Holy Synod of Bishops begins annual retreat

The members of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America are gathering for their annual retreat in Ottawa, Ontario during the last week of June 2014.

The annual retreat provides the hierarchs with an opportunity to gather in prayer and reflection.

“At the heart of the retreat will be a led reflection on the responsibilities and understanding of the episcopacy with an emphasis on the spiritual and personal dimensions of being a bishop,” said Archpriest Eric G. Tosi, OCA Secretary.  “The hierarchs will conduct some limited business on immediate pastoral issues and diocesan matters and spend time proactively discussing theological education, the vetting process for episcopal candidate, the screening and evaluation of candidates for ordination, the status of the Albanian, Bulgarian and Romanian dioceses, and other matters.”

Documents issued by the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the United States of America also will be reviewed as the Holy Synod discusses its position on various proposals.