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 and Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, 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.
Archbishop Justinian presided at a Moleben “At the Start of Every Good Work”, co-served by the Chancellor of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, Archpriest George Konyev with the clergy and laity singing the responses.
His Eminence 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.
The Convocation heard the financial report by the Treasurer, Mr. Panagiotis Billis and answered many important finance – related questions that arose from the floor.
Archpriest Alexander Golubov expounded on the background and importance of the Special Convocation, by presenting a Slide-Show to give clergy and delegates proper understanding of the meeting’s importance.
Those gathered ultimately resolved the following 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. The newly-elected members were dutifully elected by the clergy and laity gathered at the Convocation to serve as representatives of their parishes as well as a voice to neighboring parishes.
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 co-served by clergy of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA.
At the Little Entrance, during the celebration of the Feast of the Resurrection of Christ, with the Blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, Archbishop Justinian bestowed clerical awards onto several clerics.
Archpriest George Konyev, (Chancellor of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA and Rector of Three Saints Church, Garfield NJ )was awarded the Miter.
Priests John Vass (Rector of Holy Trinity Church, Baltimore) and Andrey Kovalev (Rector of St. Gregory the Theologian Church, Tampa Florida) were elevated to the rank of Archpriest.
Priest Stephen Kaznica, (Rector of Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral, Passaic NJ), Priest Christopher Rozdilski (Rector of St. Andrew Church, East Lansing MI) and Hieromonk Stephen (Bushman) were awarded the Gold Pectoral Cross.
Priests Daneil Shirak (Cleric of St. Innocent Church, Redford MI) and James Anthony (Rector of St. john Chrysostom Church, Grand Rapids, MI) were awarded the Nabedrinik.