NEW YORK – The Holy Eparchial Synod and the Archdiocesan Council are having their fall meetings this week in New York presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios Geron of America. The agenda of the Synod is similar to the ones of previous meetings about administration, finances, education, and the Theological School.
It is noted here that The National Herald had reported on September 8, 2018 that “at the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Holy Synod, Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey said there is a serious problem at the Hellenic College Holy Cross School of Theology (HCHC), referring to: reduction of the student body, a dire financial situation, the resignations of Deans Demetrios Katos from the College and Demetrios Skedros from the Theological School, as well as the resignation of numerous members of the Board of Trustees.
“Evangelos also raised the issue of a director’s criticism of School President Fr. Christopher Metropulos. In the presence of the Synod, which included Archbishop Demetrios, Evangelos said the situation at the School is unbearable. He said Metropulos needs to be replaced. Though Archbishop Demetrios attempted to beatify things, Evangelos countered that the School’s condition is well-known.”
As the article was written the Eparchial Synod continued to be in session but preliminary information obtained by TNH says that the Archbishop is not willing to remove Fr. Metropoulos from the presidency of the Theological School. TNH has learned that schools, Hellenic College and Holy Cross School of Theology have only 154 students this academic year the lowest number of recent years.
The Eparchial Synod is convened twice a year in the Fall and Spring and on special occasions whenever the Archbishop deems it necessary. Bishop Sebastian of Zela is the Chief Secretary of the Eparchial Synod and also the Spiritual Advisor of the National Philoptochos of the Archdiocese.
Also the Archdiocesan Council Fall Meeting will be held on Friday, October 19 at the New York Marriott Marquis hotel, with the following Agenda.
I. Opening Prayer – His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios
II. Archbishop’s Remarks to Joint Gathering
III. Roll Call of Members– Cathy Bouffides-Walsh, Legal Counsel
IV. Affirmation of Office– Archbishop Demetrios
V. Election of Officers
VI. Appointment of Executive Committee– Archbishop Demetrios
VII. Remarks of Vice President of the Archdiocesan Council
VIII. 2018 Clergy-Laity Congress Report– Metropolitan Methodios
IX. Financial Report for 2018
X. Review of 2019 Revised Budget
XI. St. Nicholas Update
XII. Old & New Business
XIII. Closing Remarks and Prayer– His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios
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