ON
ASSIGNED CLERGY
A Decree of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church
Abroad.
To All Ruling Bishops.
The
Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, on January
14/27, 1953, HEARD:
A
report of His Grace, Archbishop VITALY, on the question of the rights
and duties of the supernumerary clergy assigned to various churches.
RESOLVED:
So that those clerics, occupied for one or another reason in
extra-ecclesiastical employment, might not lose a living connection
with Christ’s Church, nor extinguish within themselves their
pastoral zeal, nor lose those rewards, bestowed by the Chief Pastor
Christ on his faithful servants, and so that they might not serve as a
temptation for the faithful at large, the following resolution is
adopted as regards to supernumerary clerics.
1.
All
clergy included within the clerical directory of the dioceses of the
Russian Orthodox Church, while they may not currently occupy a staff
position in a parish, being thus only assigned to one and making a
living by private means, are required nonetheless to maintain
steadfast canonical relations with their diocesan hierarchs and the
diocesan administration.
2.
On
all Sundays and, when possible, others feasts, they are required to
worship in the church to which they are assigned, and with the
agreement of the bishop or rector, to participate in the commission of
the divine services. In accordance with Apostolic laws, on the
occasion of failure by them to maintain church attendance over the
course of three consecutive Sundays, they will be subject to canonical
penalty.
3.
They
are required to report to the ruling bishop on the nature of their
dealings and their life conditions and, in the case of a change of
address, must without delay report said change to the diocesan
administration;
4.
In
the case of an assignment given to them by the ruling bishop or rector
of the church, to which they are assigned, they are required to
fulfill these assignments steadfastly and, in the case of the
impossibility of fulfillment of said assignment, are to present an
explanatory report.
5.
They
are required to maintain connections with the Church to the utmost,
including meticulous attendance of and participation in divine
services, as well as attendance of church and parish gatherings,
subscription to parish and clerical literature, dedication of one’s
available personal contributions, visitation of monasteries during
one’s vacation time, participation in the church pilgrimage on St.
Vladimir’s Day, monastic patronal feast days, church jubilees, etc.
6.
They
are required to contribute to the enlightenment of Russian youth by
their contributions to St. Vladimitr’s youth circle, in parish
schools, and in other, similar undertakings.
7.
At
diocesan conferences and other similar situations, assigned presbyters
are accorded the right to a deliberative vote, and in the case of
active participation in church matters are eligible to receive awards
according to generally established terms. The ruling bishop retains
the right of casting the deciding vote at aforementioned conferences
and meetings.
8.
In
their annual parish reports, rectors are required to include within
their account their assigned presbyters and other clergy.
To
this end a circular decree is to be forwarded to all ruling bishops.
March 3/16, 1953. № 281.
Chairman
of the Synod of Bishops
Metropolitan ANASTASSY.
For the Secretary,
Head of Affairs for the Synod Chancery
Archpriest George GRABBE.
