NEW YORK: February 22, 2022
A regular session of the Synod of Bishops convenes

On Tuesday, February 22, 2022, a remote meeting of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia was held. With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York, His Eminence Metropolitan Mark of Berlin and Germany, Vice President of the Synod, presided.

Approving the proposed agenda, the Synod members heard a report by His Grace Bishop Irenei of London and Western Europe, Secretary of the Synodal Inter-Orthodox Relations Department, on recent events in the Orthodox world. Having learned of the withdrawal of the decision by His Eminence Metropolitan Jean of Dubno in which he received a series of clerics of the Russian Church Abroad into the Archbishopric he heads, the Synod of Bishops decreed to express its gratitude towards His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia and Metropolitan Antony of Korsun, Patriarchal Exarch in Western Europe, for their help in finding a positive resolution of the matter. As far as the resistance of a group of clergymen in the Colchester, England, parish of the Diocese of Great Britain, is concerned, the matter will be resolved in accordance with regular pastoral consideration within the diocese. The affected clergymen, many of whom already returned to their lawful Hierarchy, are once again called upon to earnest repentance, after which the restoration of their clerical status will become possible.

After a report read by His Eminence Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal and Canada on the forthcoming celebrations of the 75th anniversary of Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville, NY, it was decided to bless the associated divine services at the eponymous monastery in September, 2023, and to coordinate it with a meeting of the Synod of Bishops.

Upon reviewing a proposed schedule for the travels of the Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God “of the Sign,” the Hodigitria of the Russian diaspora, the Synod of Bishops blessed the visits of the holy icon to: Great Britain and Western Europe (Great Lent, 2022), the German Diocese (after Holy Pascha) and Canada (August 2022).

The Synod of Bishops also deliberated on administrative and property issues, as well as intercessions by the archpastor members of the Synod for ecclesiastical awards for their clergy and laity.

The next meeting of the Synod of Bishops is scheduled for 12 April, 2022.