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.
