’s Holy Protection Cathedral in Chicago, IL.

According to the Assembly website, "The first day of meetings of the Assembly… reflected a growing collegiality and cooperation among those present. Forty-three hierarchs representing 11 jurisdictions are in attendance. The morning began with hierarchs participating in a common celebration of the Divine Liturgy."

In his opening remarks to the gathered hierarchs, Archbishop Demetrios of the Greek Archdiocese, Chairman of the Assembly, said:

"Today… we are here together in unity and joy in full awareness of the truth that the love of Christ has brought us together and is with us. As we stand with awe, having prayed the Divine Liturgy and received the precious Body and Blood of our Lord, we are not only in God’s presence, but also, more importantly, we experience His presence as one undivided Body ‒ His Church."

Over the course of the first day, issues discussed included canonical restructuring in North America, and resulted in the creation of a new committee to oversee agencies and endorsed organizations.

To follow goings-on at the Assembly, please visit their website at www.assemblyofbishops.org.

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese