Charter Revision Must Be Shaped by Nationwide Dialogue, Says Archbishop After Detroit Clergy Meeting
On Wednesday, July 5, 2023, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America met virtually with clergy from the Metropolis of Detroit for an open dialogue about the proposed revisions to the Charter of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. This is the fourth meeting of its kind following last month’s virtual sessions with clergy from the Archdiocesan District and the Metropolises of Boston and New Jersey.
After a welcome from His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit, clergy addressed questions and feedback to the Archbishop, who offered insights and clarifications of the proposed amendments. The Archbishop reaffirmed his commitment to an inclusive, thorough, and ongoing discussion, and he emphasized that his aim for the updated Charter is that it be a product of broad participation— a first for any eparchy’s Charter revision process.
While in the past, hierarchs have made decisions pertaining to the Charter in small mixed commissions, with the current GOA Charter revision, the Archbishop said, he seeks instead to have a “nationwide dialogue” with clergy, presvyteres, Metropolis Councils, the Archons, Leadership 100, hierarchs and the Eparchial Synod, and the Archdiocesan Council.
This unprecedented decision reflects the historically proactive engagement of clergy and laypeople in the life of the broader Church in the United States, His Eminence said, and the Ecumenical Patriarchate has encouraged the Archbishop and the Eparchial Synod to pursue it.
Archbishop Elpidophoros is next scheduled to meet in-person with the clergy brotherhood of the Metropolis of Chicago on July 7, 2023, and similar meetings are expected to take place in each of the other Metropolises over the next several months.
Clergy and faithful are encouraged to attend other meetings in their area. Further information, updates, and opportunities for submitting questions and comments are available at the dedicated site for the GOA Charter: charter.goarch.org