On Tuesday July 15, a regular meeting of the Bishop's Council of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA was held in the refectory of St. Nicholas Cathedral in NYC, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Justinian, Archbishop of Naro-Fominsk, and Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA.
The meeting opened with the singing of "O Heavenly King" at 11:00am. This was the first meeting of the Bishop's Council with newly elected members, elected at the recent Special Convocation of the Patriarchal Parishes on April 25-26 of this year.
Following normal protocol, the Recording Secretary of the Patriarchal Parishes, Archpriest Emil Minkovich read the Minutes of the last meeting of the Bishop's Council on April 8.
The Treasurer of the Patriarchal Parishes, Panagiotis Billis reported on the current financial status of the parishes as well as presented each member with a financial report up to the current date.
His Eminence Archbishop Justinian then greeted all the members of the Council - new and old, and welcomed them to New York City. Archbishop Justinian noted the importance of the Anniversary of St. Sergius of Radonezh that is being celebrated this year as well as the visitation of the Wonderworking Icon to the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA.
The council paused to sing "Memory Eternal" to the Most Blessed Vladimir, Metropolitan of Kiev and all Ukraine who reposed in the Lord on July 5th.
Rdr. George Konyev presented a report on the website of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, and its recent success in its four months of operation. The website has been viewed over 23, 000 times with 7,000 unique visitors in the time of its operation.
The council discussed a wide range of Administrative issues with regards to the parishes and church structure.
The Bishop's Council adjourned at 2:50pm with the singing of "It is Truly Meet".
Present at the meeting of the Bishop's Council:
Council Members:
Archpriest George Konyev, Chancellor
Archpriest Emil Minkovich, Recording Secretary
Archpriest Alexander Golubov
Archpriest Basil Micek
Archpriest Timothy Barna
Archpriest Roman Star
Archpriest Mikhail Kapchits
Archpriest Igor Tarasov
Priest Gregory Winski
Rdr. Michael Kupec
Panagiotis Billis, Treasurer
Gregory Shast
Edward Gallagher
Matushka Pamela Micek
Matushka Marie Bacik
Vera Lawrence
Also Present: Hieromonk John (Roschin), Rdr. George Konyev