On Tuesday, March 31, under the chairmanship of His Grace Bishop John of Naro-Fominsk, Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, a regular session of the Bishop’s Council was held in the refectory of St. Nicholas Church in Bayonne, NJ. The Rector of St. George Church, Archpriest Igor Tarasov, being an alternative member of the Council, attended that meeting.

After the singing of “O Heavenly King”, Bishop John greeted the assembled members of the Bishop’s Council. In his introduction, Bishop John acquainted the council members with the important documents recently published by the Hierarchal Retreat of the Russian Orthodox Church in February of 2015. His Grace also discussed the proposed plans to celebrate the 1000th Anniversary of the Repose of St. Vladimir of Kiev and the 70th Anniversary of the Allied victory in World War II. 

Archpriest George Konyev presented the council with the final print of the Statues of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA as well as the Official Photograph of His Grace Bishop John. 

Treasurer Panagiotis Billis presented the council with a comprehensive financial report and budget for 2015. 

The members heard reports relating to various administrative and pastoral issues facing the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA. 

The council then heard a report from Rdr. George Konyev and approved the final printing of clergy identification cards.  In addition, a report was given on the visitor statistics of the English language website of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA as the one-year anniversary of the website’s operation is approaching. 

Bishop John thanked all the members for traveling to Bayonne for the meeting and wished all a peaceful remainder of Great Lent and a joyous celebration of the Resurrection of Christ. He also thanked parish rector, Fr. Mikhail Kapchits for his parish’s hospitality in hosting the meeting. Before departing back to their home parishes, the council members had an opportunity for Bishop to personally sign the Official portrait.

The meeting concluded with the singing of “It is Truly Meet.”