On December 9, 2023, while on an archpastoral visit to Canada, Bishop Matthew of Sourozh chaired a regular meeting of the Bishop’s Council of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA.

The meeting took place remotely.

At the beginning of the meeting, His Grace announced new clerical appointments and introduced to the members of the Bishop’s Council, Acting Chancellor of the Patriarchal Parishes, Abbot Nicodemus (Balyasnikov) and Secretary of the Bishop’s Council, Archpriest John Vass.  Bishop Matthew wished the newly appointed clergy God's help in their administrative work and expressed gratitude to Archpriest George Konyev and Archpriest Igor Vyzhanov for their labors as chancellor and Archpriest Emil Minkovich was noted for his great personal contribution and exemplary performance as Secretary of the Bishop’s Council, which Father Emil held for the last 40 years.

The participants of the meeting honored the memory of those who have reposed in the Lord since the last Convocation of the Patriarchal Parishes - rector of the Church of the Exaltation of the Cross in Hackettstown, NJ, Archpriest John Kassatkin, and rector of All Saints of Russia Church on the Patriarchal Estate in Pine Bush, NY Archpriest Nicholas Babijtchouk.

Vice-Chancellor Priest Mark Rashkov reported on the work of the chancery and on significant events in diocesan life over the past two years.  The financial report was presented by Treasurer Panagiotis Billis.  Assistant to the Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA for legal issues, Priest Gregory Winsky, reported on the resolution of current legal issues in the Patriarchal Parishes.

Following the discussion of the presented reports, Bishop Matthew gave several instructions to the council members, who will present the results of their work at the next meeting.

Concluding the meeting, the Archpastor expressed gratitude to the participants and to all the clergy, presidents and members of parish committees, volunteers and parishioners of churches of the Moscow Patriarchate in the USA for their hard work, maintaining the unity and fidelity to the Russian Orthodox Church in difficult times.