On February 5, 2009, the Diocesan Council met for a meeting at the
Diocesan Center in South Canaan. His Grace Bishop TIKHON opened the
meeting with prayer and welcomed everyone to the Diocesan Center. His
grace presented a report of his recent activities, particularly his
recent trips to Moscow and Mexico. He announced that he has been
appointed Secretary of the Holy Synod, replacing His Eminence
Archbishop Seraphim.
 
His Grace presented some thoughts on the growth of the Diocese and in
particular, spoke about his plans for the increased use of the space
available at the Diocesan Center. He introduced his new part-time
Administrative Assistant, Matushka Alexandra (Sandy) Kopestonsky who
will be working on a daily basis at the Diocesan Offices.  More
information will be forthcoming concerning the Diocesan Center.
 
Father John Kowalczyk presented the report of the Diocesan Chancellor
in which he updated the council members on the progress of renovations
in the Diocesan Center, all of which are relatively minor and include
the painting of several rooms, cleaning the carpets and replacing some
carpeted areas.
 
The Diocesan Treasurer, Father Martin Browne presented the financial
report and a discussion ensued concerning outstanding assessments owed
to the Diocese by several parishes. Father Martin spoke forcefully
about the need for diocesan wide education on stewardship and giving
and of the need to have a real change in our attitudes to stewardship.
 
Finally, the date for the 2009 Diocesan Assembly was set for Friday,
December 4 and Saturday December 5.
 
At the conclusion of the meeting, the members of the Diocesan Council
were offered a tour of the Diocesan Center, to which His Grace will be
moving within the next several weeks.