Reflections by Fr. Keiser, A Son, and A Priest

Somebody please help me understand this. +MP claims that he supports ( or initiated this) to preserve the unity of the Archdiocese?!? This is what Rome says of the papacy--that supreme authority must rest in one man( the successor of Peter) as the focus of unity. Surely he is not appealing to Roman perspectives to justify this or is he?

All this has not escaped the notice of the Uniates(Melkites). They find it curious that a Roman perspective is being used by the AOC +MP to justify this action. Surely it can't be since all the criticism we have leveled at them and we turn around and use a Roman argument for placing all authority in one man--while reducing others bishops to assistants.

I was always told that Orthodox unity was in the Faith and Sacraments we share--not a supreme bishop. So what has changed??

ctions, a sinner....
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Constitution of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
Enclosed is the text of Constitution of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America approved by the Holy Synod of Antioch in the 37th conciliar session held in the Patriarchate, in Damascus October 13-15, 2004.

This document is the culmination of a process begun by the request to the Patriarchate of Antioch from her North American archdiocese for “autonomy.” The Holy Synod of Antioch met 7-10 October 2003 to consider this request and responded by passing unanimously a resolution that approved a status of “self-rule” according to the specifics included in that official resolution. The North American archdiocese was asked to propose changes to its constitution consistent with the October 2003 Resolution. The said resolution stated (article : “The Archdiocese shall submit its amended constitution to the Holy Synod of Antioch for approval.”

Following the archdiocesan special convention held in Pittsburgh in July 2003, His Eminence Metropolitan Philip submitted to the Patriarch a proposed amended constitution. It was discussed during the course of the meeting of the Holy Synod, October 13-15, 2004, and the enclosed revised constitution was unanimously approved.
Section 1. The Name
The name of this self-ruled religious corporation shall be “Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocesan of North America”.

A. Legal
This organization derives its legal authority to function as a religious corporation by virtue of a charter issued pursuant to the provisions of Article 2, Section 15, of the “Religious Corporation Laws” of the State of New York.
B. Ecclesiastical
This Archdiocese derives its ecclesiastical authority to function as a self-ruling Archdiocese in accordance with this constitution from the Holy Synod of the Apostolic Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all the
East (“Holy Synod”) and shall constitute one unified ecclesiastical Antiochian entity as an Archdiocese of the Patriarchate of Antioch.
Its Primate is a member of said Holy Synod and is the duly elected Metropolitan Archbishop (“Primate”, “Metropolitan –Archbishop”), serving under a canonical Praxis issued by His Beatitude, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and all the East (“Patriarch”).

Section 3. Headquarters

The headquarters of this Archdiocese shall be located in the Greater Metropolitan New York City area, including northern New Jersey.

Section 4. Qualifications for Metropolitan Archbishop and Diocesan Bishop

Candidates for the office of Metropolitan Archbishop of this Archdiocese and / or candidates for the office of Diocesan Bishop must be celibates and meet the following qualifications:
A. Metropolitan Archbishop
(1) He must be one of the canonical clergy who is qualified in all respects, including the possession of an earned degree in Orthodox theology and be a man of piety and good character.
(2) He must be fluent in the English language and have a good working knowledge of the Arabic language.

(3) He must be at least thirty-three (33) years of age.

(4) He must be physically and mentally sound.
(5) He must have been in accordance with the statutes of the Patriarchate of Antioch, a member of the clergy of the Patriarchate for five years, and have served some time, as a clergyman in the Archdiocese.
B. Diocesan Bishop

(1) He must be one of the canonical clergy who is qualified in all respects, including the possession of an earned degree in Orthodox theology and be a man of piety and good character.

(2) He must be fluent in the English language and have a knowledge of the Arabic language.

(3) He must be at least thirty-three (33) years of age.

(4) He must be physically and mentally sound.

(5) He must have been in accordance with the statutes of the Patriarchate of Antioch, a member of the clergy of the Patriarchate for five years, and have served some time, as a clergyman in the Archdiocese.
Section 5. Nomination and Election Procedures Upon Vacancy of Metropolitan See
A. Immediately upon the vacancy of the Metropolitan See, either by death, disability or retirement, the Archdiocesan Synod and the Archdiocesan Board of Trustees shall inform officially in writing the Patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East and appropriate civil and ecclesiastical authorities.

Upon any such happening, the Senior Bishop present, together with the Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees and/or the Treasurer and/or the Chancellor shall seal important rooms at the Archdiocese headquarters, and make a record of same, signed by all present. (Thereafter, all properties or investments registered in the name of the Metropolitan Archbishop shall become the property of the Archdiocese). The Senior Diocesan Bishop and the Archdiocesan Synod will, with the members of the Archdiocesan Board of Trustees, assume responsibility for the administration of the Metropolitan See.
B. The duties and functions assigned to the Senior Diocesan Bishop in Sections 5A, C and D shall cease to be performed by him and shall be performed by the Patriarchal Vicar appointed by the Patriarch of Antioch upon assumption of his duties.

C. Within a period of sixty (60) days after the vacancy of the Metropolitan See, the Senior Diocesan Bishop and the Archdiocesan Synod together with the Archdiocesan Board of Trustees, shall call a Special Convention, which must be held on or before the expiration of thirty (30) days of the date of call, for the nomination and election of candidates for the position of Metropolitan Archbishop by secret ballot.

D. (1) The Senior Diocesan Bishop, and the Archdiocesan Synod in agreement with the Archdiocesan Board of Trustees, shall prepare a list containing all the names of worthy clergymen who are qualified for nomination as per the list of nominees kept in the records of the Patriarchate and the Holy Synod, and including the names of those qualified under Section 4 of this Article.

(2) The delegates attending such Convention shall select, by secret ballot, three candidates from such list. Each delegate shall be entitled to one vote. The three clergymen with the highest number of votes of the general assembly shall thereupon be designated as candidates.

(3) Immediately, thereafter, the names of the candidates for the office of Metropolitan Archbishop, shall be submitted to the Synod of the Archdiocese which will certify the results of the nomination and submit the names of the candidates to the Holy Synod, who will, within forty days of submittal, elect one of the nominees to be the Metropolitan Archbishop of the Archdiocese.

Section 6. Nomination and Election of Diocesan Bishops

A Diocesan Bishop shall be nominated and elected in the following manner:

A. The Metropolitan Archbishop is agreement with the Archdiocesan Synod and the Archdiocesan Board of Trustees, shall prepare a list containing the names of the worthy clergymen who are qualified for nomination as per the list of nominees kept in the records of the Patriarchate and the Holy Synod and mentioning the names of those qualified under Section 4B of this Article, and a copy of this list shall be included in the call for the Convention.

B. A General Convention, or a Special Convention called for that purpose by the Metropolitan Archbishop, shall, from a list provided for in accordance with Section 6A above, nominate, by secret ballot, three (3) candidates for the office of Diocesan bishop. Each delegate shall be entitled to one vote times the number of offices to be filled and each of such votes must be for a different candidate. The entire list of candidates shall be submitted to the Archdiocesan Synod with the candidate’s respective number of votes received. When Diocesan Assemblies shall be constituted, the nominations shall then be made by said Assemblies.

C. The Electoral Board of Diocesan Bishops is constituted of the Metropolitan – Archbishop with the Diocesan Bishops and the Auxiliary Bishop
D. Where one Diocesan Bishop is to be elected, the Electoral Board shall elect, by a majority vote, from the three candidates receiving the highest number of votes of the Convention. With respect to the election of additional Diocesan Bishops at the same time, the Electoral Board may elect, by a majority vote, from the entire list of nominees. Such election(s) shall occur within 40 days thereafter. The Metropolitan Archbishop of this Archdiocese shall set the time and place for the electoral assembly and shall preside over it.
Section 7. Consecration of Metropolitan and/or Diocesan Bishop
A. The consecration of the Metropolitan Archbishop shall take place at the Patriarchal Cathedral in Damascus by the laying on of hands of the Patriarch, and the members of the Holy Synod. His enthronement (installation) shall take place at the Cathedral of the Archdiocese.

B. The consecration of Diocesan Bishops shall take place at the Patriarchal Cathedral in Damascus by the laying on of hands of the Patriarch and the members of the Holy Synod. Their enthronement (installation) shall take place at the Cathedral of their diocese.


ARTICLE II
MEMBERSHIP AND
JURISDICTION
Section 1. This Archdiocese consists of all dioceses, churches, missions, parishes, monasteries, departments, agencies, orders, societies and committees in North America (“units”) heretofore or hereafter established by the Archdiocese of North America.

Section 2. This Archdiocese shall remain one unified Antiochian entity as an Archdiocese of the Patriarchate of Antioch and may not be divided except if Orthodox unity in North America is implemented by decision of the Antiochian Holy Synod and of the Orthodox Churches concerned.
Section 3. Upon the dissolution or separation from the Archdiocese of any unit, the assets and property shall revert to the Archdiocese. No real property of any unit may be sold or mortgaged without the express written approval of the Metropolitan Archbishop and no assets in excess of $ 100,000 (one hundred thousand dollars) of any unit may be sold or mortgaged without the express written approval of the Metropolitan Archbishop.
Section 4. Any provision of the Constitution of any unit of this Archdiocese that is in any way inconsistent with, or in conflict with any provision of this Constitution shall cause said provision of the unit Constitution to be deemed void and of no effect.


ARTICLE III
PURPOSES
Section 1. The purpose of the Archdiocese is the pastoral care of the Antiochian Orthodox people of North America. It maintains spiritual unity, coordinates religious work or activity, and promotes collaboration and closer relations with the governing and advisory bodies of other Orthodox Christian Jurisdictions in the territory hereinbefore mentioned, with the intent of propagating, practicing and forever perpetuating religious worship, services, ministrations, sacraments, and teachings in full accord and unity with the doctrine, rules, ritual, canon law, faith, practice, discipline, traditions and usages of the Orthodox Christian Church.

Section 2. In fulfilling the purpose set forth in Section 1, of this Article, to exercise governing and advisory authority over all the component divisions of this Archdiocese hereinbefore mentioned.

ARTICLE IV
GOVERNMENT
Section 1. The governing code for this Archdiocese shall be the Holy Scripture, Sacred Tradition, Holy Canons, the Constitution of the Church of Antioch and the Constitution of the Archdiocese as approved by the Holy Synod of Antioch.
Section 2. The Archdiocesan Synod comprised of the Metropolitan Archbishop and the Diocesan Bishops shall be the governing ecclesiastical authority of the Archdiocese. The Metropolitan Archbishop shall preside over the Archdiocesan Synod. The Synod shall determine the number of dioceses, their boundaries, and the respective diocese(s) and/or area of responsibility of each bishop. It shall also determine all matters of hierarchical discipline of bishops of the Archdiocese.

Section 3. The decisions of the Archdiocesan Synod may be appealed to the Patriarch and Holy Synod of Antioch who shall be the final judge on the matter.
Section 4. All administrative authority is vested in the Metropolitan Archbishop and the Archdiocesan Board of Trustees as hereinafter provided.
Section 5. All legislative authority is vested in the General Convention of the Archdiocese as approved by the Metropolitan Archbishop and by the Archdiocesan Synod.

Section 6. The decisions of the Holy Synod of Antioch shall be binding on the Archdiocese on matters of doctrine, liturgy, sacraments, relations with autocephalous Orthodox Churches and ecumenical policy with regard to other Christian and non-Christian bodies.

ARTICLE V
MEETINGS
Section 1. The General Convention shall be held biennially within the last twelve days in July at a location set by the General Convention at its meeting four years preceding its determination. In the event of an emergency or circumstances which in the discretion of the Metropolitan Archbishop and the Board of Trustees justify the postponement or a change in the time, place or bidding for a future convention, such postponement and/or change in the time, place or bid therefore shall be valid.

Section 2. Special Convention

A. The Metropolitan Archbishop may call a Special Convention at any time he deems it necessary and advisable.
B. Upon a petition by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of Diocesan Bishops or of parishes of the Archdiocese in good standing to the Metropolitan Archbishop and the Board of Trustees for a special convention, the Metropolitan Archbishop and the Board of Trustees shall call a special convention.


C. The time and place of such convention shall be fixed by those responsible for calling such convention.
Section 3. Notices for Convention
A. Notices for regular conventions shall be sent to all parishes and missions of the Archdiocese and to all those who are entitled to be represented at the convention no less than sixty (60) days prior to the date of the convention.

B. All notices for special convention shall state the purpose for which the convention is being called and shall be sent by mail that will positively certify receipt by signature no less than thirty (30) days in advance of the date of such convention to all parishes and missions of the Archdiocese and to all those who are entitled to be represented at a convention.
Section 4. Delegates

A. All Diocesan Bishops pastors, full-time assistant pastors, retired pastors, and all full-time clergy directly employed by the Archdiocese shall be delegates to any convention and shall each be entitled to one (1) vote in person or by written proxy.

B. Each one hundred (100) persons or any fraction of one hundred (100) which exceeds fifty (50) persons in every parish or mission, in good standing in the Archdiocese, shall be represented by one lay delegate at a convention. Each delegate may vote on behalf of one (hundred (100) persons in his parish or community or on behalf of any fraction of one hundred (100) exceeding fifty (50) in number. A parish or community may send as many delegates or written proxies as it wishes without affecting its right to have cast in its behalf the votes to which it is entitled. These delegates shall be elected in accordance with the provisions of the local parish constitution and by-laws and be faithful Orthodox in good standing under the rules of their parish or community and the Archdiocese.
C. (1) All regular members of the Board of Trustees of the Archdiocese shall be delegates at large and shall be entitled to one vote.
(2) Each Diocesan Fellowship of St. John the Divine shall be represented by as many delegates as it wishes to send and each Diocesan Fellowship of St. John the Divine shall be entitled to one (1) vote.
(3) Each Diocesan SOYO shall be represented by as many delegates as it wishes to send and each Diocesan SOYO shall be entitled to one (1) vote and the NAC president shall be a delegate and shall be entitled to one (1) vote.
(4) Each Diocesan AOCWNA (Antiochian Orthodox Christian Women of North America) shall be represented by as many delegates as it wishes to send and each Diocesan AOCWNA shall be entitled to one (1) vote.
(5) Each Diocesan Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch shall be represented by as many delegates as it wishes to send and each Diocesan Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch shall be entitled to one (1) vote.

D. A delegate’s proxy shall be recognized if it bears the signature of the pastor and/or chairman of the Parish Council. The proxy of a priest shall be recognized with the approval of the Metropolitan Archbishop of the presiding officer of the Convention or his duly appointed representative. A proxy by telegram will be accepted in an emergency if it is approved by the Metropolitan Archbishop or the presiding officer of the convention or his duly appointed representative.


Section 5. Convention Officers

A. The Metropolitan Archbishop or his duly appointed representative shall preside over all conventions.

B. The Metropolitan Archbishop or his duly appointed representative shall appoint the following officers of the convention: A lay vice-chairman, a secretary or secretaries, sergeants at arms and one or more parliamentarians.

C. The secretaries shall be responsible for recording the minutes of the convention.

D. In the event of prolonged absence of the Metropolitan Archbishop, his duly appointed representative or upon the failure to so appoint, the Senior Diocesan Bishop shall preside at a convention.

Section 6. Quorum
A majority of the established Churches, missions and organizations which are under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese represented by delegates (either in person or by written proxies), together with a majority of active clergy of the Archdiocese, (either in person or by written proxies) shall constitute a Quorum for the transaction of business at all conventions.


ARTICLE VI
ADMINISTRATION
Section 1. Officers
A. Metropolitan Archbishop
The Metropolitan Archbishop is the chief shepherd of, and shall guide the entire unified, self-ruled Archdiocese. He shall bear the title “Metropolitan of All North America and Archbishop of New York”. The Metropolitan Archbishop shall be a member of the Holy Synod of Antioch, and the presiding officer of the Archdiocesan Synod, the Board of Trustees, Regular and Special General Assemblies, the Department of Finance, and the administration of the Archdiocese. Upon request of the Metropolitan and nomination by the General Assembly, one Auxiliary Bishop who will assist the Metropolitan with the administration of the Archdiocese shall be elected by the Archdiocesan Synod. This Auxiliary Bishop shall be a non-voting member of the Archdiocesan Synod. A candidate for Auxiliary Bishop shall satisfy the same requirements as, and be nominated and elected by the same procedure as that of a candidate for Diocesan Bishop. An Auxiliary Bishop will perform his duties under the jurisdiction and direction of the Metropolitan Archbishop. He is a member of the Archdiocesan Synod, and the Board of Trustees. He is entitled to one vote in the general assembly in person or by written proxy. The Auxiliary Bishop shall attend gatherings or synaxis of the Antiochian Bishops that may be called by the Patriarch of Antioch.
B. Diocesan Bishop

The Diocesan Bishop exercises his rights and responsibilities in accordance with the Canons of the Holy Orthodox Church, this Constitution, the decisions of the Synod of the Archdiocese and in accordance with the duties and responsibilities specified by the said Synod in “The Manual of Hierarchical Duties and Responsibilities”. The Diocesan Bishop shall bear the title of “Bishop of (city and area)”. The Diocesan Bishop shall attend gatherings or synaxis of the Antiochian Bishops that may be called by the Patriarch of Antioch.
C. Vicar General
The vicar General, who shall be selected from among the married clergy, shall perform his duties under the jurisdiction and direction of the Metropolitan Archbishop and shall be appointed by him.
D. Protosyngelos (Dean of the Clergy).
The Protosyngelos shall perform his duties under the jurisdiction and direction of the Metropolitan Archbishop and shall be appointed by him.
E. Executive Secretary
The Executive Secretary shall keep the Archdiocese records, issue regular statistical reports, and perform the duties of the Secretary of the Archdiocesan Corporation. The Executive Secretary shall be appointed by the Metropolitan Archbishop.
F. Chancellor or Chancellors
The Archdiocesan Chancellor or Chancellors shall be qualified attorneys-at-law, and shall act as legal advisor(s) to the Archdiocese. They shall be appointed by the Metropolitan Archbishop with the advice of the Board of Trustees.
G. Financial Advisor-Comptroller
The Financial Advisor-Comptroller shall act as advisor in the management of the finances of the Archdiocese and shall perform the duties usually performed by a comptroller. He shall be appointed by the Metropolitan Archbishop with the advice of the Board of Trustees.
H. Treasurer
The Archdiocesan Treasurer shall be a layman and a member of the Board of Trustees. He shall be properly bonded in a suitable sum, and shall fulfill the ordinary duties of the office of Treasurer. He shall be elected by the Board of Trustees of the Archdiocese.
I. Assistant Treasurer
The Archdiocesan Assistant Treasurer shall be a layman and a member of the Board of Trustees. He shall be properly bonded in a suitable sum, and shall fulfill the ordinary duties to the office of Assistant Treasurer. He shall be elected by the Board of Trustees.
Section 2. Board of Trustees
A. Function. This Board shall accumulate and administer all funds and properties belonging to the Archdiocese and such properties shall include but not be limited to all funds, properties, insurance policies, trusts, foundations and any other properties, including those of the Dioceses.
The Metropolitan Archbishop will, with the assistance of the Archdiocesan and Board Officers, and the various committees and orders later described in Section 3 of this Article, actually supervise the various activities of the Archdiocese. He shall present to the Board of Trustees an annual budget which will be sufficient to carry out the necessary functions. The Board of Trustees may, however, after consideration and consultation, revise, modify, increase or decrease any appropriation requested in the proposed budget.
B. Membership.
The Archdiocese Board of Trustees shall consist of the Metropolitan Archbishop, the Diocesan Bishops, the Auxiliary Bishop, the Vicar General, the Protosyngelos (the Dean of the Clergy), the Executive Secretary, the Chancellor or Chancellors, the Financial Advisor- Comptroller, the President of the North American Council of the Fellowship of St. John the Divine, the President of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Women of North America, the Chairman of the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch and thirty (30) additional members to be selected as follows: ten (10) members shall be appointed by the Metropolitan Archbishop : five (5) members shall be appointed for a term of two years; and five (5) members shall be appointed for a term of four years. The remaining twenty (20) members of the Board shall be elected by the General Conventions: ten (10) members for a term of two years; and ten (10) members for a term of four years. Upon the expiration of the appointed or elected terms as set forth hereinabove, such Board members thereafter shall be appointed or elected for full terms of four years.
In the event of a vacancy in the Board of Trustees, the Metropolitan Archbishop shall appoint a person to complete the unexpired term.
The Metropolitan Archbishop and the Board of Trustees may appoint honorary members to the Board of Trustees who shall have all rights of membership, except they shall not have the right to vote. Unless otherwise expressly provided, all appointments, or reappointments to honorary membership shall be limited to a term of two years or until the next succeeding biennial convention, whichever shall first occur.
This Board shall elect from among its members a vice-chairman, who shall preside at the request of the Metropolitan Archbishop, or in his absence at the request of the Senior Diocesan Bishop, and also a Secretary from among its members who shall keep proper records of the deliberations of the Board.

C. Meetings
The Board of Trustees shall hold regular meetings during Spring and Fall of each year at such time and place as may be determined by the Metropolitan Archbishop with the advice of the Board of Trustees. In addition, the Board of Trustees shall meet biennially during the General Convention of the Archdiocese.
Additional meetings of this Board may be called at any time when the Metropolitan Archbishop deems it advisable, or upon the request of a majority of the members of the Archdiocesan Synod or the Board who shall request the Executive Secretary of the Archdiocese to notify the members in writing of the time and place of the meeting. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board of Trustees may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board consent in writing to the adoption of a resolution authorizing the action. The resolution and the written consents thereto shall be filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board.
Twelve (12) voting members of the Board of Trustees at any meeting duly called shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The Chairman shall vote only in the event of a tie.

Section 3. Archdiocesan Committees and Orders

The Metropolitan Archbishop shall create and appoint all Committees, Commissions and Orders necessary to accomplish the purposes of the Archdiocese, after consultation with the Board of Trustees as he deems it necessary.
Section 4. Finance
A. Authority to Assess.
Each parish shall contribute to the Archdiocese a sum of money annually. Pursuant to resolutions duly made, the formula and the amount to be assessed, shall be adopted by the Board of Trustees and a majority vote of the General Assembly at the Archdiocese Convention and approved by the Metropolitan Archbishop.

B. General Fund
The contributions of the parishes as hereinbefore mentioned, together with any other general contributions, shall be deposited in the name of the Archdiocese and shall constitute the General Fund of the Archdiocese.
C. Special Funds
The Board of Trustees may create other funds titled under specific or separate names for the purposes of receiving and accumulating pledges, gifts and inheritances which may be designated for the fulfillment of any specific purpose or purposes contained in the constitution. Funds, property, pledges, gifts and inheritances received by any diocese of this Archdiocese shall be held and administered by the Archdiocese for the benefit of the diocese.
ARTICLE VII

Subject to the requirements of Article II, Section 4, the Constitution of the Archdiocese may be revised or amended in either of the following manners:
Section 1.
A resolution duly passed by a majority vote of a General or Special Convention shall be submitted to the department of Legal Affairs for the purpose of studying and determining the legality of any change. The Department of Legal Affairs, at a date no later than the Spring Meeting of the Board of Trustees, shall report its recommendations to the Board of Trustees and the Metropolitan Archbishop. The Metropolitan Archbishop thereafter shall include in the notice of the next succeeding convention the recommendations of the Board of Trustees for or against adoption together with the description in substance of the contemplated change.
The Contemplated amendment shall be put on the agenda of the next succeeding convention and shall be adopted after an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the total vote cast thereon subject to the approval of the Metropolitan Archbishop and the Archdiocesan Synod.

Section 2.

A Resolution submitted to the Archdiocesan office on or before April 1st of any year by the Department of Legal Affairs, or any members of the Board of Trustees or any parish of the Archdiocese in good standing during the immediately preceding General Convention of the Archdiocese, said resolution to be certified by the sponsor and submitted to the Metropolitan Archbishop and the Department of Legal Affairs (if not initiated by the Department of Legal Affairs) for the purpose of studying and determining the legality of such proposed change. The Department of Legal Affairs, at a date no later than the Spring Meeting of the Board of Trustees, shall report its recommendations to the Board of Trustees and the Metropolitan Archbishop. The Metropolitan Archbishop thereafter shall include the notice in the next succeeding convention the recommendations of the Board of Trustees for or against adoption together with the description in substance of the contemplated change.
The contemplated amendment shall be put on the agenda of the next succeeding convention and shall be adopted after an affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the total votes cast thereon subject to the approval of the Metropolitan Archbishop. This amended Constitution and future amendments to it shall be effective upon adoption of the Metropolitan Archbishop and the Archdiocesan Synod and approval by the Holy Synod of Antioch. Such amendments shall be consistent with the self-rule status granted to the Archdiocese by the Resolutions of the Holy Synod of Antioch dated October 9, 2003 and October 15, 2004.

Approved by the Holy Synod Antioch on: October 15- 2004.

Published by his Beatitude Ignatius IV

The AOCA Constitution and the Constitution from the Patriarchate do not agree. Does it really matter since Metropolitan Philip, the Patriarchate and the Holy Synod have acted unilaterally without regard to either Constitution, the Diocesan Bishops, the Clergy, the Board of Trustees and the Laity? If Philip reposes now will they simply do what they want as in this instance? Those who ignore history are doomed to see it repeated! Why have the Diocesan Bishops been ignored? The clergy? the Board of Trustees (except a few who cannot be trusted!)? The Laity? Why do they all continue to be ignored by Metropolitan Philip? If history is any indicator, like with Joe Allen, Fr John Namee laost his housing allowance whe he disagreed. If history is any indicator, he will simply pull rank and shut down dialogue as he did in Detroit over the issue of tithing, when he humilated V Rev. Fr Elias Bitar and the Rt Rev Michael Evans! Metropolitan Philip does not function well when confronted with facts! What will he do when he realizes that the only way the faithful may communicate their opinions to him is through LACK of MONEY or with their feet?

I fiind in 2005 it stated uncategorically the AOCA Constitution could not be amended by the Patriarchate,

January 27, 2005

IMPORTANT MESSAGE REGARDING OUR CONSTITUTION

TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE PARISH BULLETIN

Beloved Hierarchs, Clergy, Members of the Board of Trustees and Faithful of this God-Protected and Self-Ruled Archdiocese:

It has come to our attention that many of you may have received an email from Tarek Mitri dated January 25, 2005, with the subject “The North American Constitution.” Please be advised that this email is considered a serious intrusion into the affairs of this Archdiocese by Tarek Mitri, who has no ecclesiastical capacity to send such a communication to our clergy under his own signature.

Communications under the direct signature of His Beatitude Patriarch IGNATIUS IV to Metropolitan Philip and this Archdiocese are, of course, always welcome.

As you all know, the Archdiocese Constitution that was legally adopted by our Special Convention held in July 2004 in Pittsburgh is in harmony with the Synodal self-rule resolution of October 9, 2003 which was adopted unanimously by the Holy Synod, and signed by His Beatitude Patriarch IGNATIUS IV and all of the members of the Holy Synod. The Pittsburgh Constitution was submitted to the Holy Synod by Metropolitan PHILIP on October 13, 2004.

There is a very serious inaccuracy in the last sentence of the email from Tarek Mitri. In referring to our legally adopted Pittsburgh Constitution, he states that “It was discussed during the course of the meeting of the Holy Synod, October 13-15, 2004, and the attached revised constitution was unanimously approved.” Contrary to this statement, the proposed October 15, 2004 constitution (which was attached to Tarek Mitri’s email), although read by the Patriarch’s legal adviser in the meeting, was not even discussed in detail by the members of the Holy Synod nor was it unanimously approved.

Our Metropolitan PHILIP in not supporting such proposed constitution, pointed out to the members of the Holy Synod that our Constitution, by law, could only be amended by our General Assembly in the ways provided by our Constitution. Moreover, any amendments to our Constitution became effective immediately upon adoption at a General or Special Convention and the approval of our Metropolitan. Therefore the proposed constitution of October 15, 2004 could only be considered as suggested changes to our Constitution. These suggestions were submitted to the Department of Legal Affairs to avoid any inconsistencies with our existing Constitution and the Holy Synod’s self-rule Resolution of October 9, 2003.
The legal department in reviewing the suggestions of the legal advisor to the Patriarch in the proposed Constitution has noted that:

1. The proposed October 15, 2004 constitution violates the spirit and letter of the irrevocable Synodal self-rule resolution of October 9, 2003, which was itself immediately effective. Moreover it is not appropriate for any person to attempt to rewrite the Constitution of this self-ruling Archdiocese and to attempt to negate self-rule and give less authority to the Archdiocese than it had prior to the Synodal Resolution of October 9, 2003.
2. Under Section 8 of the October 9, 2003 self-rule resolution, the Holy Synod of Antioch was required to approve the Pittsburgh Constitution insofar as it was consistent with that resolution. Since the Pittsburgh Constitution is entirely consistent with the Synodal Resolution none of the suggested changes apply and any required approval has been given.

3. The proposed October 15, 2004 constitution did not receive enough scrutiny by the Holy Synod, nor was it discussed in detail in the Holy Synod meeting.


We will, at all times in this Archdiocese, be bound by our legally adopted constitution and the civil laws of this land in which we reside. Article VII of our constitution allows timely proposed amendments to be submitted for consideration only by any of the following procedures:

1. by a majority vote of the General Assembly of a Regular or Special Convention

2. by a recommendation from the Archdiocese Department of Legal Affairs

3. by a recommendation from the Archdiocese Board of Trustees

4. by a recommendation from any parish of this Archdiocese in good standing


Under all of the above procedures, any proposed amendments are “to be certified by the sponsor and submitted to the Metropolitan Archbishop and the Department of Legal Affairs for the purpose of studying and determining the legality of such proposed change.” As a courtesy, the proposed October 15, 2004 constitution was submitted to the Department of Legal Affairs for review.

As communicated in the press release of January 18th, 2005, the Department of Legal Affairs rendered a decision that the “major appropriate suggested changes do not require amendments to the Pittsburgh Constitution” and the legally adopted Pittsburgh Constitution “stands as the Constitution of this Archdiocese, without the need for further revision.”

Yours in Christ,

The Department of Legal Affairs

Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America


http://www.antiochian.org/newsjan272005

Metropolitain PHILIP on the direction of the Archdiocese
“Sometimes, during my hours of solitude, like most of you, I think about
the future of this beloved Archdiocese. I know and you know that all of
us are mortal beings. The question is: “What about the future?”
I appeal to you, my beloved children and friends, not to let any group
of people, or any group of bishops or any Synod, local or foreign,
divide you and destroy what we have built for the past forty-one years.
This Archdiocese must remain a beacon of light and a good example to be
emulated by all Orthodox in North America. We have enough Orthodox
fragmentations and we do not need any more. “



— Metropolitan Philip, 2007 Convention Speech.

If every priest, board of trustee member, auxiary bishop and layman stood up and opposed him, he may simply say shut up and sit down. If he chooses to ignore them, then what? He has the Holy Synod in his pocket (*or should I say in our pockets*), although I hear they did not have a legal quorum present. One vote was faxed in. How could there be a discussion without somone being present. The matter was decided before the Holy Synod met. Who are we kidding? We ae wasting our time discussing Canons, as neither the Holy Synod nor Met Philip care about Canons.

Please see Article IV of the Constitution of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America:

Quote:
ARTICLE IV
GOVERNMENT

Section 1. The governing code for this Archdiocese shall be the Holy Scripture, Sacred Tradition, Holy Canons, the Constitution of the Church of Antioch and the Constitution of the Archdiocese as approved by the Holy Synod of Antioch.

Section 2. The Archdiocesan Synod comprised of the Metropolitan Archbishop and the Diocesan Bishops shall be the governing ecclesiastical authority of the Archdiocese. The Metropolitan Archbishop shall preside over the Archdiocesan Synod. The Synod shall determine the number of dioceses, their boundaries, and the respective diocese(s) and/or area of responsibility of each bishop. It shall also determine all matters of hierarchical discipline of bishops of the Archdiocese.

Section 3. The decisions of the Archdiocesan Synod may be appealed to the Patriarch and Holy Synod of Antioch who shall be the final judge on the matter.

Section 4. All administrative authority is vested in the Metropolitan Archbishop and the Archdiocesan Board of Trustees as hereinafter provided.

Section 5. All legislative authority is vested in the General Convention of the Archdiocese as approved by the Metropolitan Archbishop and by the Archdiocesan Synod.

Section 6. The decisions of the Holy Synod of Antioch shall be binding on the Archdiocese on matters of doctrine, liturgy, sacraments, relations with autocephalous Orthodox Churches and ecumenical policy with regard to other Christian and non-Christian bodies.

It seems to me that the decision of the Holy Synod of Antioch conflicts with the Constitution of the Archdiocese previously approved by the same Holy Synod of Antioch and published by His Beatitude the Patriarch.

In particular, the Archdiocesan Synod, according to Section 2, "shall determine the number of dioceses, their boundaries, and the respective diocese(s) and/or area of responsibility of each bishop. It shall also determine all matters of hierarchical discipline of bishops of the Archdiocese." Therefore, any change in the status of the diocesan Bishops should be decided by the Archdiocesan Synod, with a right of appeal to the Patriarch and Holy Synod of Antioch (Section 3).

Furthermore, according to Section 6, "The decisions of the Holy Synod of Antioch shall be binding on the Archdiocese on matters of doctrine, liturgy, sacraments, relations with autocephalous Orthodox Churches and ecumenical policy with regard to other Christian and non-Christian bodies." Thus, it would seem that the Holy Synod of Antioch is not competent to reduce diocesan Bishops within the Archdiocese to the status of Auxiliary Bishops.

MP should have retired when he was on top, i.e., after getting the self-rule and installing the Diocesan Bishops. Now he will either retire or die in disgrace. It is not a matter of how well one runs a race, but how he finishes. MP is finished. Does he recognize it?

(Editor's note: On the other hand, it takes a real leader to admit a rush to judgement may have been made, and agree to a reconsideration, so that all dimensions of the question may be fully considered, returning things to the status quo ante as such a task is undertaken.)

Your remarks are interesting in the fact that it lacks specifics. My understanding is that the old guard Arabs of the Detroit area were left to their own devices. Bishop Mark did not cause the Exodus their priests have. More than 90% of the marriages in the church are to non-Orhodox. When the spouse does not feel welcome because of cultural barriers or linguistic barriers, they will loose both. This trend in Detroit has been going on for years (before Bp Mark was consecrated). Even with this trend the Detroit clergy continued to commune non-Orthodox spouses and Bp MARK said nothing as he knew he was not supported by *Met Philip*. Even though it is the Policy of Met Philip that non_orthodx are not to be communed. What specifically do the Detroit clergy or old country Arabs do tht endears them, other than to violate th canons, the fasts, fraternize with the muslims, etc.? What specifically did Bp Mark do that cause this supposed exodus, as he left them to their own devices. Can you document your accusations? What? When? Where? Who? As Judge Judy would ask, don't tell me you heard this? *WHAT DID YOU SEE WITH YOUR OWN EYES? WHAT DID YOU HEAR FROM BISHOP MARK WITH YOUR OWN EARS?....

I saw a documentary on Prague and the Communist movement. Many who advocated for communism during the rise of Hitler did so because they were fearful of fascism. They worked hard to adopt communism in Prague as poverty was rampant and they were afraid off the Nazis. After the war many of the top leaders of their own communist party were accused of collaborating with the USA. Not because they did so, but for two reasons: 1.) Insecurity and they wanted to show their loyalty to Stalin, so they betrayed innocent men 2.) The leaders of the Communist Party in Prague were Jews and they wanted to finish what Hitler started. The widows of these leaders, when interviewed said that what they worked for and what they got were two different things! Communism looked better on paper than in practice.

When I say I want out, it is out of frustration, indeed because, Orthodoxy looks better on paper than in practice. The Very Rev Dr John Meyendorff made the comment several times when I heard him speak, " It is the right faith but the wrong people.

Sadly, I have a friend from college that wrote me after twenty years and he recapped his life and spiritual journey in the evangelical world. I was completely embarrassed to speak of my spiritual journey in Orthodoxy: arguements about belly dancers, food festivals, food preparation, how much tahini goes in the humus; gambling, casino nights, scams at the church candle stand (writing checks for $100.00 and asking for $98.00 in change), fundraisers, etc., etc., etc.. We are losing our youth. We are more concerned with language issues, cultural issues, and ethnic issues. Divisions within Orthodoxy not only between Greeks and Arabs, but Arabs from one Village or another. Arabs from one country or another, etc. The same could equally be said, I am sure about our other ethnic groups. We may have two Antiochian parishes in one city and the people from one church will not go to the other. Other ethnic groups are the same from what I hear.

Sadly, I see little tolerance for legitimate liturgical diversity. Some Antiochians tend to butcher the service and anyting they dislike or think too lengthy they say is Russian. Last I hard the Russians were Orthodox too. I earnestly yearn to engross myself in the Holy Gospel, the other Sacred Scriptures and he Holy Fathers. I long to see a Church bringing forth fruits in keeping with repentance. Sadly, instead I see a den of thieves. Some of the clergy who are directing the Archdiocese are more concerned with visiting Las Vegas than providing Liturgical Services, teaching the Holy Scriptures and Fathers or opening the doors of the church to the people of North America. Though these hirelings have made great profit off their flocks, by fleecing the sheep, they do not impress me as genuinely caring for all the people, Christ or the Gospel. They appear to be ghetto Lords who keep the doors tightly shut to those outside and yet fail to minister to the less than wealthy of their own parishes.

If these priests do not want to mix with the natives they should go back across the big pond and let us have a Church and not a Ghetto. I am sure we would have NO PROBLEM raising money for their tickets.