St. Andrew House
A Pan Orthodox institution dedicated to Orthodox Unity
A.
The
Primary Canons (Constitution) of the
Roum Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch
(Adopted June 20�23, 1972)
Article
1: The
Article
2. The jurisdiction of the
Patriarchate of Antioch extends over
Article
3. The city of
Article
4. The Holy Synod is the highest
authority in the Church.
Article
5. Clergy and Laity share in the
life of the Church, each according to the gift bestowed by the Spirit.
Article
6. In this constitution, the word �clergy�
refers to the Patriarch, the Metropolitan, the Bishop, the Priest and the
Deacon.
Article
7. Every clergyman is the servant
of God and His people; his ministry is gratuitous, in that he is not to be
financially compensated for the ministry he renders.
Article
8. The Church shall provide
livelihood to her ministers out of the donations of the faithful, as well as
from the revenues derived from Church properties and endowments.
The Holy
Synod
Article
9. The Holy Synod shall consist of
the Patriarch as president and the Metropolitans as members.
Article
10.. The Holy Synod is the ultimate
authority in matters of faith, the legislative body, as we11 as the supreme
court in the Church. Its verdicts are final and may not be disputed.
Article
11. The Synod nominates and elects
the Patriarch from among Its members, and also nominates and elects the
Metropolitans and Bishops, according to the By-Laws of the Antiochian
Patriarchate.
Article
12.. The Synod exercises Judiciary
power over the Patriarch, the Metropolitans and the Bishops, according to the
By-Laws. Its verdicts are final.
Article
13.. The Synod has the power of
establishing new Archdioceses and of adjusting the boundaries of existing
Archdioceses.
Article
14.. The Synod is the definer of the
kind and extent of the relations of the
Article
15. The Synod shall supervise the
saint John of Damascus Theological Academy, the
Article
16. The Patriarch shall issue the
By-Laws governing the See of Antioch. Such By-Laws shall define the work of the
Synod, the number of departments as well as the authority of such departments
and the conducting of their meetings.
The Patriarch
Article
17.. The Patriarch Is the president of the Holy Synod, the executor of Its
decisions, the symbol of the unity of the Church of Antioch, the liaison
between her and the universal Church, and her representative to other churches1
religious bodies and States.
Article
18. The Patriarch shall oversee the
Church properties and endowments In Antioch.
Article
19. The patriarch shall be accorded
all the ecclesiastical rights and privileges of his office.
Article
20. The Patriarch shall appoint the
Patriarchal Exarchs within the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Antioch, and
they shall be responsible to him.
Article
21. The Patriarch shall not lend,
borrow, exchange, mortgage, accept in mortgage, or sell any of the properties
and endowments of the See of Antioch, except by an edict issued by agreement of
the Holy Synod.
Article
22. The Patriarchal Throne shall be
considered vacant in the event of death, resignation, deposition or permanent
disability.
Article
23 . Upon the vacancy of the
Patriarchal Throne, the Holy Synod shall convene upon a summons issued by the
Patriarchal Vicar and shall elect from among Its members a Patriarchal locum
tenens who shall exercise the privileges defined in the By-Laws.
Article 24. The Patriarchal locum tenens shall
call the members of the Holy Synod to session within ten days from the date of
the vacancy in order to nominate and elect the new Patriarch according to the
By-Laws.
The
Metropolitan
Article
25.The Metropolitan is the shepherd of his Archdiocese, the symbol of its
unity, its liaison with the ecclesiastical community, and its official
representative to the State.
Article
26. The Metropolitan shall oversee the monasteries, the churches, the
institutions, and the properties in his Archdiocese and he shall have the right
of immediate supervision over them
all.
Article
27. The Metropolitan shall not lend1
borrow, exchange, mortgage, accept in mortgage, or sell any of the properties
and endowments of his ,Archdiocese, except by an edict proposed by the
Archdiocesan Board of Trustees and confirmed by the written permission of the
Patriarch.
Article
28.. The Archdiocesan Throne shall be
considered vacant in the event of death, resignation1 deposition, or permanent
disability.
Article
29. Upon the vacancy of the Archdiocesan Throne, the Patriarch shall appoint a
Patriarchal Vicar for the vacant Archdiocese who shall exercise the privileges
defined in the By-Laws.
Article
30. The Patriarch shall call the members of the Holy Synod to session within
forty days from the date of the vacancy in order to nominate and elect the new
Metropolitan according to the
By-Laws.
Article
31. The candidate for the office of
Bishop or Metropolitan must meet the following requirements:
A. He must be a member of the Patriarchate
of Antioch.
B. He must be at least thirty-three years of
age.
C. He must hold a Baccalaureate degree or
its equivalent.
D. Me must hold an earned theological degree
from the Saint John of Damascus Theological Academy or any other Orthodox
theological academy.
E. He must have appeared in the presence of
a special committee appointed by the Synod which shall decide upon the
candidate�s worthiness for the office of the episcopate.
The Parish
Priest
Article 32..The Parish Priest Is the spiritual father
of his parish.
Article
33. He shall celebrate the divine services In the church to which he is
assigned.
Article
34. He shall be subordinate to either the Patriarchal See or to the
Metropolitan of the Archdiocese to which he belongs, and shall be directly
responsible to him.
Article
35.The candidate for the priesthood must meet the following requirements:
A. He must be at least twenty-five years of
age and be of good repute.
B. He must hold a bravet (sic) degree.
C. He must hold a certificate from the
The Deacon
Article
36.The Deacon shall assist the Patriarch1 the Metropolitan and the Priest at
the divine services and with community work.
Article
37. The Deacon shall be subordinate
to either the Patriarchal See or to the Metropolitan of the Archdiocese to
which he belongs.
Article
38. The Deacon shall not be ordained celibate until he reaches twenty�five
years of age.
Article 39. Sections B. and C. of Article 35 apply to
the candidate for the diaconate.
The Monk
Article
40. The monk is he who lives in a monastery, fulfilling his vows according to
the Orthodox monastic tradition and the discipline of the monastery.
Article
41. Upon the death of a non-Syrian
monk or celibate clergyman, his movable and immovable property shall revert
forthwith to the Church.
The
Archdiocese and the Parishes
Article
42. The geographical boundaries of the Archdioceses of the Antiochian See are
defined in the By-Laws.
Article
43. The Archdioceses are divided
Into parochial units, each headed by the Priest and centered around the parish
church.
Article
44. Every Orthodox Christian residing
within the boundaries of a given parochial unit is ipso facto a member of that
particular parish.
The
Archdiocesan Boards of Trustees
Article
45. The Archdiocesan Boards of
Trustees shall be defined and governed by the By�Laws.
The
Article
46. The Saint John of Damascus
Theological Academy shall be administered by a Board of Trustees according to a
special constitution ratified by the Holy Synod.
Provisions
Article
47. The Patriarch shall publish these canons and make them known to all
Antiochian Archdioceses.
Article
48. The Patriarch shall present
these canons to the proper civil authorities.
Article
49. Any rulings contradicting these canons shall be abrogated; all previous
boards and organizations that are in contradiction with these rulings shall be
considered dismissed as of the date of ratification of these canons.
Article
50. Within six months following the publication of the By-Laws, the rulings of
these canons shall apply to the Archdiocesan Boards of Trustees.
Article
51. These canons may be amended only by a two-thirds majority vote of the
members of the Holy Synod.
B.
The By-Laws of the Roum
Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch
(Promulgated by the Patriarchate - January 1983)
1. The application and execution of the
Constitution of the Roum Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East,
adopted by the Holy Synod of Antioch at its regular session convened at the
Patriarchal Monastery of Our Lady of Saidnaya on June 20-23, 1972, shall be
determined by the following By-Laws.
2. The Antiochian Church, known officially
as �The Roum Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East,� consists of
the following Archdioceses and Vicariates which are defined ecclesiastically,
historically, and geographically:
A. The Archdioceses
1.
2. Latakiya (Laodicia) and Dependencies:
headquartered in
3. The Antiochian Orthodox Christian
Archdiocese of North America: headquartered in
4.
5.
6.
7.
8. Jubail, (
9.
10.
11.
12. Zahleh,
13.
14.
15. Akkar (
16.
B. The Vicariates
1.
2. Western Europe: headquartered in
3. Central America: headquartered in
4.
5.
3. The city of
4. Both the Clergy and the Laity
participate in the life of the Church, each according to his gift.
5. In these By-Laws, the term �Clergy�
refers to the Patriarch, the Metropolitan, the Bishop, the Priest and the
Deacon; the term �Laity� refers to all other members of the Church.
The Holy
Synod
6. The Holy Synod is the ultimate authority
in all matters of faith, the legislative body, and the highest judicial
authority in the Church. All Clergy, Monastics and Laity are bound by its
decisions.
7. The Holy Synod consists of the Patriarch
as president and the Metropolitans of the Archdioceses as members.
8. The Holy Synod exercises the following
privileges:
A Protection of the Orthodox faith, its
unity and the laws of the Church.
B Strengthening of fraternal ties with the
rest of the Orthodox Churches.
C Investigating innovations, heresies and
violations; dealing with such matters and disciplining the offenders.
D Establishing new Archdioceses and
Vicariates and altering their geographical boundaries either through merger or
division.
E Nominating and electing the Patriarch,
the Metropolitans and the Bishops according to the provisions of these By-Laws.
F Compiling and approving an annual list
of clergyman who are eligible for the episcopate.
G Appointing the Synodical Committees,
giving them direction, appointing their chairman, and reviewing their reports.
H Supervising the
I Studying the state of the Archdiocese
and Vicariates, their financial status, development, and their pastoral,
educational and liturgical life, and giving the necessary counsel when
necessary.
J Nullifying any contracts which were
made contrary to the provisions outlined in Articles 21 and 27 of the Constitution
of the Patriarchate, and disciplining the offenders.
K Accepting the resignation of the
Patriarch, Metropolitan and Bishop, and defining the ramifications of their
permanent disability.
9. The Holy Synod convenes twice each year
at the Patriarchal Headquarters, or at any other site designated by the
Patriarch; the first meeting is held during the first half of October and the
second is held during the Pentecost season. Special meetings of the Synod may
be called at any time deemed necessary either by the Patriarch or upon the
written request of three (3) members of the Synod.
10. The Patriarch shall issue a written call to
meeting at least two months prior to the date set for the opening session. This
call to meeting shall include the agenda and all documents pertinent to
discussion at the meeting.
11. The agenda for a regular session of the
Holy Synod shall consist of all old business, unimplemented decisions, and any
new business which the Patriarch and the Metropolitans have presented for
inclusion on the agenda. Business transacted at special sessions of the Holy
Synod is limited to the subject(s) for which the special session is called.
12. The Holy Synod meets upon the invitation of
the Patriarch and under his presidency, except in instances when the Synod is
convened as a court to judge the Patriarch. In the latter instance, the Synod
is convened at the invitation of the senior (in ordination) member of the Synod
and under his chairmanship.
13. Sessions of the Holy Synod are legal when a
majority of its members are present, unless otherwise stipulated in these
By-Laws.
14. Voting at the sessions of the Holy Synod is
strictly limited to the members of the Holy Synod.
15. Voting takes places in an open matter,
unless a secret ballot is desired by the majority of members present.
16. The Holy Synod makes decisions by a
majority of the members present.
17. The Patriarch is a voting member of the
Holy Synod. In the event of a tie, his will be the deciding vote.
18. The Holy Synod appoints one of the
Patriarchal clergy Recording Secretary; he may be the Patriarchal Vicar.
19. The Secretary of the Holy Synod must record
all of the minutes in the official Book of Records of the Synod, and distribute
of these minutes to each member.
20. The Patriarch and all members of the Holy
Synod must sign the minutes of each session.
21. Following each meeting of the Holy Synod,
the Secretary must prepare and distribute a press release pertaining to the
decisions made.
22. The Holy Synod appoints the following committees:
A The Committee for the
i. Supervises the Academy, the
ii. Provides books, educational and
religious publications for children, young people and adults.
iii.
Arranges clergy symposia and meetings.
B The Committee for Ecumenical Affairs
which:
i. Studies all matters proposed by the
Sister Churches, other Christian bodies and religious groups.
ii. Attends the conferences and meetings
related to the business of this Committee.
C The Committee for Public Relations which
publicizes the news of the Church through the media.
D The Liturgical Committee which publishes
and corrects liturgical books and studies and corrects abuses in the
ecclesiastical arts (architecture, iconography, music).
E The Pastoral Committee which secures and
maintains information about the celibate clergy, and prepares an annual list of
eligible candidates for the episcopate. This list is submitted to the Holy
Synod for approval.
The
Holy Synod has the privilege of increasing or decreasing the number of
Committees dependent upon the present need.
23. Each Synodical Committee serves for a
period of three (3) years from the date of its appointment. At the expiration
of the three year term, new committee members are appointed.
The
Patriarch
24. The Patriarch is President of the Holy
Synod, the executor of its decisions, the symbol of the unity of the
25. The Patriarch has the right to oversee the
Church properties and endowments in
26. The Patriarch enjoys all the ecclesiastical
rights and privileges of his office.
27. The Patriarch exercises the following
privileges:
A He corresponds with the various
Churches, the Metropolitan of the See of Antioch and the Vicariates.
B He signs all agreements, documents and
letters in the name of the See, but only after they have been submitted by the
parties concerned.
C He issues the Praxis upon the election
of the Metropolitan and Bishop, and endorses their signatures.
D He wards medals in the name of the See
of Antioch upon the recommendation of the Metropolitan of an Archdiocese of the
Bishop of a Vicariate.
E He issues the call for the regular and
special meetings of the Holy Synod, presides at these meetings, and may invite
to these sessions members of the Clergy or Laity whose knowledge and expertise
will benefit the Holy Synod.
F He mediates all disputes within the
Patriarchate.
G He calls the Bishops and Vicars for a
regular biennial meeting, and presides at said meeting.
H He calls for a General Convention of the
entire Patriarchate, and presides at said Convention.
I He convenes and chairs the Council of
Development and Economics of the Patriarchate.
J He appoints members of Antiochian
delegations after consultation with the concerned Synodical Committee(s).
K In the Archdiocese of Damascus, he
enjoys all the privileges as the Metropolitan of Damascus.
L He appoints the superiors of the
Patriarchal Monasteries.
M He appoints one of the Metropolitans of
the Antiochian See to be his Vicar (Locum Tenens) in a vacant Archdiocese.
N He appoints all of the Patriarchal
Vicars and is their ultimate authority.
O He nominates three (3) of the eligible
clergy, and the Holy Synod elects one of them, to be Patriarchal Vicar.
28. The Patriarch safeguards the canons of the
Local and Ecumenical Councils, and the canons and laws of the See of Antioch.
29. The Patriarch does not have the right to
lend, borrow, mortgage, or sell any of the properties and endowments of the See
of Antioch, except by an edict issued by agreement of the Holy Synod.
30. The Patriarch appoints all of the chairmen
and the advisors of the Spiritual Court of Appeal in
31. In the event of his permanent disability, the
Patriarch is placed in one of the Patriarchal Monasteries or in a hospital, and
the Patriarchate is bound to provide for his proper care.
Election of
the Patriarch
32. A candidate for the Patriarchal Throne must
be a member of the Holy Synod and must have served in this capacity for at
least five (5) years.
33. The Patriarchal Throne is considered vacant
in the event of death, resignation, deposition, or permanent disability.
34. Upon the death of the Patriarch, the
Patriarchal Vicar must lock the Patriarch�s private quarters and offices and
seal them with red wax in the presence of the Director of the Patriarchal
Offices and whomever from the community may be in attendance. A report
concerning this sealing must be signed by all those in attendance. The
Patriarchal Vicar will then announce the death of the Patriarch to the
Metropolitans by telegram.
35. Within twenty-four (24) hours of the
announcement of the death, the Metropolitans convene under the chairmanship of
the senior (in ordination) member of the Holy Synod for the purpose of electing
from among their number a Patriarchal Locum Tenens.
36. Upon assuming this position, the
Patriarchal Locum Tenens shall formally announce to the Church and State the
death of the Patriarch, the time appointed for the funeral, and inform them of
this own election as Patriarchal Locum Tenens.
37.. The deceased Patriarch is to lay in state in
the Patriarchal Cathedral awaiting the funeral service, after which he is
interred in the Patriarchal Tomb.
38. The authority of the Patriarchal Locum
Tenens is limited to presiding at the election of the new Patriarch. He must
confine his duties to the Patriarchal Offices and has no particular authority
to change or alter any of the situations, personnel, Properties, endowments or
other Patriarchal possessions or belongings.
39. Following the funeral, and within ten (10)
days of the date when the Patriarchal Throne became vacant, the Holy Synod will
meet for the nomination and election of the new Patriarch under the
chairmanship of the Patriarchal Locum Tenens. Two-thirds (2/3) of the
membership of the Holy Synod will constitute a quorum. If, upon the first call
to meeting, this quorum is not met, the Patriarchal Locum Tenens shall send
telegrams to the absent Metropolitans requesting their presence. If after
twenty-four (24) hours the two�thirds membership is still not present, the Holy
Synod shall leegally (sic) convene with those members present constituting the
quorum. Each member present shall name on a ballot three (3) candidates, whose
eligibility is defined in Article 23 of these By-Laws. Results are tabulated
and the three (3) Metropolitans with the majority of votes are recognized as
the nominees for the office of Patriarch.
40. If this vote results in a tie between two
(2) persons, one of them shall be chosen by lot.
41. The following rules are to be observed in
the selecting of candidates:
A If a ballot contains more than three (3)
names, the first three (3) names listed on the ballot will be accepted for
tally.
B If a ballot contains only one (1) or two
(2) names, it will be accepted for tally.
C If one (1) name appears more than once
on a single ballot, it shall only be counted as one (1) vote.
D All illegible ballots will be
invalidated.
E Any ballot containing names other than
those of the eligible candidates will be invalidated.
42. The election of the Patriarch shall take
place in the Patriarchal Cathedral in the following manner. If on the first
ballot a nominee receives two�thirrds (2/3) of the votes, he is accepted as the
new Patriarch. If, however, on the first ballot no nominee receives two-thirds
(2/3) of the votes, the balloting is repeated. On this second ballot, the
nominee receiving the majority of votes is accepted as the new Patriarch, and
the results are recorded in the official Book of Records.
43.
The rules enumerated in Article 41 of these By�Laws (concerning ballots of
nomination) also apply to the ballots of election.
44. Upon the announcement of the election of
the new Patriarch, a thanksgiving service is celebrated presided over by the
newly elected. All present greet the new Patriarch and the results of the
election are announced through the media.
45. The enthronement of the Patriarch takes
place at a time designated by him, and he announces it to the Churches and
civil authorities.
46. The Patriarch presides at the Divine
Liturgy on the day of his enthroning and is assisted by delegates from the
other Orthodox Churches. He receives his pastoral staff from the senior (in ordination)
Antiochian Metropolitan, and delivers an address in which he pledges to
safeguard the dogmas and laws of the Church and outlines his plans for the See
of Antioch.
47. The Patriarch commences his duties by
blessing the faithful and by sending a Letter of Peace to the heads of all
Orthodox Churches.
The
Metropolitan of the Archdiocese
48. The Metropolitan is the shepherd of his
Archdiocese, the symbol of its unity, its liaison with the ecclesiastical
community, and its official representative to the State. He has the right of
immediate supervision of all endowments, monasteries, churches, institutions,
shrines (chapels), and is the chairman of all the councils, organizations,
institutions and religious bodies, and he supervises all this according to the
accepted rules and by-laws.
49. He chairs the Elementary Spiritual Court of
the Archdiocese, following and applying the �Personal Status Code.�
50. He maintains baptismal, betrothal and
marriage records, and the contracts for endowments, properties, holy utensils,
manuscripts and icons in the Archdiocese and submits copies of them to the
Secretary of the Holy Synod. He must safeguard all the furnishings of the
Archdiocese and the Possessions of the churches and monasteries.
51. He cares for the clergy of his Archdiocese,
securing for them a good standard of living, and meets with them regularly to
supervise their pastoral activities. He must maintain a file on each clergyman,
containing his name, birth-date, dates of ordination, education and behavioral
background. If the clergyman is celibate, a record of his possessions which he
has received through inheritance, bequest or gift, is included and a copy of
that is submitted to the Secretary of the Holy Synod.
52. He may not accept into his Archdiocese any
clergyman who does not possess a canonical release.
53. The Metropolitan is to encourage preaching
and teaching throughout his Archdiocese and is to visit the members of his
flock as often as possible and maintain a statistical count of them.
54. He exercises his membership in the Holy
Synod by attending its meetings, implementing its decisions and following its
By-Laws.
55. He, together with the Board of Trustees of
his Archdiocese, prepares an annual financial report.
56. It is forbidden for the Metropolitan to be
a member of a political party or secret organization.
57. He is not permitted to lend, borrow,
exchange, mortgage, accept in mortgage, or sell any of the endowments of his
Archdiocese except by an edict proposed by the Archdiocesan Board of Trustees
and confirmed by the written permission of the Patriarch. Any action to the
contrary is considered null and void.
58. He safeguards the canons of the Local and
Ecumenical Councils and the canons and laws of the See of Antioch.
59. In the event of temporary disability, the
Metropolitan shall request of the Patriarch the appointment of a temporary
Vicar to administer his Archdiocese. In the event of terminal or permanent
disability, the Metropolitan is placed in one of the Patriarchal Monasteries
and his Archdiocese is bound to provide for his proper care.
Election of
the Metropolitan
60. A candidate for the office of Metropolitan
must meet the following qualifications.
A Be a member of the See of Antioch.
B Be well-versed in the Arabic language
and the language of the Archdiocese for which he is to be nominated.
C Be no less than thirty-three (33) years
of age, and not more than sixty-five (65) years of age.
D Possess a theological degree from the
Saint John of Damascus Theological School, or from any other Orthodox academy.
E Be a clergyman within the Patriarchate
of Antioch for at least five (5) years, having a good reputation and service
record.
F Be on the Synodical List of eligible
candidates for the office of the episcopate. He has to declare in writing all
of his possessions acquired before his ordination and that acquired after his
ordination by inheritance, bequest or gift.
61.
The Archdiocesan Throne is considered vacant in the event of death, resignation,
deposition, or permanent disability.
62. In the event of death, the Vicar General of
the Archdiocese is to send a telegram to the Patriarch, and immediately call
for a meeting of the Archdiocesan Board of Trustees at which time an official
inventory is made of all the contents of the Archdiocesan Headquarters, and the
departed Metropolitan�s private quarters are locked and sealed with red wax.
63. The body of the Metropolitan is to lay in
state at his Cathedral.
64. Upon receiving the news of the death of the
Metropolitan, the Patriarch shall appoint one of the Metropolitans as
Patriarchal Vicar and announce the death of the departed Metropolitan to the
other Metropolitans and Bishops.
65. The funeral arrangements are to be made by
the Patriarchal Vicar and the Archdiocesan Board of Trustees.
66. The Patriarchal Vicar assumes the
responsibilities outlined in Article 38 of these By-Laws.
67.
A The Patriarchal Vicar issues a call for
an Archdiocesan Convention within forty (40) days of the vacancy of the
Archdiocesan Throne. The Convention is charged with the responsibility of
selecting six (6) candidates whose names are on the Synodical List of eligible
clergy. The Patriarchal Vicar immediately informs the Patriarch of the results of this Convention.
B The Holy Synod assumes the
responsibility of selecting, nominating, and electing only if there is not an
Archdiocesan Convention, or if it is deemed impossible for any such meeting to
be convened, or if the safety of the Archdiocese necessitates such action.
68. Upon receiving the results of the
selection, the Patriarch calls the Holy Synod for an election meeting according
to Articles 39, 40, 41, 42, and 43 of these By-Laws. At the end of the meeting,
the Patriarch is informed of the results by the senior (in ordination)
Metropolitan.
69. The Patriarch notifies the
Metropolitan-elect and confirms his acceptance. If there is an acceptance, the
Patriarch calls him to discuss with him the arrangements for the consecration.
If, however, there is no acceptance, the Holy Synod returns to its session to
choose another Metropolitan-elect.
70. After his consecration, the new
Metropolitan receives from the Patriarch the traditional Praxis and the
Patriarch officially informs the civil authorities of the matter.
71. The Patriarch appoints two (2)
Metropolitans to accompany the new Metropolitan to his Archdiocese.
72. On the first Sunday following his arrival
in his Archdiocese, the new Metropolitan presides at the Divine Liturgy,
delivers an address, blesses the people and pledges to safeguard the canons and
laws of the Church and his obedience to the Holy Synod of Antioch.
73. The new Metropolitan commences fraternal
communications with the Antiochian Metropolitans.
74. The Metropolitan resides in his Archdiocese.
If it becomes necessary for him to absent himself from his Archdiocese for a
period of more than two (2) weeks, he must inform the Patriarch. In the event
that he desires to travel abroad, he must seek the Patriarch�s approval and ask
a neighboring Metropolitan to administer the affairs of the Archdiocese in his
absence.
The Bishop
75.. The Patriarch is the sole reference for all
Bishops, and they are at his disposal.
76.. All candidates for the office of Bishop must
meet the eligibility requirement outlined in Article 6 of these By-Laws.
77. The Holy Synod elects the Bishop from among
three (3) candidates whose names are submitted by the Patriarch. The election
is conducted according to Articles 60, 68, 69, and 70 of these By-Laws.
78. The Bishop may be appointed to the
directorship of the Patriarchal Offices, to the abbacy of a Patriarchal
Monastery, to a Vicariate, or to any of the Church�s other institutions;
however, the position of Patriarchal Vicar is an elected (not appointed) position.
79. The Patriarchal Vicar participates in the
nomination and election of the Patriarch, the Metropolitan, and the Bishop.
80. The Bishop shepherds the Vicariate under
the direction of the Patriarch.
81. The Bishop is subject to those By-Laws concerning
the resignation, deposition, and permanent disability of a Metropolitan.
The Priest
and the Deacon
82. The Priest is the servant of the mysteries,
the father of his parish, and a co-worker with the Metropolitan in meeting the
needs of his flock and teaching his people.
83. In this chapter the word �Priest� refers to
all ranks of the Clergy.
84. The Priest is subject to the Patriarch, the
Metropolitan, or the Bishop in whose jurisdiction he serves.
85. A candidate for the priesthood must meet
the following requirements:
A Be at least twenty-five (25) years of
age and has a good reputation.
B Possesses a brevet degree.
C Possesses a certificate from an
ecclesiastical/theological school.
86. The responsibilities of the Priest include:
A The celebration of traditional services,
the Divine Liturgy on Sundays and feast days, and all other divine services in
his parish church.
B Teaching the parish by word and power,
leading her to the springs of salvation.
C Caring for the orphan, the poor, the
widowed and the elderly; visiting the sick, the prisoner and the grieved.
D Caring for children and youth,
organizing their gatherings, providing for their spiritual upbringing, and
supervising their retreats.
87. The Priest must not celebrate any services
in an Archdiocese without the blessing of its Metropolitan, nor in any church
without the permission of its Priest.
88. The Priest submits to the Metropolitan of
his Archdiocese regular reports concerning his pastoral, educational and
administrative work, and presents to him and annual budget prepared by himself
and his parish council.
89..
The Priest must respond to the requests of his Metropolitan concerning Church
meetings and symposia, and carries out in his parish the disciplines of the See
of Antioch and the instructions given him.
90.
The Priest must obtain permission from his
91. The Priest must enlist the assistance of
knowledgeable and experienced persons, regardless of their sex.
92.
In the event of permanent disability, the parish is responsible to care for the
Priest.
93
The parish ceases compensation to the, Priest upon his death, and his residence
must be vacted (sic) if it is not his personal property. Upon the death of a
Priest all of the religious articles, vestments and books must be returned to
the parish.
94. A Priest under discipline may not leave his
Position until sentence is passed and a canonical release is issued.
95. The Deacon assists the Metropolitan and the
Priest in the divine services and in the fulfillment of their pastoral,
educational and social responsibilities.
96. The Deacon is subject to all the aforementioned
articles of this chapter.
The
Monastic
97. The word �Monastic� refers to one who wears
the habit, has taken the vow of obedience and pledged to fulfill the vows of
obedience, purity and poverty in a monastic community being obedient to the
superior of the monastery.
98.
A person who desires to enter the monastic life must receive the blessing of
his Metropolitan..
99. The Monastic is not permitted to own
anything. If he does, at the time that these By-Laws are enacted he must transfer
possession of his property to his monastery or whomever he wishes.
100. It is forbidden for either Monastics, or
clergy who reside at monasteries, to keep for themselves what may be given to
them by visitors. All such gifts must be given to the monastery�s treasury.
101. The Monastic has no claim in a monastery.
Whether he is a member of that monastic community or is assigned to it by his
Metropolitan, he receives no wages for any work he does inside or outside of
the monastery. In the event that he does receive a wage, he must give it to the
monastery�s treasury.
102. The monastic community elects its own
superior, but the election is not final until it is confirmed by the
Metropolitan. If the Metropolitan does not confirm the election, a new election
is held. Under certain circumstances the Metropolitan has the right to
personally appoint the superior.
103. The monastic community is subject to the
Metropolitan. Those who dwell therein must cling to a life of prayer, fasting,
hard work, and behave in accordance with ascetical principles. They constantly
reside at the monastery, going out only when it is necessary and then only with
the blessing of the
104. Every monastery follows a Rule which has been
approved by the Metropolitan of the Archdiocese.
105.. Quietness pervades the monastery, where
boisterous behavior is prohibited. During popular seasons of pilgrimage,
visitors must be spiritually directed so that their behavior is decent and
proper.
106. All monasteries without resident communities
are under the direct supervision of the shepherd (Metropolitan) of the
Archdiocese.
107. Any Patriarchal Monastery outside the
geographical boundaries of the Archdiocese of Damascus is considered an
Antiochian Metochion; the Clergy who reside therein are under the jurisdiction
of the local Metropolitan.
108. If the revenue of a monastery is in excess of
the amount determined to be necessary for the survival of the monastics
residing therein, the excess amount must be turned over to the treasury of the
Archdiocese. The amount of revenue which a monastery may keep for its own needs
is limited by a budget which is agreed upon by the superior of the monastery
and the shepherd (Metropolitan) of the Archdiocese.
The
Property and Estates of the Clergy
109. The provisions of this chapter apply to the
Patriarch, the Metropolitan, the Bishop, the Archimandrite, the Priest, the
Deacon, and the Monastics (monks and nuns), without regard for their title or
position.
110. The word �Property� includes all elements of
wealth, both movable and immovable.
111. All property which a Clergyman acquired prior
to his ordination through inheritance, gift, bequest, or by other means,
remains his personal possession and upon his death it is transferred to the
possession of his legal heir(s).
112. All property which a Clergyman acquired after
his ordination due to his being in the Church is transferred to the possession
of the Church upon his death.
113. If a Clergyman fails to declare to his
superior at the time of his ordination the property which he possesses through
inheritance, gift, bequest or by other means, it is transferred to the
possession of the Church upon his death, unless circumstances can be proven
otherwise.
114. Upon the death of a Clergyman, all religious
articles, crosses, engolpia, miters, and every other article used in the divine
services, including books and documents, are transferred to the possession of
the Church.
C.The
Constitution of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North
America
As approved by the Synodal meeting of the Holy Synod
of Antioch, convened at the Patriarchate in Damascus
October / 12-
15/ 2004
ARTICLE I
Section 1. The Name
The
name of this self-ruled religious corporation shall be �Antiochian Orthodox
Christian Archdiocese of
Section 2. Authority
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
B. Ecclesiastical
This
Archdiocese derives its ecclesiastical authority to function according to this
constitution as a self-ruling Archdiocese 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.
Its
Primate is a member of said Holy Synod and is the duly elected Metropolitan
Archbishop (�Primate�, �Metropolitan� or �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
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 practiced the priesthood in the Antiochian See for five years,
according to the canons of the Patriarchate, and served, at 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 practiced the priesthood in
the Antiochian see for five years, according to the canons of the Patriarchate,
and served, at 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 Archdiocese 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.
Immediately upon the arrival of the Patriarchal Vicar, the duty of Senior
Diocesan Bishop shall cease. The Patriarchal Vicar shall assume the duties
described in Sections A, C, D, of this Article.
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
Archdiocese 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 of the candidates for the position of Metropolitan Archbishop
who will be elected thereafter by secret ballot.
D.
(1) The Senior Diocesan Bishop, and the Local Holy Synod in agreement with the
Archdiocese Board of Trustees, shall prepare a list of qualified names for
episcopacy kept in the records of the Patriarchate and the Holy Synod,
comprising the names of nominees who meet the requirements described in 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 Archdiocesan Synod which
will certify 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, in agreement with the Archdiocesan Synod and the
Archdiocese Board of Trustees, shall prepare a list containing the names of the
worthy clergymen from this Archdiocese who are qualified for nomination as
described in Section 4B of this Article. A copy of the list of qualified names
for episcopacy kept in the records of the Patriarchate and the Holy Synod,
comprising the names of nominees who meet the requirements described in Section
4 of this Article shall also be included.
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 the said assemblies.
C.
The body electing bishops consists of the Metropolitan, Archbishop, the Bishops
of the Archdiocese, and the Auxiliary bishop.
D.
Where one Diocesan bishop is to be elected, the Archdiocesan Synod and the
electing body 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 Archdiocesan Synod, and the electing
body, 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
The
consecration of the Metropolitan Archbishop shall take place at the Patriarchal
Cathedral in
A.
The consecration of the Diocesan Bishop shall take place at the Patriarchal
Cathedral in
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.
Being
one of the Archdioceses of the Antiochian See, this Archdiocese shall remain a
unified Antiochian body, and may not be divided except for implementing
Orthodox unity in North America by a resolution of the Holy Synod of Antioch
and the respective
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 any unit constitution 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.
To
minister to the Orthodox Antiochian people in North America, work towards
maintaining spiritual unity, coordinate religious work or activity, and promote
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
Holy Scripture, Sacred Tradition, Holy Canons, the Constitution of the
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 Archdiocesan Synod shall
determine the number of dioceses, their boundaries, and the respective
diocese(s) and/or area of responsibility of each bishop. The Archdiocesan Synod shall also determine
all matters of hierarchical discipline of bishops of the Archdiocese.
Section 3.
The
decisions of the local Synod are appealable to Holy Synod of Antioch which will
be the final judge in the matter.
Section 4.
All
administrative authority is vested in the Metropolitan Archbishop and the
Archdiocese 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 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
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 or 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,
disability or death 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 - ADMINSTRATION
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. 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, after consultation with the Metropolitan, 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
Local Synod of the Archdiocese and in accordance with the duties and
responsibilities specified by the Local 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, after consultation with
the Metropolitan, 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 of 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 Local 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. The members of the Board of
Trustees may participate in a meeting of such Board by means of a conference
telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons
participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time. Participation by such means shall constitute
presence in person at the meeting.
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 immediately upon adoption of the
Metropolitan Archbishop, the Archdiocesan Synod and approval of the Holy Synod
of Antioch. Such amendments shall be consistent with the self-rule status
granted to the Archdiocese by the Resolution of the Holy Synod of Antioch dated
October 9, 2003.
Approved
by the Holy Synod of
