“Behold now, what is so good or so joyous as for brethren to dwell together in unity” (Psalm 132:1).
The 2015 Clergy Synaxis of the Holy Orthodox Church in North America was hosted by the St. Lucia’s Sisterhood at the St. Mark of Ephesus Orthodox Cathedral and St. Anna’s Orthodox Church, both in Rosindale, MA, from October 2 to October 5, 2015. Friday, October 2, began with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy by His Grace, Bishop Andrew of Markham, assisted by Deacon John Copeland, at St. Mark’s Cathedral. Following brunch at St. Mark’s Hall, diocesan reports were given at St. Anna’s Church by His Eminence, Metropolitan Gregory of Boston; His Eminence, Metropolitan Makarios of Toronto; and His Grace, Bishop Andrew of Markham. Later in the afternoon, Bishop Andrew delivered a talk entitled, “The Role of the Typicon in the Life of the Orthodox Church,” which was followed by a lively discussion concerning liturgical matters. The day concluded with Vespers at St. Mark’s Cathedral and dinner at St. Mark’s Hall.
On Saturday, October 3, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Fr. Dimitry Kukonov, assisted by Deacon James Dimock. Following brunch, the first talk of the day, given by Hierodeacon Samuel, was entitled “The Catholicity of the Local Church,” which was again followed by a lively discussion. The second talk of the day, offered by Protopresbyter Rodion Laskowski, consisted of his reminiscences of the many men of sanctity he has encountered over his long years of pastoral service, with special attention being paid to Archbishop Andrew of Novo Diveyevo and Igumen Athanassy (Shelepov), who reposed at Holy Transfiguration Monastery in 1976. Archimandrite Panteleimon likewise joined in, sharing his moving remembrances of Archbishop Andrew and Fr. Athanassy and others. The same day Metropolitan Gregory officially announced to the assembled clergy that Protopresbyter Ihnat Ponomarchuk had been elected Metropolitan of Seattle and that Hieromonk Chrysostomos (Larrea) had likewise been elected Auxiliary Bishop of the Metropolis of Boston. The day concluded with dinner and Vespers.
A hierarchal Divine Liturgy was celebrated at St. Mark’s on Sunday, October 5, by Metropolitan Gregory and Bishop Andrew, assisted by all the assembled clergy. At the greeting of the bishops prior to Liturgy, Metropolitan Gregory was officially installed as the Ruling Metropolitan of the Metropolis of Boston. Following the service, a festive trapeza was held at St. Mark’s Hall for all the assembled hierarchs, clergy, and faithful.
Those attending the 2015 Clergy Synaxis were edified by the spirit of fellowship and ecclesial unity experienced by all.
