New York, May 1, 2009
The Holy Eparchial Synod of the Holy Archdiocese of America convened for its regular Spring Session in the Synodal Room of the Holy Archdiocese in New York on April 29 and 30 under the presidency of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America. 
    The Holy Eparchial Synod deliberated on a series of issues pertaining to the life of the Church. Among them, the following were discussed:
1. Liturgical Issues – The Holy Eparchial Synod worked for the preparation of a Service Text for the induction of the heterodox into the Orthodox Church through the administration of the Sacrament of Chrismation.
A new special pocket edition of the New Testament for the benefit of Orthodox military personnel was presented. It was published by the American Bible Society in cooperation with the Holy Archdiocese of America. Parishes of the Holy Archdiocese will be called by their local Metropolitan to honor their members serving in the military and offer them this special edition of the New Testament.
2. Canonical Issues – The Holy Eparchial Synod a) discussed cases of canonical issues pertaining to inter-Orthodox relations in the USA, b) made decisions with regard to pending issues of disciplinary nature, c) approved the draft of the Regulations for the operation the Holy Eparchial Synod, which will be forwarded to the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for final approval, and d) worked on a text of the regulations for the operation of Spiritual Courts.    
3. Educational Issues
a) Holy Cross School of Theology / Hellenic College – A lengthy discussion took place regarding the Holy Cross School of Theology and Hellenic College, and more specifically the financial ramifications of the world financial crisis. Furthermore, gratitude was expressed to the members of “Leadership 100”, for it was their personal donations that covered the necessary amount for the continuation of the scholarship program offered to students of the Holy Cross School of Theology. It was also emphasized that the clergy of the Holy Archdiocese should increase their efforts to cultivate young people for the Priesthood, especially among altar boys.
b) Specialized Educational Program for Deacons – There was discussion on the practical aspects of this program that is already underway at the Holy Cross School of Theology and operates under the supervision of the Holy Eparchial Synod. A supplementary educational program at the Metropolis level was suggested.
After the conclusion of the session of the Holy Eparchial Synod, the hierarchs participated in the meeting of the Executive Committee of the Archdiocesan Council.
                       
From the Office of the Holy Eparchial Synod

NEW YORK – Yesterday, May 5, 2009, Archbishop Demetrios of America, responding to a formal invitation, made an official visit to the Headquarters of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR), the first such visit of a Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in more than 40 years. The visit was reciprocal in nature, as Archbishop Demetrios had received the new First Hierarch of ROCOR, His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion, at the Headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in June of 2008, after the enthronement of the latter.

The Archbishop was received by Metropoltian Hilarion and members of the ROCOR Synod in the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Sign. After cordial fraternal exchanges between the Hierarchs and the clergy, there was the chanting of “Christ is Risen” in Slavonic, Greek and English, and Metropolitan Hilarion escorted Archbishop Demetrios to venerate the historic Miracle Working Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God. Metropolitan Hilarion addressed Archbishop Demetrios to the Cathedral and ROCOR Headquarters saying, “We welcome the Chief Orthodox Archpastor of America and the Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.” An exchange of greetings and gifts followed.

After the veneration of several relics and icons in the Cathedral, Metropolitan Hilarion and Archbishop Demetrios gathered in the Metropolitan’s private quarters for informal discussions. The Archbishop was accompanied in the meeting by His Grace Bishop Savas of Troas; the Very Rev. Archimandrite Sebastian Skordallos, Chief Secretary of the Eparchial Synod; the Rev. Mark Arey, Director for Inter-Orthodox Relations, and Archdeacon Pandeleimon Papadopoulos. Metropolitan Hilarion was accompanied by His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco, His Grace Bishop George of Mayfield, His Grace Bishop Jerome of Manhattan, the Very Rev. Archpriest Alexander Lebedeff, and the Very Rev. Archpriest Seraphim Gan.

At the conclusion of the hour-long meeting, the entire company was joined by other ROCOR Hierarchs who were present for Synod Meetings during these days, and a festive Paschal meal was offered in honor of Archbishop Demetrios. The ROCOR Hierarchs who joined the meal were Archbishop Mark of Berlin, Bishop Gabriel of Montreal, Bishop Peter of Cleveland, and Bishop John of Caracas.