Howell, NJ: Bishop George presided over the summer session of the Diocesan Council

July 3, 2012
Howell, NJ: Bishop George presided over the summer session of the Diocesan Council

On Wednesday, June 6, with the blessing of the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, His Eminence Hilarion, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, a regular session of the Diocesan Council was held in Howell, NJ. Since His Eminence is still visiting the faithful of the Australian Diocese, the meeting was chaired by His Grace, Vicar Bishop George of Mayfield. Metropolitan Hilarion gave instructions for the meeting’s agenda and invoked the Lord’s blessing on the Council members.

Participating in the meeting were:

His Grace, Bishop George of Mayfield
Archpriest Victor Potapov
Archpriest Serge Lukianov – Diocesan Secretary
Archpriest John Moses
Deacon George Temidis
Subdeacon George Schatiloff
Subdeacon Michael Wengrin – Diocesan Treasurer
Mr. George Nikolsky
Mr. Serge Lopoukhine

The meeting began with the singing of the prayer "O Heavenly King," followed by the reading of the agenda and minutes of the previous meeting (December 14, 2011). Bishop George greeted the Council members and updated them on the Metropolitan’s travel plans and his scheduled return to the Eastern American Diocese at the end of July. His Eminence has fully recovered from his knee surgery and recently concluded a historic visit to Russia in connection with the celebration of the 5th anniversary of the Reunification.

1. Diocesan Property

Serge Lopoukhine updated the Council members on the condition of a diocesan rental property in Florida (the small home was purchased by Met. Vitaly in the 1990’s and has since been used as a rental property to raise revenue for the Diocese). Property values have dropped significantly in Florida, and Council members voted to continue renting the home until it becomes feasible to sell.

2. Auditing Report

Acting treasurer Subdeacon Michael Wengrin presented a report by the diocesan auditing committee, on behalf of chairman Joseph Kollar. The Council thanked the auditing committee for their excellent work. Click here for a copy of the diocesan auditing committee report.

3. Financial Report

A detailed financial report was also presented by Subdeacon Michael, who reported that a record amount of parishes are now compliant with the 10% diocesan assessment policy (the assessment was changed from 9% to 10% at the last session of the ROCOR Sobor of Bshops). The Council was pleased with the report and discussed the need to move forward with several audits of noncompliant parishes. The 10% dues which are collected from the parishes, are divided between the diocese and the Synod of Bishops. The regular quarterly payments that are made to the Synod, are vitally important to ensure that our First Hierarch and the Synod of Bishops receive the financial support that they need to continue their work on behalf of the entire Church Abroad. A full 3-year financial report, together with a new annual budget, will be presented at the Diocesan General Meeting on October 10th. Council members thanked Subdeacon Michael and his assistant, Reader Gregory Levitsky, for the detailed report and excellent work.

4. Media Office Report

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a discussion about many recent developments in the Diocesan Media Office. With Bishop George’s blessing, Media Office Director Reader Peter Lukianov was invited to participate in the meeting in order to report on the work of the Media Office. The following areas were covered in the Media Office report:

A. The Pastoral Resources Program (PRP) is working well, thanks to a $44,000 grant from the Fund for Assistance to ROCOR (FFA). Several video lectures have already been published, and many more are being prepared for publication. The Media Office is currently working on video lectures and interviews with: Protodeacon Andrei Kuraev (professor of the Moscow Theological Academy), Met. Kallistos (Ware), Priest Vadim Arefiev, Protopresbyter Valery Lukianov and Archdeacon Eugene Burbelo. Several lectures are being planned for the summer months in different parts of the Diocese, which will all be filmed as part of the PRP.

B. The production of video news reports and documentaries began with the launching of the redesigned diocesan website. Staff members have been producing short video news reports for major events in the diocese and preliminary work has been done with full-length documentaries. Staff members worked with the diocesan Holy Myrrhbearers Women’s Choir to produce a documentary about the choir’s history, life, and future. The film was produced in time for the celebration of the choir’s 15th anniversary. The second documentary was about the Memorial Day pilgrimage to St. Tikhon’s Monastery and the procession from Mayfield to the monastery. The film was called "Strength in Unity," and it broke all previous records for the greatest amount of views (the film has been seen by approximately 3,000 people). Several dioceses from different Orthodox jurisdictions have asked to subcontract the Media Office to produce similar news reports and documentaries for various events. Council members supported the idea but stressed the importance of making EAD events a priority in the travel schedule.

C. The Media Office has been collaborating with the FFA on a joint project to produce fundraising videos. Staff members are working together to film various interviews and mini-documentaries that will help raise support for the important work of the FFA.

D. A working relationship has been established between the Media Office and the Russian Orthodox Television network "Soyuz." Video news stories from life in the Diocese are being aired across Russia and on Soyuz’s website. The Media Office is producing several full-length documentaries for the Soyuz network, which will highlight various unique aspects of life in the parishes of the Russian Diaspora. Documentaries will focus on the impact that the reunification of the Russian Church has had on Orthodox America, English-speaking parishes and monasteries in the Russian Church, and much more. News videos can be found at www.eadiocese.org or www.tv-soyuz.ru.

E. A new photo archiving project has begun in the Media Office. Staff members have been scanning historical photos that have been collected from different clergy and lay people, with the intention of building up a digital archive for the Diocese. Once the photos are scanned and labeled, copies will be uploaded to the internet for public use. Those who wish to mail in photos for archiving may do so by contacting Michael Kazmierczak at michailkazmierczak@gmail.com. Original materials will be returned in good order once the scanning process is complete.

F. The biggest challenge facing the Media Office today is lack of funding to expand. The video program is constantly expanding because of the large demand for video journalism in the Orthodox world. To keep up with the growing demand, the Media Office must expand by bringing in new staff, purchasing additional equipment, and establishing a travel budget. Taking into consideration the limitations of diocesan funds, a proposal was made to fund the production of a new fundraising film for the Diocese and to obtain several key pieces of equipment for more professional filming. The purpose of the film would be to raise funds for and awareness of the Diocese, so that programs could be expanded based on the response and support of the faithful.

Council members enthusiastically heard the report and unanimously approved the proposal to produce a fundraising film for the Diocese. A discussion was held about the importance of using media not only to connect with the parishes and the faithful of the Diocese, but also with our brothers and sisters in Russia. Understanding the tremendous potential for growth in the area of Orthodox video journalism, Council members expressed their support for the continued expansion of the diocesan video program. Council members thanked Reader Peter and the rest of the Media Office staff; Rdr. Gregory Levitsky, Rdr. Innocencio Correa, Alena Plavsic, and Michael Kazmierczak.

5. 30th Anniversary of the Montreal Iveron Icon

Council members heard a report from Archpriest Victor Potapov about the significance of 2012 in the history of the Montreal and Hawaiian myrrh-streaming Iveron icons of the Mother of God. 2012 marks the 30th anniversary of the Montreal Iveron icon, the 15th anniversary of the martyrdom of Brother José Muñoz-Cortes, and the 5th anniversary of the myrrh-streaming Hawaiian icon. Fr. Victor proposed that these anniversaries be marked on a diocesan-wide level, culminating with a pilgrimage to the grave of Br. José at Holy Trinity Monastery on October 27-28. Metropolitan Hilarion will preside over the memorial services at the monastery, in the presence of the Hawaiian myrrh-streaming icon. Fr. Victor also proposed that a documentary be produced in honor of these anniversaries by the diocesan Media Office. Council members unanimously approved the proposal and assigned Fr. Victor to organize and oversee the pilgrimage to Jordanville and production of the documentary.

6. Pastoral Assistance to Missions in the Caribbean

Archpriest John Moses spoke of the continued needs of our Spanish-speaking missions in the Caribbean. Priest Gabriel Weller (cleric of All Saints of North America Church in Middlebrook, VA) recently visited San Juan Climacos Mission in Puerto Rico and reported on the condition of the parish community. The parish is in need of liturgical vessels, icons, and Spanish books. Fr. John is organizing a trip to Puerto Rico with the intention of bringing his matushka to teach the eight tones to the parish choir. Priest Eugene Antonov (cleric of St. Mary of Egypt Church in Atlanta, GA) completed two pastoral visits to Our Lady of Vladimir Mission in Costa-Rica, where he administered to the spiritual needs of the parish, which does not currently have a permanent priest. Archpriest Daniel McKenzie has been overseeing all the mission parishes in the Caribbean, and regularly carries out pastoral visits with Deacon Demetrio Romeo (cleric of St. Vladimir Church in Miami, FL) to Costa Rica and Haiti. Council members commended the efforts of the above-mentioned clergy and encourage others who are able to make similar pastoral visits to the Caribbean to please contact Fr. Daniel for arrangements.

7. Joint Pastoral Conference with Patriarchal Clergy

Diocesan secretary Archpriest Serge Lukianov reported on the preparation process for the upcoming official diocesan celebrations of the 5th anniversary of Reunification. With the blessing of His Holiness Kyrill, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, and the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, His Eminence, Metropolitan Hilarion, a joint pastoral conference of the Eastern American Diocese and the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA will be held on October 11-13. The working portion of the conference will be held in the parish center of Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY. The All-Night Vigil on Friday, October 12, will be held at Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY, while the Divine Liturgy on October 13 will be held at Three Saints Patriarchal Church in Garfield, NJ. Moscow’s Sretensky Male Choir will sing the Divine Liturgy.

The main purpose of the conference is to unite our clergy around the Holy Altar to offer thanksgiving to the Lord for His great mercy, which He has abundantly poured out upon the Holy Russian Orthodox Church. The myrrh-streaming Hawaiian Iveron Icon of the Mother of God will also be present for the conference, as we celebrate the fifth anniversary of the icon’s having begun streaming myrrh. The secondary purpose of the conference is to fulfill the instruction given to us by His Holiness, Patriarch Kyrill, calling upon the clergy and faithful of the Church Abroad and the Patriarchal parishes to analyze the achievements of the past five years. We will discuss all that has transpired, and that which can be done differently in the future to improve upon our reestablished unity.

The first day of the conference will focus on analyzing the role of the Russian Church in shaping the future of Orthodox America. Panel discussions will cover topics such as the current state of Russian parishes the Diaspora, relationships with other canonical jurisdictions in America, joint ventures with the OCA, MP, and ROCOR, and expanding missionary efforts in America. The main speaker will be the Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, His Eminence Justinian, Archbishop of Naro-Fominsk. Panel discussions will include the participation of clergy and hierarchs from various canonical Orthodox jurisdictions.

On the second day of the conference, participants will discuss different pastoral issues pertaining to the growth of parish life, as a way to strengthen the Diocese and the Church. Lecture and panel discussions with focus on topics such as overcoming division and promoting growth in the parish, bringing the faithful back to the Vigil, the missionary parish, and practical pastoral resources. The main speaker will be Archpriest Artemy Vladimirov, rector of All Saints Church in Moscow.

The conference will give pastors an opportunity to interact and socialize with fellow clergy from all corners of the Diocese as we celebrate this monumental fifth anniversary. A dinner cruise around Manhattan is being hosted by the Russian Ambassador to the USA in honor of the anniversary and the conference. The final banquet will be held after the Divine Liturgy on October 13 at The Excelsior banquet hall in Garfield, NJ.

The conference will be limited to 200 participants (150 from EAD and 50 from the MP). The cost per participant is $650, which includes three nights lodging, all meals, transportation during the conference and conference materials. A proposal was made in March to the Fund for Assistance, asking for financial aid to help clergy and parishes afford the expenses associated with the conference. The FFA generously approved a grant to be distributed among the first 100 ROCOR clergy to register for the conference. The total registration will be $350 for the first 100 clergy and matushkas of the Eastern American Diocese who register online. The cost for Patriarchal clergy has been reduced to $350 thanks to the financial aid that was received from the MP administration. Registration costs include 3 nights in a hotel, meals, transportation during the conference and conference materials. Registration will open in the coming days on the diocesan website.

The diocesan Media Office will document the entire conference through video and audio recordings of all the proceedings and divine services. Interviews will be conducted with all the hierarchs and many of the clergy and matushkas, which will be used to produce several documentaries about the conference. Video materials will be published on the diocesan website and made available for purchase in DVD format. The goal of the video coverage is to broadcast the voice of pastors of the Russian Church in America, all over the world. There are many important issues and questions facing the Church today, and the voices of our pastors will be used to begin a dialogue that will become part of the collective voice of the Russian Orthodox Church in the homeland and the diaspora.

The Council discussed a variety of practical issues associated with the organization of the conference and the working relationship with the administration of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA. Council members expressed their gratitude to the Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, His Eminence, Archbishop Justinian, and his dedicated staff for their brotherly love and cooperation on all joints ventures, past and present. With God’s help, collaboration on these ventures between the Eastern American and Patriarchal Parishes has strengthened our recently reestablished unity.

8. Diocesan General Meeting

Fr. Serge reported on the upcoming Diocesan General Meeting, which had to be postponed from June to October, because the Metropolitan was not able to attend. With the blessing of Metropolitan Hilarion, the Diocesan General Meeting will take place on Wednesday, October 10 in the parish hall of Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY. All clergy (priests and deacons) are invited and encouraged to attend the General Meeting. Each parish is able to send lay delegates equal in number to the clergy in the rank of deacon and priest assigned to that parish. The registration cost for the meeting is $35 per delegate and registrations must be made in advance.

The agenda will include reports on the state of the Diocese and diocesan organizations, financial and auditing reports, election of Diocesan Council and auditing committee members, and approval of a new annual budget.

The nomination process for candidates to the Diocesan Council will follow a formula that was recommended by Metropolitan Hilarion. Parish rectors can nominate up to three candidates for the Diocesan Council by sending in a written recommendation and brief biography of the candidates. If the candidates are approved by the ruling bishop, they will be printed on the election ballots and voted on at the meeting. Additional nominations can be made at the General Meeting and pending the approval of the ruling bishop, they may be written into the ballots. Detailed instructions will be mailed to all parishes in advance. Parishes that are delinquent in their diocesan assessments are not permitted to vote at the General Meeting.

9. Conclusion and Ratification

Council members also discussed various administrative issues associated with day-to-day operations of the Diocese. Bishop George thanked the members for participating in the summer session of the Diocesan Council and directed the diocesan secretary to brief the Metropolitan on the recommendations and discussions that were held for his ratification. The meeting adjourned at 4:30 PM with the prayer "It is Truly Meet."

Glory be to God!

Republication of materials must include a reference to:
"Eastern American Diocese www.eadiocese.org."

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese