Wednesday, September 18, 2019
Photo ©GOA/Dimitrios Panagos
NEW YORK – The Executive Committee of the Assembly
of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America met today,
under the chairmanship of Archbishop Elpidophoros, to discuss the state
of Orthodox Christian unity in the USA. Recognizing the challenges in
global Orthodoxy, the jurisdictional representatives reiterated their
commitment to the local faithful of America and rededicated themselves
to fulfilling the call for canonical normalcy and pastoral unity on
contemporary issues.
The meeting began with jurisdictional updates followed by the
Secretary’s report on the activities of the body since the last Assembly
meeting in October 2018. The Executive Committee went on to discuss the
Assembly’s structure including committees, agencies, endorsed
organizations, and dialogues, and decided to analyze all components
prior to the next Assembly meeting in order to determine the best path
to achieve the ultimate goal of unity. The heads of the jurisdictions
committed to regular concelebration and look forward to the annual
Sunday of Orthodoxy celebration in March 2020 in New York. In addition,
all other hierarchs, clergy, and laity are encouraged to organize
regionally.
Responding to an appeal of Orthodox Christian mental health
professionals, the Executive Committee decided to mandate its Endorsed
Organization, Orthodox Christian Association of Medicine, Psychology and
Religion (OCAMPR), to develop a task force to address the issue of
mental health. OCAMPR will work in partnership with the Assembly,
through the Office of the Secretariat. Additionally, the bishops
received an appeal from Orthodox Christian organizations working on the
crisis of homelessness. In response to their recommendations, a working
group to develop an Orthodox Volunteer Corps, under the guidance of the
Assembly Secretariat, was sanctioned.
Finally, the date and location was established for the 10th Anniversary Meeting of the Assembly of Bishops: May 2-5, 2020 in Washington, DC.
Photo ©GOA/Dimitrios Panagos