On Bright Friday, April 24, 2014, clergy and laity of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA arrived at Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Passaic NJ, for a Special Convocation.
Under the chairmanship of His Eminence Justinian, Archbishop of Naro-Fominsk, clergy and lay delegates were able to deliberate on important key issues in the life of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA. This Special Convocation held in Passaic, is different compared to the General Convocation of the Patriarchal Parishes held every two years, due to the time sensitive matters requiring discussion. The main issue on the Convocation’s agenda was to adopt the new By-Laws for the Patriarchal Parishes which would make them consistent with the legal requirements of our country, as well as with the Statute of the Russian Orthodox Church adopted in 1989.
Our St. George Parish was represented by its Rector, Archpriest Igor Tarasov and its Warden and Choir Director, Olga Roussanow.
His Eminence, Archbishop Justinian officially opened the Convocation, and stressed the importance of the issues that needed to be resolved. His Eminence expressed his gratitude to all those present, who have traveled long distances to provide their input in the lives of the Patriarchal Parishes.
Those gathered ultimately resolved the issues regarding the adoption of the new By-Laws of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, which required an entire Convocation to be held. The clergy and delegates approved the adoption of the new By-Laws.
The Convocation also elected and appointed new members of the Bishop’s Council of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA. We can proudly inform that representatives of our Parish, Archpriest Igor Tarasov and Olga Roussanow were elected alternate members of the Bishop’s Council.
His Eminence officially closed the Special Convocation of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, and wished God’s unending Love, be with each and everyone present.
Later that evening, His Eminence Archbishop Justinian presided at the Paschal Vespers service concelebrated by clergy of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA.
Next day, on Bright Saturday, clergy and faithful of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA gathered to celebrate the Divine Liturgy. His Eminence Justinian, Archbishop of Naro-Fominsk presided at the solemn Divine Liturgy at Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Passaic, NJ. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, all clergy participated in a solemn procession around the cathedral. Upon the dismissal of the service His Eminence greeted all those for gathering not only at the Convocation the previous day, but for being able to pray and serve together with the clerics of Patriarchal Parishes.