Minutes of the Diocesan Conference of the Syracuse and St. Nicholas and Canadian Dioceses on April 20, 2018, at the Tolstoy Foundation in Valley Cottage.
Attendees: Abp. Andronik, Archpriest Gregory Kotlaroff, Archpriest Oleg Mironov, Fr. Dmitriy Dobronravov, Fr. Victor Zavodov, Mark Kotlaroff (Diocesan Treasurer), Dimitri Gontscharow (Diocesan Secretary), George Lukin (Director of Mountain View), Svetlana Kotlaroff (Director of the ROCA Assistance Fund), Artur Mifedov-Frolov (Warden of the St. Sergius Church), and other parishioners.
The conference commenced at 6:00 PM with a singing of the Paschal Troparion.
Agenda:
- Report of the Conference Chairman, the Right Reverend Andronik.
- Report by the Diocesan Secretary
- Report by the Diocesan Treasurer.
- Report by the Director of the ROCA Assistance Fund.
- Report by the Director of Mountain View.
- Election of members of the inter-conciliar committee for the second session.
- Discussion of Fr. Victor Zavodov’s status.
- Discussion of a new mission in Idaho.
- Other.
Dimitri Gontscharow was elected secretary of the conference.
- Report of the Conference Chairman, the Right Reverend Andronik:
His Eminence reported he visits the parishes of his diocese as often as time and his health permit. Abp. Andronik reported Mountain View continues to host various religious and cultural events, such as youth conferences, adult religious retreats, etc.The religious life of the diocese has been greatly enriched by the establishment of communion with B. Stefan and his clergy. There have been several joint services, which were notable for their heartfelt, brotherly spirit. The hope is to further develop friendly relations among our groups.
Abp. Andronik expressed his great joy that Fr. Elias Warnke has returned to our diocese.
- Report by the Diocesan Secretary:
The secretary had no substantive remarks to make at this time. - Report by the Diocesan Treasurer:
Mark Kotlaroff reported that total income from the parishes has been inconsistent and this of course affects the diocese’s programs, including funding for the ruling bishop’s pastoral duties. It was reemphasized that our parishes and parishioners should tithe to the church and its dioceses as this is a part of every Orthodox Christian’s obedience.The diocese asks that we all make a special effort to support our church as we conclude this joyous Paschal season.
Donations should be made out to the “Russian Orthodox Church Abroad” and mailed to the Treasurer Mark Kotlaroff at PO Box 591, Valley Cottage, NY, 10989.
- Report by the Director of the ROCA Assistance Fund:
Svetlana Kotlaroff reported that the ambitious programs that are being undertaken by the Fund to meet the charitable needs of the Church have not yet been fully funded. The Fund is arranging events for the diocese but requires the support of all members of the diocese. The Director suggested that rectors designate 2-3 people in each parish to serve as local parish coordinators for the Fund. They would be responsible for reporting on the activities of the Fund to their parishioners and would help with collecting donations.One of the Fund’s primary goals is to work with teenagers and children. The Fund hopes to create a youth committee made up of the young members of the diocese. The committee could decide how best to attract the youth to an active life in the Church.
- Report by the Director of Mountain View:
The Director of Mountain View Center, George Lukin, discussed the goals and means by which we can secure the center’s long-term position within our community. All members of the diocese should support the center and participate more actively in its events and programs. A general meeting of all diocesan members will be scheduled soon to discuss how best to preserve such a valuable resource for the diocese. - Election of members of the inter-conciliar committee:
It was unanimously agreed that the members of the earlier pre-conciliar committee will serve as members of the inter-conciliar committee; Abp. Andronik, Fr. Nikita Grigoriev, M. Kotlaroff, D. Gontscharow, G. Lukin and V. Yarmolinets. - Discussion of Fr. Victor Zavodov’s status:
The diocese sorely needs more priests. Fr. Victor has been helping, but his status in the country does not allow him to stay much longer. More needs to be done to find new priests for the diocese. - Discussion of a new mission in Idaho:
A man in Idaho who converted to Orthodoxy wishes to create a mission in that state and join our diocese. He has a large family and is prepared to bring more people to Orthodoxy. He can hold services in one of the buildings on his property. A small group of diocesan members headed by Abp. Andronik will visit him in the near future. - Other:
A general meeting of the diocese will be scheduled for the beginning of June, where a range of topics will be discussed in the presence of as many parishioners as attend.
Archbishop of the Syracuse and St. Nicholas and Canadian dioceses Dimitri Gontscharow
Secretary