The 21st All-American Council

Synopsis

The 21st All-American Council convened at the Arizona Grand Resort in Phoenix, Arizona. This was the first time an AAC has been held in the American Southwest. The Council’s theme, “Gathered Together by Christ,” framed the deliberations of the assembled delegates. The opening day featured the Molieben for the Opening of a Sacred Council and His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon’s primatial address, which set the tone and articulated the Council’s aims in light of the 2025 Church-wide Call for Reflections.

Across six plenary sessions, the Council heard reports on the internal and external life of the Church and conducted business including elections, consideration of statute amendments, and resolutions. A newly-commissioned icon of All Saints of North America was also unveiled and blessed.

The topics covered by His Beatitude’s report included the glorification of the righteous Olga of Kwethluk, updates on external affairs, and leadership changes at the Chancery. The Holy Synod announced the recognition of the canonicity of the Macedonian Orthodox Church–Ohrid Archbishopric, and a planned primatial concelebration in Washington, D.C., to be crowed with the recognition of the Macedonian Church’s autocephaly.

Financial and administrative reports were heard. The Treasurer and Audit Team noted a transparent and positive financial position, and the Council adopted a Funding Resolution that maintained current levels of proportional giving for the next triennium. The Pension Plan reported increased participation and projected full funding, all other conditions remaining constant, by 2037.

Reports from stavropegial monasteries and departments highlighted ongoing pastoral, liturgical, and educational initiatives. Seminary deans from St. Tikhon’s and St. Vladimir’s Seminaries presented updates on areas such as accreditation, facilities improvements, financial stabilization, and new academic programs.

The Council also considered statute amendments. Two proposed changes - one concerning Metropolitan Council terms and another concerning Pension Board elections - were both defeated. Elections were held for new members of the Metropolitan Council and Pension Board, and those elected were installed during the final plenary session.

A special diocesan assembly was called for the Diocese of the West to nominate a successor to Archbishop Benjamin of San Francisco (retired). The assembly nominated Archimandrite Vasily (Permiakov), whom the Holy Synod canonically elected as Bishop of San Francisco and the West as they met concurrently with the Council.

Reports were also heard from the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops and from the Office of Military and Institutional Chaplaincies.

Liturgical prayer accompanied the Council’s business throughout the week, with services including the All-Night Vigil and the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in honor of the newly canonized St. Olga of Kewthluk.

A robust Youth Program - filled to capacity - ran concurrently with the Council. The Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America (FOCA) also held its 98th annual convention alongside the AAC.

In his closing reflections, Metropolitan Tikhon returned to the theme of sanctity in North America, pointing to the new icon of All Saints of North America as a symbol of the calling of the Orthodox Church in America. He exhorted the faithful to remain steadfast in the apostolic faith and the Church’s missionary vision. With the concluding prayer the Council was formally adjourned.