On October 26, after the end of Divine Liturgy in Holy Protection Church in Ottawa, a meeting of the members of the Bishop’s Council of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA took place in a remote format via video conference.

Bishop Matthew cordially greeted the participants of the meeting, and also expressed gratitude to all the clergy and parish committees for active and responsible ministry during the pandemic and strict observance of all measures blessed by the hierarchy to ensure the safety of the health of parishioners in this difficult situation.

The Vice-Chancellor of the Patriarchal Parishes in the United States, Priest Mark Rashkov and Treasurer Peter Billis, presented a report on current affairs, after which the meeting participants exchanged views.

Bishop Matthew approved a number of appointments: Priest Joshua Genig (rector of St. Innocent Church in Redford, MI) was appointed Dean of the Central States, and his predecessor, Archpriest Roman Star, was appointed an honorary member of the Bishop's Council, expressing gratitude for his many years of service as Dean. Deacon Alexey Golubov, cleric of St. Nicholas Patriarchal Cathedral in New York City, was appointed head of the diocesan protocol service and senior deacon of the cathedral.