DECREE of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia on the Expanded Clergy Conference

To All Diocesan Bishops

On 24 August/4 September, the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia decided on the convening of an expanded pastoral conference.

DECREED: To convene in December of this year an expanded clergy conference on the topic: "The Path of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia in the Past and Future," followed immediately by a Council [Sobor] of Bishops.
All Bishops of our Church and clergymen of the North American dioceses are called to participate in the Conference. In addition, each diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia must send 2-3 delegates from among the clergy, appointed by the diocese's ruling bishop. Clergymen of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia and guests from Russia will present lectures and host round tables.

The Clergy Conference, scheduled to coincide with the feast day of the Synodal cathedral, will be held from 8-13 December at Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY.

The Council of Bishops will be held from 13 to 17 December in the Synodal building in New York.

Members of the Synodal administration, working together with the Committee on the Conference, will in the near future provide further information to all diocesan administrations of our Church.

+Metropolitan Laurus
President of the Synod of Bishops

+Bishop Gabriel
Secretary of the Synod of Bishops

24 August/4 September 2003