Diocesan Council Meets for Winter Session

[December 10, 2009] On December 1, 2009 the Diocesan Council (clergy and laity) met at the Diocesan Administration for its winter session. Following the opening prayer Bishop Theodosy of Seattle greeted Archbishop Kyrill on the occasion of his 55th birthday and being awarded the Second Order of St. Innocent, Metropolitan of Moscow and Kolomensk by His Holiness Patriarch Kyrill of Moscow and All Russia. Archbishop Kyrill thanked Bishop Theodosy and emphasized that he accepts this award not as something he personally deserves, but on behalf of the clergy and flock of the Western American Diocese, who have helped and supported him throughout the years.

The Council approved the new diocesan seal and it was moved that the new diocesan by-laws (approved at the last Diocesan Assembly) be submitted together with the seal to the Secretary of State in Sacramento. The Council designated financial aid to a number of clergy and their families. It was noted that not all clergy of the Western American Diocese are aquainted with the proper way of traveling, handling and visiting homes with the Kursk-Root icon. V. Krassovsky was asked to put together guidelines in this regard. Members of the Diocesan Council inquired about Patriarch Kyrill's proposed visit to San Francisco at the end of 2010. It was decided to hold off any planning until the visit was offcially confirmed and dates set. Archbishop Kyrill announced that he is convening a Diocesan Assembly in the fall of 2010. A discussion followed in regards to the planning of and new format of the upcoming assembly. A decree regarding the assemby will be issued in the near future. The next meeting of the Diocesan Council is scheduled for December 1, 2009.