Minutes Part I
of the Joint Meeting of the Russian Hierarchical Members,
Members of the Higher Church Authority,
and Clergy of the ROCA Central Russian Administrative District
May 7\20, 2009
Voronezh
The Meeting opened at 1200 with the
Paschal troparion, “Christ is risen from the dead…”
Attendees: Metropolitan Agafangel (Meeting
Chairman), Archbishop Sofroniy, Bishops Georgiy, Ioann, and Afanasiy; HCA
members – Archpriest Georgiy Petrenko, ArchpriestValeriy Kravets, Fr. Leonid
Plyats; CRAD members – Fr. Evgeniy Koryagin, Fr. Sergey Kriulin, Hieromonk Nikon
(Iost), Archpriest Roman Kravets, Fr. Sergey Televinov, Deacon Mikhail Buryakov,
Deacon Antoniy Gunin, Fr. Aleksandr Martynenko (Odessa Diocese), Hieromonk Dula
(Patoska) (Bolgrad Diocese), Y.V. Sosyurko (Odessa Diocese), V.S. Kozhakar (Bolgrad
Diocese).
The Chairman reads the proposed Synod Agenda, consisting of 12 points, and notes that they can be added to or changed during the course of the meeting.
Abp. Sofroniy proposes to
discuss the establishment of monasteries.
The Chairman proposes to discuss
the terms of service for clergy to receive awards. At the conclusion of a
discussion on this point, a proposed plan was formulated for approval by
the Synod of Bishops.
The legal status of our Church was discussed.
Archpriest Georgiy Petrenko warns of the need to consider all legal aspects of this issue.
After discussing the matter, it was
decided that all aspects of this matter must be considered thoroughly.
Chairman: A house has been bequeathed to the Holy Trinity Church in Astoria, NY, USA. At a meeting of the parish, it was decided to provide it to the Synod. There is a great need for such a residence, but how will we cover its expenses? Two to three thousand dollars a month are required. The travel expenses of members participating in meetings of the Synod must be provided for. They propose to establish a Synod Assistance Council to gather funds from donors.
The matter was discussed further with
various comments from the attendees and answers from the Chairman.
The Chairman notes that the
question of the SAAO’s status be decided.
The Chairman discusses the matter of establishing monasteries.
Archpriest Georgiy Petrenko
notes the possibility of establishing a monastery or skete in Brazil.
The Chairman discuses the
election of the new Patriarch of the ROC MP and what statement should be issued.
We should express the traditional views of our predecessors and avoid
apocalyptical extremes, as well as comments infused with zealotry.
The Chairman reports requests have been received to define the ecclesiological position of our Church, and to annul certain documents, which were approved in the past and confuse the church members. Discusses the circumstances of the way in which the unfortunate letter to the Serbian Patriarch Pavle was written.
After a spirited discussion, the
attendees decided that personal opinions regarding ecclesiological topics
(ex. whether sacraments in the ROC MP have grace) should lead to renewed
intolerance and a break in relations within our Church.
The Chairman expresses the
opinion that all contentious issues should be decided with the spirit of
pastoral wisdom and with the involvement of all sides of the question.
After a break for lunch, the Meeting
resumed at 1525.
The Chairman proposes that a Theological Committee be formed within the Synod to research and examine any such issues that may arise, to avoid any premature decisions. The work of the Committee will then be reviewed by the Synod of Bishops and the Council of Russian Hierarchics.
The attendees of the Meeting propose
the Committee consist of Archpriest Konstantin Busygin, Archpriest Oleg Mironov,
Archpriest Valeriy Alekseyev, Fr. Evgeniy Koryagin, Fr. Aleksandr Lipin, and Fr.
Leonid Plyats. A proposal is made to name B. Georgiy as Chairman of the
Committee. The possibility remains to include other members depending on the
issues being considered by the Committee.
The Chairman raises the
important, though delicate, issue that in his opinion, the episcopate needs to
grow larger, speaks of the needs of South America, and proposes to ordain
Archpriest Georgiy Petrenko as the bishop of this cathedra. All the attendees
strongly support the Chairman’s proposal.
Archpriest Georgiy Petrenko asks
that this decision be postponed, even though the attendees repeatedly ask for
his agreement throughout the meeting.
Archpriest Georgiy Petrenko
reads a report by Archpriest Vladimir Shlenev and Fr. Aleksandr Ivashevich of
matters in Argentina; discuses a request by clerics in South America to decide
the form of commemoration of the ruling bishop. He also proposes the issuance
of awards to some of the clerics.
The Chairman speaks of
the lack of clerics in South America and how this makes the situation
there more difficult. The matter is energetically discussed by the attendees
and Fr. Georgiy. They discuss likely candidates and their qualifications.
Archpriest Georgiy Petrenko asks
for a clarification for commemoration of the “Russian Land” during the Liturgy,
whether it should be “suffering,” or “long suffering,” or something else. After
discussing it, the Chairman recommends having the Synod approve the use of “long
suffering.”
Archpriest Georgiy Petrenko asks
whether there should be a consistent usage of “from enemies seen and invisible”
or “from the godless authorities” when saying “free us from…”
The Chairman explains that even
though the Synod did approve particular usages, there was never a demand for
complete uniformity. He offered additional liturgical examples. Uniformity is
preferred, but one must be careful in certain circumstances.
Archpriest Georgiy Petrenko
explains many of us have friends, acquaintances, fellow alumni from the
seminary, who now belong to ROCOR(MP) or RTOC. Can we commemorate them during
the proskomidia, or memorial services (Met. Laurus, B. Peter, etc.)?
The Chairman advises to consider
whether that person would want us to commemorate them. If they consider us
schismatics or heretics and avoids us, then it makes no sense to commemorate
them.
B. Georgiy notes St. Simeon of
Thessaloniki’s teaching that it is not possible to commemorate at the
proskomidia those who are no longer within the church.
The Chairman says parishes have recommended that Archpriest Valeriy Kravets become the bishop for the parishes in the CRAD; others have suggested Hieromonk Nikon (Iost) from Siberia. Since they are present, he recommends choosing a candidate through secret ballot. A lively discussion ensued, even heated at times, at different ways to decide the issue. Among those who spoke out were, Fr. Evgeniy Koryagin, Hieromonk Nikon (Iost), Deacon Mikhail Buryakov, Deacon Antoniy Gunin, Fr. Aleksandr Martynenko,and others. It was discussed that bishops are needed for parishes in the Siberian, Saratov, Volgograd oblasts among others.
The Chairman suggests Hierarchs
Ioann and Afanasiy help in with these parishes.
The matter of complaints against clergy
was discussed. The Chairman decides if a Church member accuses another
member, they must provide proof at a Meeting. If there is no proof, the
accusing member must ask for forgiveness from the other at the Meeting and
publish it in the appropriate forums.
The Chairman tells the attendees
that requests have been received by bishops from other jurisdictions asking to
establish relations with ROCA. The matter is discussed.
Fr. Evgeniy Koryagin adds that
it is essential that such clergy have proper certificates of departure;
including their status, where they are assigned, whether they have their own
parish or not, etc.
The Chairman explains the difference between a priest without a parish, one who is assigned to a parish, and a certificate of departure to another diocese. He explains the significance in today’s world.
The matter is discussed by Abp.
Sofroniy, B. Georgiy, and Fr. Georgiy Petrenko. Examples are given.
The first day of the Meeting was concluded at 1730 with paschal troparions: “The angel cried…” and “Shine, shine…”
Minutes Part II
of the Joint Meeting of the Russian Hierarchical Members,
Members of the Higher Church Authority,
and Clergy of the ROCA Central Russian Administrative District
May 8\21, 2009
Voronezh
The second day of the Meeting began
at 1000 with the Paschal troparion, “Christ is risen from the dead…”
The attendees are joined by Fr. Valeriy Leonichev and Reader Aleksandr Khitrov, who arrived from Moscow.
The Chairman acquaints the new
arrivals with the discussions that took place the day before and reminds them of
the procedure of how to resolve accusations between members of our Church and
taking responsibility for such accusations. He insists that all problems be
resolved in a spirit of Christian love and agreement.
The minutes of the first day are read
and corrections are made.
Reader Aleksandr Khitrov asks a
general question about the Statutory Acts, which form the basis of the life of
our Church.
The Chairman explains that our
Church is informed by the Status of the ROCA of 1964, as well as Councils of
Bishops and Synods of the ROCA before the signing of the Act of Eucharistic
Communion with the ROC MP on May 4\17, 2007. Any changes must be avoided. It
is possible that church bodies be created that will help with administering the
Church and would have the right of a consultative voice, without making any
changes to the Status.
Reader Aleksandr Khitrov asks on
what canonical basis was the Council of Russian Hierarchics founded.
The Chairman explains there are
corresponding decisions from ROCA Councils of Bishops.
Reader Aleksandr Khitrov asks
that these decisions be published.
A discussion of the need and point of
retaining the Council of Russian Hierarchics in the current circumstances ensues,
with Archpriest Georgiy Petrenko, Fr. Evgeniy Koryagin, Reader Aleksandr Khitrov,
and the Chairman participating. The benefit of the existence of this church
body is confirmed.
The Chairman explains about
letters received from Reader Aleksandr Khitrov about the canonization of certain
saints performed by Bishops Ioann and Afanasiy, who recently joined ROCA. He
offers to pass the letters to these bishops to review them and provide a written
explanation. Later, the Theological Committee will also review them, as well as
the Synod.
Abp. Sofroniy advises that such
matters, which relate to the internal life of our Church, should not be
published first on the Internet.
Reader Aleksandr Khitrov, on
behalf of a meeting of his parish, announces there exists grievances against Fr.
Evgeniy Koryagin and offers to provide a written explanation to the Synod.
The Chairman offers to discuss
them in this meeting.
Hieromonk Ermogen (Petrov) arrives
and joins the meeting.
After reading the grievances against Fr. Evgeniy Koryagin, a lively discussion ensues about life in the Moscow parishes, joined by the Chairman, Archpriest Georgiy Petrenko, ArchpriestValeriy Kravets, Fr. Evgeniy Koryagin, Fr. Aleksandr Martynenko, Fr. Valeriy Leonichev, and Reader Aleksandr Khitrov. In conclusion, the meeting does not find any serious reasons for disagreement. All are called to reconciliation and forgiveness in a Christian spirit.
The Meeting concluded at 1200 with paschal troparions: “The angel cried…” and “Shine, shine…”
Chairman
Secretary
Minutes
of the Joint Meeting of the ROCA Synod of Bishops,
Council of Russian Hierarchics,
and the Higher Church Authority,
May 8\21, 2009
Voronezh
Attendees: Metropolitan Agafangel (Synod
Chairman), Archbishop Sofroniy, and Bishops Georgiy (Synod Secretary), Ioann,
and Afanasiy; HCA members – Archpriest Georgiy Petrenko, ArchpriestValeriy
Kravets, Fr. Leonid Plyats.
Agenda
Discussed: the Chairman noted that representatives of an Old-Calendar episcopate have expressed a desire to open talks with the ROCA.
Resolved: Create a commission,
to include B. Georgiy, Archpriest Valeriy Alekseyev, Fr. Leonid Plyats, to
examine the proposals.
Discussed: a letter to the Synod by Archpriest Valeriy Alekseyev (Odessa diocese), which discusses preparations by the Churches belonging to world Orthodoxy for the so-called Supreme All-Orthodox Council and the looming danger of union with the Roman Catholic Church. The Chairman agrees with the letter in general and Fr. Valeriy’s concern about the possible dramatic new phase in apostasy of the world.
B. Georgiy tells of the Dogmatic Constitution of the Vatican II Council and offers other facts that support the realness of such a threat.
Resolved: To accept all
information provided. To express our thanks to Archpriest Valeriy Alekseyev for
his valuable contribution.
The Chairman asks about novice Diodor, a member of our Church in Voronezh, and his long absence from church services and the lack of any information about his whereabouts.
Abp. Sofroniy, Fr. Valeriy, B. Georgiy,
and Fr. Georgiy discuss the matter. The Chairman directs Fr. Valeriy to collect
all information about novice Diodor.
The Chairman reports on dioceses under his authority.
The situation in the Odessa diocese is stable, without any significant changes. Construction continues, but they lack workers and funds. It is unfortunate. As a result, it is necessary to turn down many opportunities that present themselves to rebuild churches or obtain new property for the construction of new church buildings. All is well at the St. John convent and they have begun building the monastery chapel. One problem is, they do not have a permanent priest. Currently, there is no persecution of our Church from the Ukrainian government, but there is from the Moscow Patriarchate. The Chairman tells of the slander campaign from the pro-Russia TV company ATV, and the filing of a claim against them by the ROCA Odessa diocese. The Chairman tells of the desire by priests in other jurisdictions to join the Odessa diocese.
The Chairman tells of the status of the house in New York, USA, made available to the Synod, and of the proposed creation of a convent headed by m. Agapia somewhere in new York State.
There is no news from Hegumen John (Smelic) in Australia. The Belarus parish in Melbourne is complaining about the lack of care by Fr. John and is asking the First Hierarch to send them another priest. Unfortunately, there are no available priests and the parish is encouraged to find one of their own to become a priest.
The Chairman believes we need to
do more to preserve our identity as the historical ROCA, to avoid the
temptations of the contemporary world, and not be drawn into any political
movements, or engage in any dogmatic or canonical deviations.
Abp. Sofroniy reports on his
diocese. All is well, which can be considered the main achievement in the year
passed. There are no contentions or displeasure among the clergy, and any
problems that arise are resolved through discussing them. Tells of clergy that
came over from other dioceses, some that left the priesthood and their
replacement by newly-ordained clergy; of a new group in Novgorod; of the
diocesan Lenten retreat the third week of Great lent; of his visit with Bishop
Feodosiy, which was requested by the First Hierarch. Bishop Feodosiy belongs to
a different jurisdiction and seeks to join the ROCA.
B. Georgiy reports on his diocese. Relations between the flock and clergy are peaceful and good. The only exception is the case with the former priest of our Church, Hieromonk Adrian (Zamlinsky), who along with Deacon Ardilyan, avoided their bishop. After Hieromonk Adrian was censured, he suddenly declared himself to be a “bishop” in the uncanonical jurisdiction RusOC, which is led by “metropolitan” Damascene (Balabanov). The main challenge in the diocese is the construction of a church in the city of Bolgrad. they have had to ask for help from the ROCA Assistance Fund. The diocese has also received an offer of a small plot of land with a house near Belgorod-Dnestrovsk and there is someone who is willing to start a monastery there. In Kongaz, in the large parish of Archpriest Vasiliy Ikizli, they are building a church and they hope to establish a sisterhood, and later, perhaps a monastery. Archpriest Vasiliy also has a person interested in becoming a priest and the desire to establish another one or two parishes in Kongaz. There is a possibility of establishing a monastic skete in the parish in Chadyr-Lung. B. Georgiy ends by saying they are having problems getting registered in Moldova, but it is important to keep trying, just as it is important to keep trying in Ukraine.
The Chairman offers his advice
about the construction in Bolgrad and shares his experiences. They discuss the
need for children’s camps, choral concerts and other ways to enrich the lives of
the parishes and dioceses.
B. Afanasiy reports on his
diocese. After they joined the ROCA, a parish in Moscow left them, and a
campaign of slander in the mass media (radio, press) was begun against them by
the MP. In Ferapontovo, the local city administration is making it difficult to
acquire a plot of land to build a church. They have filed a claim against the
MP for their slander. They have also set up a church for services, are
preparing candidates for priesthood, and are offering the possibility to go to a
seminary.
B. Ioann says life in his diocese is more like the traditional catacomb church. Despite many problems and concerns, the overall situation is good. One of the parishes has begun building a house church. Several priests and one bishop from other jurisdictions have asked to join the ROCA. A lack of funds prevents creating a full life in the diocese.
Resolved: In case the bishop
from the other jurisdiction contacts B. Ioann again, he will ask Abp. Sofroniy
to visit the bishop at his church and become acquainted with life there. All
information about this bishop and his flock should be reported to the Synod of
Bishops.
ArchpriestValeriy Kravets provides a
brief overview of matters in the CRAD, and then discusses the need for official
certificates for the priests and antimens. In the course of discussions, the
Chairman raises the issue of blessing Holy Myrrh.
Archpriest Georgiy Petrenko
reports on matters in Brazil. ROCOR once had 12 churches in this country. Then
there were 11, and later, 7. Four of these parishes stayed with ROCOR(MP),
because there were not enough priests and there was no money for visiting the
parishes. Fr. Georgiy tells of the parishes in Rio de Janiero, Sao Paulo, and
other places. All is well, there are not many parishioners, there are few
Russians left. Catholicism has waned in the country and some locals have even
converted to Orthodoxy. Fr. Georgiy also speaks of matters in Argentina,
Uruguay, and Venezuela. Trips to Uruguay to minister to the faithful there may
be necessary. Fr. Georgiy says church members who have remained with ROCA
remain strong in their opposition to union with the MP. Fr. Georgiy ends by
asking on behalf of the South American clergy about the recognizing the possible
canonizations of Czar Ivan the Terrible, Gregory Rasputin, and others, which may
have taken place in the Catacomb Church dioceses that joined ROCA and have not
been recognized by us. Fr. Georgiy also asks about several bishops of other
jurisdictions that are conducting talks regarding joining us.
The matter of the status of bishops of
other jurisdictions and the way in which they might be accepted is discussed by
the Chairman, Abp. Sofroniy, Bishops Afanasiy and Georgiy, and Archpriest
Georgiy.
B. Afanasiy explains that no decisions in any Catacomb diocese have been made about canonizing Czar Ivan the Terrible, Gregory Rasputin, or anyone else, and could not possibly be made, but if someone chooses to honor them privately, he believes that is on the conscience of that person.
The Chairman reminds everyone of
the letters submitted by Reader A. Khitrov and of the decision to have them
reviewed by Bishops Ioann and Afanasiy and have them provide a written
explanation. The matter will also be reviewed by the Theological Committee and
the Synod.
Discussed: the Chairman spoke of the settling the status of the North American Administrative District.
Resolved: the NAAD is
considered a temporary legal entity necessary for registration of the ROCA Synod
of Bishops in North America. When the status of this legal entity is received,
it will apply equally to the status of the Synod.
Discussed: the Chairman spoke of the house donated to our parish in New York.
Resolved: once all legal
requirements are satisfied, the house may be used as a Synod Headquarters and
Residence of the First Hierarch.
Discussed: Archpriest Georgiy Petrenko asks for a clarification of the form of commemoration of the ruling bishop in South America.
Resolved: Send an Ukase about
the form of commemoration to the parishes in South America.
Discussed: the Chairman’s proposal to form a Synod Assistance Council.
Resolved: to approve the
creation of the Synod Assistance Council and ask the Chairman to handle all
details.
Discussed: the Chairman’s proposal to form a Theological Commission attached to the Synod of Bishops.
Resolved: to approve the creation of the Theological Commission attached to the Synod of Bishops. To name B. Georgiy as its Chairman. To name the following as members: Archpriest Konstantin Busygin, Archpriest Oleg Mironov, Archpriest Valeriy Alekseyev, Archpriest Roman Kravets, Fr. Evgeniy Koryagin, Fr. Aleksandr Lipin, and Fr. Leonid Plyats.
Discussed: the Chairman’s discussion about establishing a convent in the USA, to be headed by Mother Agapia.
Resolved: to approve the
establishment of a convent in the USA, to be headed by Mother Agapia.
Discussed: Abp. Sofroniy’s request to establish a convent in honor of St. Nicholas in the city of Dudachkino in the Leningrad oblast, and to be headed by m. Sofroniya and name her the Hegumena. Abp. Sofroniy provides a brief history of the creation of this group (ten women, 2 of which are nuns and 2 novices), and of m. Sofroniya.
Resolved: to approve the
establishment of the St. Nicholas convent in the city of Dudachkino in the
Leningrad oblast. Recommend that m. Sofroniya stay at the St. John convent in
Odessa for training.
Discussed: the Chairman’s opinion of the newly-elected MP Patriarch.
Resolved: to issue a statement
from the Synod of Bishops similar in tone to synodal statements of the past.
Discussed: the Chairman spoke of the borders of the dioceses and adding members to the episcopate.
Resolved: to dissolve the
Central Russian Administrative District. To place the Moscow diocese (Moscow
and the Moscow oblast) under the temporary authority of the ROCA First
Hierarch. To designate Abp. Sofroniy in charge of the diocese in Siberia. To
establish the Voronezh diocese (to include the Voronezh, Volgograd, and Rostov
oblasts). To designate ArchpriestValeriy Kravets as the Administrator of the
Voronezh diocese and also to serve the Kuban diocese. To consider
ArchpriestValeriy Kravets as a candidate to become bishop of the Voronezh
cathedra.
Discussed: the Chairman spoke of the establishment of awards regulation for clergy.
Resolved: to approve the
attached draft of awards regulation.
Discussed: Abp. Sofroniy’s request to elevate B. Ioann to the rank of archbishop.
Resolved: to issue an ukase to
elevate B. Ioann to the rank of archbishop.
Discussed: the date and location of the next meeting of the Synod of Bishops.
Resolved: to hold the next
meeting of the Synod of Bishops in Odessa, from November 5\18 – 7\20, 2009.
The Meeting concluded at 17:15 with
paschal troparions: “The angel cried…” and “Shine, shine…”
Synod of Bishops Chairman Metropolitan Agafangel
Archbishop Sofroniy
Archbishop Ioann
Bishop Afanasiy
Bishop Georgiy
Higher Church Authority members:
Archpriest Georgiy Petrenko
ArchpriestValeriy Kravets
Fr. Leonid Plyats
Attachment:
Awards Regulation
Approved by the ROCA Synod of Bishops
May 21, 2009
Clergy, who faithfully carry out their
clerical obligations, who are not under censure by their Ruling Bishop, and do
not have any other restrictions placed on them by the Higher Church Authority
are hereby authorized to receive awards according to the following terms of
service:
For clergy accepted from other
jurisdictions, the start date will be their chirotoniya and they will then begin
to receive awards.
Awards given above and beyond the regulations, for special occasions, will be approved by a decision of the Synod of Bishops