Monday, November 10, 2008

OCA 15th All American Council Pittsburgh, PA Nov 10-13 2008

The Orthodox Church of America is holding it's 15th All American Council today. It is no secret that the OCA has been shrouded in scandal for quite some time (chronology of the scandal can be found by clicking this link: chronology.) It is in the wake of this scandal and the resignation of Metropolitan Herman earlier this year that they are holding their council. The original date for the next All American Council was to be in 2010. However, the situation in the OCA is such that there are actions that must be taken quickly, and the actions have come entirely too slowly for many.

The synod of the OCA will be making many important decisions during this council including the election of a new primate. The OCA has a great potential to be instrumental in unifying the Orthodox people of America. Up until this point, the scandal and history of this jurisdiction has prevented it from being such an instrument. People have not trusted the OCA. What we are experiencing with this latest council is the beginning of the end to scandal in the administration. The new Primate will be elected on Wednesday; and perhaps there will be found solutions to a majority of the problems that have lead to so much distrust of the OCA.

Orthodox Christians in America, regardless of jurisdictional affiliations need to add a humble petition in their daily prayer rule for the council of the OCA so that the bishops will be lead by the Grace of God to resolve the terrible shadows that have been shrouding the OCA for so many years.

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The agenda for the council for today is as follows:

SOURCE: http://www.oca.org/news/1650


Monday, November 10, 2008

12:00 PM
Registration begins

1:00 PM
Workshops (to be announced)

  • Visitation Ministry: A New Vision for Orthodox Christian Care of the Suffering
  • Chronicling our Heritage: Building a Parish Archives
  • Orthodox Christianity and Stewardship of the Environment
  • The Work of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center

3:00 PM
Choir rehearsal

4:30 PM
Vespers

5:30 PM
Dinner (on own)

7:30 PM
1st Plenary: Reflecting on the Past

  • Opening Moleben
  • Appointments, Credentials, Ground Rules
  • Introduction by Archbishop DIMITRI
  • Town Hall Forum moderated by Bishop NIKON
  • Discussion/Questions
  • Resolutions/Amendments

10:00 PM
Compline with Meditation and Act of Repentance, followed by Psalm readings through the night. Confessions will be heard after Compline.

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