Meeting of the Patriarch’s Council, Feb 2, 2010
The Patriarch’s Council opened on Tuesday, Feb 2, 2010 at the Cathedral of St. Dismas in Orlando FL. with a celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Archbishop Craig Bates was the celebrant, assisted by Father James House, the Chaplain to the Council. The Bishops present blessed the Sacred Oils, which will be distributed in each national territory. Oliva Jones has recently had a reoccurrence of cancer and is facing chemotherapy and surgery. The Patriarch asked that Oliva would be the first to be anointed with the oil, and the bishops present came and laid hands her and prayed for Oliva’s complete healing. Archbishop Jones and Oliva would appreciate the prayers of the communion.
Blessing the Sacred Oils
During the Mass the Patriarch presented a statement to the council, which is posted below.
After a brief discussion of the Patriarch’s statement, a detailed financial report was presented, showing the income and expenses of both the Patriarch’s Office and North American Primates Office. The Primates report was presented because Archbishop Bates is also the Primate of the North American Church. Both reports were audited by an independent accounting firm.
The report of the Foundation Day fund was presented, showing that two grants were given this year. All the details of the Foundation Day Fund are available at www.iccecfoundationday.org.
The Patriarch’s Council encouraged the American Church to discuss participation in Ecumenical worship services when possible, this is especially relevant for our Military Chaplains, who are called to serve men and women of a variety of faith traditions. The details of the extent of this participation will be taken up by the USA House of Bishops next month.
The afternoon was spent in executive session, and the council will continue tomorrow morning.
