Metropolitan Council meets June 13-14, 2006; Finances to be reviewed

SYOSSET, NY [OCA Communications] — The Metropolitan Council of The Orthodox Church in America will meet at the Chancery here Tuesday and Wednesday, June 13-14, 2006, under the chairmanship of His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman.

After the opening Service of Intercession on Tuesday morning, the meeting will open with Metropolitan Herman’s address. This will be followed by a detailed report that includes current 2006 financial information. It will be presented by the Very Rev. Paul Kucynda, acting treasurer.

On Tuesday afternoon, an account representative from the firm of Lambrides, Lamos and Moulthrop will report on the status of the 2004 independent audit and the audit of the 2001 to 2005 annual and special appeals. A report will also be received from the Proskauer Rose law firm conducting the financial investigation on behalf of The Orthodox Church in America. A report from the Office of Development, comprising the Fellowship of Orthodox Stewards, special appeals, and planned giving, will also be presented.

The Very Rev. Vladimir Berzonsky, clergy council member from the Diocese of the Midwest, will offer a presentation titled “Learning from Our Current Situation” on Tuesday evening.

On Wednesday morning, Matushka Mary Buletza Breton, CPA, will offer a comprehensive review of the “Best Practices” document and amendments, while Dr. Faith Skordinski, one of the council members elected by delegates to the 14th All-American Council, will offer a presentation titled “Where Do We Go From Here?” on Wednesday afternoon.

According to the Statute of The Orthodox Church in America, Article 5, the Metropolitan Council is the permanent executive body of the Church Administration which exists for the purpose of implementing the decisions of the All-American Council and continuing its work between sessions.

The Metropolitan Council, according to the Statute, consists of the Metropolitan as chairman, the chancellor, the secretary, and the treasurer; two representatives from each diocese, one priest and one layperson elected by the diocesan assemblies; and three priests and three laypersons elected by the All-American Council. Vacancies occurring among diocesan representatives are filled by the respective dioceses, while two alternates—one priest and one layperson—are elected by the All-American Council, to fill vacancies occurring among members elected by the All-American Council. All elected members, whether representing the several dioceses or those elected by the All-American Council, succeed themselves in office for one term only.