Annual Diocesan Assembly Concluded

On Saturday, May 19 the Northeast American Diocese held its annual Diocesan Assembly at Holy Transfiguration Retreat Center. This year, for the first time ever, prior to the beginning of assembly, the Diocesan Council hosted a retreat for the delegates. 

More than twenty individuals participated in this retreat led by Reverend Father V. M. Shibu, Vicar of St. Gregorios Church, Bensalem.  Achen offered his meditations on the theme “You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people...” from 1 Peter 2:9. This retreat was a meaningful and spiritual way to prepare for the Diocesan Assembly.  The retreat came to a close on Saturday morning with the celebration of Divine Liturgy by His Grace Zachariah Mar Nicholovos, Metropolitan.

The Diocesan Assembly formally began with an opening prayer by our Metropolitan, followed by a devotional address by Reverend Father Saji Tharayil, Vicar of Saint Mary's Northern Virginia.  Under the chairmanship of His Grace, the clergy and assembly delegates deliberated on the growth and ministerial needs of our Diocese.  The minutes of the previous assembly held on June 3, 2017 were passed, along with the annual report of the year 2017 to 2018.  The Diocesan Secretary, Reverend Father Sujit Thomas presented the budget for the new fiscal year to the assembly as well. 

The clergy and faithful deliberated on the various ministries of the Diocese, and the received updates related to Holy Transfiguration Retreat Center.  The assembly warmly received the suggestion by the Metropolitan, that the annual Diocesan Assembly should begin with retreat, invoking the Holy Spirit upon all deliberations of the assembly.  The assembly concluded with prayer and benediction.

Tags: Diocese Assembly

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