Metropolitan Council Meets for its Regular Fall 2025 Session
The Metropolitan Council of the Orthodox Church in America met for its regular Fall 2025 Session from October 8-9 in Springfield, VA. Meetings were held at the Hotel Belvoir and at St. Luke Serbian Orthodox Church in McLean, VA.
This was the first session of the Metropolitan Council following the 21st All-American Council in Phoenix, AZ, during which six new at-large members were elected. Several dioceses have also appointed or elected new representatives.
His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon opened the Council session on Wednesday, October 8, with a molieben. After the minutes of the previous meetings were approved, the Council heard the report of the Metropolitan. In his report, His Beatitude reflected on the enduring example of Saint Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow and Enlightener of North America, whose life and vision continue to inspire the Church’s mission in this land. Drawing from Saint Tikhon’s emphasis on conciliarity and collaboration among bishops, clergy, and laity, His Beatitude invited the Council to view its administrative responsibilities as expressions of unity in Christ and co-labor in the Apostolic work of the Church. He also expressed gratitude for the tireless efforts of the Chancery staff, whose small team continues to sustain the pastoral, canonical, and administrative life of the Church with dedication and humility.
Archpriest Alessandro Margheritino, Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America, offered his report and gave an overview of the work of the chancery, various personnel changes, reorganizations in some of the departments and offices, and upcoming projects and priorities. Father Alessandro also reported on some of his recent domestic and international trips.
The Council then heard the Pension Board’s report presented by Archpriest John Dresko. This was followed by a report from Mr. David Lane, the Metropolitan Council’s liaison to the Pension Board. The Council then heard a presentation from a representative of Satty, Levine & Ciacco, CPAs, who provided a detailed overview of the recent audit. The report summarized the audit’s principal findings and financial statements, highlighting the Church’s sound overall financial condition. Mr. Mark Hamilton, General Counsel of the Orthodox Church in America offered the Legal Report, and Protodeacon Peter Ilchuk, All-American Council Manager, offered his report on the recent 21st All-American Council in Phoenix, but also shared some information about the next Council that will take place in Dallas, TX in July 2028.
Archpriest Justin Patterson, Project Manager of the Departments of the Orthodox Church in America then offered his report and presented candidates for the Church Planting Grants program. The Council’s decision is now submitted to the Holy Synod for confirmation.
The final report of the day was offered by Archpriest Nicholas Solak, Director of the Office of Pastoral Life, who gave an update on the various programs under the auspices of the Office.
At the conclusion of the meeting on the first day, the Church Officers and Mr David Lane, Esq. and at-large member of the Metropolitan Council, offered an orientation session on the Metropolitan Council, its composition, duties, history, and on the legal fiduciary responsibility of its members.
On Thursday, October 9, the day began with His Beatitude presiding at the celebration of the Divine Liturgy on the the Feast of the Glorification of Saint Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow and Enlightener of North America. Concelebrating with His Beatitude were Fr. Alessandro Margheritino, Archpriest John Vitko, rector of St. Luke Serbian Orthodox Church, Archpriest Raymond Browne, and Priest Andrew Smith, who delivered the homily.
Following the Liturgy, the Council reconvened to hear additional reports provided by Mr. Greg Honshul from the Property Committee with an update of the sale of Westwood. Mr Honshul indicated that, provided no unforeseen complications arise, the closing is expected to take place by mid 2026. The Council then heard a report from Priest David Bozeman, Secretary of the Orthodox Church in America, and Mr. Andrew Smith for the Treasurer Report. The Council reviewed and approved the proposed 2026 budget, and discussed plans for the 2026 Metropolitan Council sessions.
In accordance with the Statute of the Orthodox Church in America, the Council also considered nominations for the positions of internal auditors and decided to re-appointed the current three internal auditors to serve for another three-year term.
His Beatitude concluded the meetings by expressing gratitude to the members of the Council for their service to the Church. The 2025 Fall Session of the Metropolitan Council was then adjourned and concluded with a prayer.
Minutes and reports from the Regular Fall 2025 Session of the Metropolitan Council will be posted on the OCA website as they become available.