CLERGY-LAITY ASSEMBLY MINUTES January 29 30, 2018 Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center Squaw Valley, CA

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1 CLERGY-LAITY ASSEMBLY MINUTES January 29 30, 2018 Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center Squaw Valley, CA Convening of Assembly The 2018 Metropolis Clergy-Laity Assembly was called to order at 1:30 p.m. by His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos, who led the delegates in an Opening Prayer Service, assisted by Rev. Father Peter Salmas. Metropolitan Gerasimos opened the floor for nominations for the Presiding Officer. Father Peter Salmas nominated Theofanis Economidis, seconded by Michael Syrengelas. Fanis was accepted by acclimation. Father Gary Kyriacou nominated Kristen Bruskas, seconded by Father Jon Magoulias. Kristen was accepted by acclimation. His Eminence also welcomed our featured speaker, Rev. Dr. Stavros Kofinas, to the Clergy- Laity Assembly. He is a distinguished clergyman, who is well-experienced in the fields of psychotherapy and pastoral care. He is a graduate of Holy Cross School of Theology and currently resides in Greece. In the realm of his ministry, he has led many psychotherapeutic groups, particularly for couples, parents and young people. He has organized and participated in many educational seminars, training programs and conferences for clergy, doctors, nurses and social workers in Greece and abroad. Keynote Address Metropolitan Gerasimos presented a most inspirational Keynote Address which focused on the Assembly theme of Peace. He related this to the challenges in the social, moral, political and cultural realms of our lives. Families struggle to pass on faith and virtue, healthy values and character in their children. Each generation, in their own way, has experienced the anxieties caused by social changes. What is perhaps most different this time is the pace of the changes, the technology around them, and the global nature of them. As Orthodox Christians, we must begin with the words of the Lord and turn to the Church. Thus, we have our theme for this Assembly: Peace I leave with you. The Lord gives us peace, not the peace of the world, but His peace, the peace from above, as we say in the Divine Liturgy. We pray for peace many times in the Liturgy; every action of the Liturgy begins with a blessing for peace, from the opening petition, to our departure from the Liturgy itself, because ours is a God of peace. Because we are created in the image of the triune God; we are designed for community and communion, modeled after the life of the Trinity. Thus, if we are to find peace, we must first turn to the triune God, to renew ourselves in our Faith and life. What do we find when we turn to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; three persons living in perfect harmony and love and peace. Metropolitan Gerasimos concluded his remarks by once again welcoming all the delegates to the Assembly and to Saint Nicholas Ranch a sacred place that emanates holiness and is an expression of our Orthodox faith. 1

2 Interactive Workshops The Assembly delegates participated in interactive workshops presented by the Metropolis Family Wellness Ministry, and the Missions and Evangelism Ministry. Featured Presentation Rev. Dr. Stavros Kofinas presented on the topic, Leading the Church in a Chaotic World. Father Kofinas is the Coordinator of the Network of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for Pastoral Health Care. His presentation focused on how globalization and commercialism have become the main denominators in shaping life in our present society. The emphasis on materialism has brought about a depersonalization of the human being, a depersonalization which has taken away from their ability to discern what they are, what they want to be. The cultural implications of this development have been decisive. These implications have also been decisive in the way the Church has developed. The changes that have taken place in the past two decades in our view and way of life have created fears on all levels of human existence. These changes have formed a chaotic world where moral and spiritual values are either annulled or distorted. The chaos brought on by globalization and materialism presents many difficulties and challenges for today s Church leaders. What is a question now is the role of the leader must play and the direction that the Church must take. What is at stake is the salvation of mankind. Elections His Grace Bishop Apostolos is the chairman of the Elections Committee, assisted by Jeannie Ranglas and Isidoros Garifalakis. A presentation of the candidates nominated for the Metropolis Council was presented by Jeannie and Isidoros. The following people were presented on the ballot: Metropolis Council Clergy (eight to be elected) 1. Father Andrew Barakos 2. V. Rev. John Constantine 3. Father Dean Kouldukis 4. Father Dino Pappademos 5. Father Peter Salmas 6. Father Andrew Scordalakis 7. Father Peter Stratos 8. Father Tom Zaferes Metropolis Council Laity (eight to be elected) 1. Spiro Beckas 2. John Buzas 3. Honorable Steve Counelis 4. George Demos 5. Gerry Kamilos 6. Vasilis Marutsos 7. George Psefteas 8. Michael Syrengelas 9. Dr. Eve Tibbs 10. Ted Vavoulis 2

3 Archdiocesan Council Representatives from our Metropolis (one clergy and two laity) 1. Father Aris Metrakos 2. Mr. Isidoros Garifalakis 3. Mr. Rocky Sisson The delegates completed their ballots which were submitted for tabulation. The voting results will be announced on Tuesday. Leadership Survey Steve Tibbs distributed a Parish Leadership Survey which he asked the delegates to complete and return to him. In his ongoing efforts in Orthodox Leadership Development and Parish Strategic Planning, this information will be useful to him in developing additional and relevant resources for the benefit of our parishes. Recess The Assembly recessed at 10:00 p.m. and will resume in the morning following Divine Liturgy. Day Two Following Divine Liturgy and a fourteen-year Memorial Service for His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony, of blessed memory, the deliberations of the Clergy-Laity Assembly resumed at 11:30 a.m. with an opening prayer offered by Metropolitan Gerasimos. Video Conference with Archdiocese Treasurer Michael Psaros Michael Psaros joined the Assembly via video conferencing. He explained that the Archdiocese has been going through some very difficult times and that the executive leadership team has been working tirelessly to stabilize the dire financial situation. This has included making difficult decisions to reduce nearly one-third of the staff from the Archdiocese, implement better controls over spending, and initiate a detailed audit of the Archdiocese and Saint Nicholas Shrine. He reported that the Archdiocese has achieved financial stability which was realized through the reduction of spending by $8 million in just five months. It is the goal of the Archdiocese leadership to create a world-class non-profit institution. We need to document procedures that are presently verbal directives. That process will take time to make sure that these changes are structural and permanent. Election Results The following election results were announced by the committee: All eight clergy were elected to the Metropolis Council The following eight lay representatives were elected to the Metropolis Council: 1. Spiro Beckas 2. John Buzas 3. Honorable Steve Counelis 4. George Demos 5. Vasilis Maroutsos 6. George Psefteas 7. Michael Syrengelas 8. Dr. Eve Tibbs The one clergy and two lay delegates to the Archdiocesan Council were elected. 3

4 Approval of Minutes A motion was made by Dr. Tanya Spirtos, seconded by Linda Billieros, to approve the minutes as distributed. Motion carried unanimously. Report of the Metropolis Council Fanis Economidis reported that the New Year is off to a busy start for the Metropolis. With the meetings of the Metropolis Council and Clergy-Laity Assembly being held within one month since the end of 2017, and having FDF just two weeks ago, there has been a lot of activity. This is a demonstration of the vibrancy of our Metropolis and that our work is consistent and continual, and this makes me very proud to be affiliated with our Metropolis under the distinguished and inspired leadership of Metropolitan Gerasimos. On Sunday night and Monday morning, the Metropolis Council met and had a very engaging meeting to discuss our ministries, review our finances, and look to the future so that our Metropolis can continuing being proactive in our work. Considerable amount of time was spent discussing the budget, and especially the funding of the Metropolis ministries. Fanis brought up that the challenges faced by our Archdiocese have also had an impact on our Metropolis and parishes. The presentation by Michael Psaros was very informative and our Metropolis is committed to following our established internal controls and procedures and we will review these in the coming months and make any recommendations as necessary to ensure ongoing transparency and accountability. When we embarked on the Strategic Plan, our Metropolis was challenged to chart a new course, to steer our ship in a more decisive direction, and to grow our Metropolis for the benefit of our faithful, and ultimately for their salvation. We have done that and more, yet there is still work to be done and more dreams to be realized. Fanis concluded by thanking Metropolitan Gerasimos, the Metropolis Council and Clergy-Laity Assembly for this honor to serve the Church through the good works of our Metropolis. Financial Report Treasurer Michael Syrengelas presented the 2018 Metropolis Financial Report. The expenses for the Metropolis exceeded the revenue by $157,570 which was largely due to the fact that we did not receive our bonus from Archdiocese. The Expense lines in the budget were fairly on target with the budget, and our Income tracked accordingly as well. Unrestricted Donations were at $128,973 thanks to the Faith Forward campaign under the leadership efforts of Isidoros Garifalakis. A question was raised about the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Income and Expense lines. The income is primarily the registration revenue for all other events and retreats besides Summer Camp. The expenses cover the associated costs for these events, as well as travel and other expenses for the Youth Director. A question was raised as to the $500 annual contribution from our parishes through the Metropolis Ministries Assessment which goes to support Saint Nicholas Ranch. Fanis explained that this was a decision of the Assembly a number of years ago, in lieu of asking our parishes to pass a tray and collect funds for the Ranch. 4

5 There was also an inquiry as to why the Archdiocese offers different medical insurance plans for clergy versus lay employees. The Archdiocese is the one who negotiates these plans. A motion was made by Father Tom Zaferes, seconded by Andrew Primis, to accept the financial report, and the 2018 Metropolis budget. Motion carried unanimously. It was suggested that we allocate $20,000 for a professional audit so that we can assure transparency and integrity in our accounting practices. The Metropolis Council will take this under advisement. National Ministries Allocation Father Aris Metrakos said that our Metropolis was assessed the same Supreme Number for He emphasized that information from our parishes needs to be submitted in a timely manner, but no later than May 15, Youth and Young Adult Ministries The delegates watched a video presentation from Steven Christoforou, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries for the Archdiocese. His presentation focused on the new Policies for the Safety of Youth and Children. While the details of this program are still in final development, the implementation of these new policies will be mandatory by all our Metropolis ministries and our parishes. Johanna Duterte shared a presentation on the work of the Youth Office of the Metropolis. This includes Young Adult Retreats and Summer Camp. This year, the camp program is expanding to four weeks to meet the growing needs of this program. Philoptochos Jeannie Ranglas reported that the Metropolis Philoptochos continues to be dynamic in their work to help those in need. This is especially evident through the Kids n Cancer ministry where they provide four camps in the Metropolis for children with cancer and their families. They also offer significant financial support to our students and Hellenic College Holy Cross, with nearly $170,000 provided to students from our Metropolis in This Bishop Anthony Philoptochos Student Aid Endowment Fund is the only one of its kind in the Archdiocese, and our Philoptochos members, parishes and friends have been very generous in providing for this great need, seeing the promise it holds for our future as a Church. Metropolitan Gerasimos expressed his sincere gratitude to Jeannie for her dynamic leadership and tireless efforts to bring the mission and vision of Philoptochos off the page and into the forefront of our work. Metropolis Ministries Update Paul Gikas reported on the Metropolis Ministries. There is an overview of all the ministries on our website. The Mission of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and the Metropolis of San Francisco, is to proclaim the Gospel; teach and spread the Orthodox Faith; and energize and cultivate the life of the Metropolis according to the Orthodox Faith and Traditions. One of the ways the Metropolis of San Francisco accomplishes this task is through the work of its Ministries. He encouraged the delegates to take their binder home, read more about the ministries, and utilize the resources available for them personally and at the parish. 5

6 Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center Fanis Economidis reported that the Ranch has been working hard and is self-sustaining. They operate year-round and many demands are placed on the facilities and the limited staff at the Ranch. There were new groups at the Ranch in 2017 including the Metropolis Church Music Federation, a Pan-Orthodox Homeschooling Conference, and some of our parishes organized new retreats at the Ranch. Thanks to the generosity of the members of the Saint Nicholas Ranch Board, a new eight-passenger van was purchased and is of great assistance for their operations. Closing Remarks Metropolitan Gerasimos thanked the clergy and lay delegates for their enthusiastic participation in this year s Assembly. He also conveyed his sincere gratitude to Fanis Economidis for the countless hours he volunteers for the Metropolis. The work of the Metropolis and its ministries does not just happen on its own, this work is from the power of prayer and the intervention of God in our lives. This past Sunday started the first week of Triodion, Metropolitan Gerasimos reminded us that prayer is the most powerful resource we have, and that as we prepare to approach Great Lent, we must focus on repentance and forgiveness. Metropolitan Gerasimos also thanked the Metropolis Staff for going above and beyond in their efforts to plan all the details of the Clergy-Laity Assembly, so that everyone would have a positive and edifying experience. In closing, His Eminence asked everyone to pray for the victims of the fires in Napa, Ventura and the mudslides in Montecito, and for our clergy who have been lovingly ministering to these people during a time of great need. Adjournment Father Peter Salmas made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Linda Billieros. Motion carried unanimously. The Metropolis Clergy-Laity Assembly adjourned at 4:00 p.m. with Metropolitan Gerasimos offering a closing prayer. Respectfully Submitted, Kristen Bruskas Director of Development and Communications 6