Bethlehem, PA – The Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania held its 44^th Annual Assembly here on November 16^th and 17^th, 2007. Over 60 clergy and lay delegates gathered for two days of prayer, fellowship and meetings at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church. 

On Friday evening, following Vespers and the formal opening of the Assembly, His Grace, Bishop Tikhon presented his concerns about the current OCA financial scandal, shared his hopes for a speedy resolution to the crisis and offered some direction for the work of the Diocesan Assembly. His Grace also introduced the new Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America, the Very Reverend Alexander Garklavs as an invited guest to the Assembly. 

Fr. Alexander spoke briefly about the historical significance of the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania, the painful transition that the OCA is currently undergoing and the challenges that face the chancery offices.  He also asked for the patience of all in expectation of the resolution of the matters involving the former chancellor and the continuing investigation, and encouraged everyone to contribute to this period of reflection and renewal by living in as completely a Christian way as possible.

The next day, His Grace concelebrated the Divine Liturgy with Diocesan Clergy and offered a homily on the Gospel reading for the day.  After a continental breakfast, the sessions of the Assembly resumed with the Reports of the Diocesan Bishop and of the Diocesan Chancellor, the Very Reverend John Kowalczyk. The Chancellor offered highlights of the pastoral activities of the Bishop, presented statistics on the clergy and parishes and introduced the newly assigned clergy in the diocese.

Following lunch, the new Treasurer of the Diocese, Rev. Martin Browne presented his report, reviewing the accomplishments of the past year and goals for the new one, together with various clarifications on the audited financial statements and balance sheets. Reports were also presented by the Metropolitan Council representatives, the Diocesan Deans and various departments. The Director of the Department of Christian Education, Ms. Maria Proch, addressed some of the concerns and goals of the Department and Fr. Timothy Hojnicki spoke on the growth of the Mission in Mechanicsburg.  (All written reports presented at the Assembly are available on this website for review).

The budget for 2007-2008 was presented by the Treasurer who expounded on some of the proposed changes: an increase of $3 per person for the diocesan assessment, an increase in the department of Christian Education and various changes in allocation from the previous year’s report.  The budget was approved unanimously.

Under new business, the following resolutions (the full texts will be forthcoming) were approved by the Assembly: 1) a resolution to address the need for all stavropigial institutions to be audited, in conformity with Best Practices; 2) a resolution expressing to the Holy Synod the desire of the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania to withdraw from full participation in the National Council of Churches; and 3) the following resolution: “This Diocesan Assembly resolves, vigorously and in unity, to support our diocesan hierarch, His Grace, Bishop Tikhon, in the manner in which he is addressing the financial scandal of the OCA on our behalf.” 

The Assembly concluded with prayer at 4:30 p.m.