Metropolitan Council meeting continues
Members of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America and the Metropolitan Council gathered at Our Lady of Kazan Church, Sea Cliff, NY, for a retreat on Monday evening and Tuesday, September 20-21, 2010. Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko, Dean Emeritus of Saint Vladimir’s Seminary, Crestwood, NY, led the retreat, which according to Archpriest Eric G. Tosi, OCA Secretary, was conducted “to reveal and clarify the participants’ understanding of things, both theoretical and practical, so that they may communicate with each other and perform their personal and corporate work as Church leaders more effectively and fruitfully.”
The retreat opened with a discussion on the spiritual life and how it relates to one’s role as a leader in the Church. On Tuesday, members of the Holy Synod and Metropolitan Council expanded the discussion in relationship to the roles of the Metropolitan, the Holy Synod, the Metropolitan Council, and the administration.
Tuesday evening’s sessions concluded with reports by His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah; Archpriest Alexander Garklavs, Chancellor; and Father Eric.
On Wednesday, September 22, reports were given by the Pension Board and various Metropolitan Council committees. A proposal for the new OCA web site was also presented.
Melanie Ringa, OCA Treasurer, and Budget Committee chair, Archpriest Matthew Tate, also gave reports. Ms. Ringa pointed out that from 2008 to 2009, the OCA reduced its operating expenses by over $800,000. Results for 2010 through July 31 indicated an operating surplus of $255,000. The proposed budget for 2011 is projecting a surplus of $78,000, with $130,000 allocated for funding departments and ministries.
Deacon Martin Watt presented the report of the internal auditors.
Other reports focused on the Strategic Plan and charting work that needs to be completed in preparation for the 16th All-American Council, slated to be held in the Seattle area in November 2011.
The meeting will conclude on Thursday, September 23, after a review of legal issues and other matters related to the All-American Council.
Reports and minutes will be posted on the OCA web site as they become available.