NEW YORK: 19 February, 2026
A meeting of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad is held

On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, a teleconference of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia was held, chaired by His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York, Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad. Participating in the current meeting were His Eminence Metropolitan Mark of Berlin and Germany; His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco and Western America; His Eminence Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal and Canada; His Grace Bishop Irenaei of London and Western Europe; His Grace Bishop Theodosius of Manhattan, and His Grace Bishop Job of Stuttgart.

After the prayer and approval of the agenda, previously sent out by Bishop Theodosius, the Chairman of the Synod opened the meeting with a brief greeting and a report on his services and visits. In particular, His Eminence spoke to the archpastors about the celebrations of the consecrations of Bishop Spiridon of Toronto and Bishop Michael of Boston, which took place at the Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY, during the feast of the Three Holy Hierarchs and the Presentation of the Lord. His Eminence also spoke on other events in the life of the Church.

Then Bishop Irinei, Secretary of the Department of Inter-Orthodox Relations, reported on events in the Orthodox world since the last meeting. Bishop Job, Chairman of the Pre-conciliar Commission, gave a report on the progress of preparations for the upcoming Council of Bishops, scheduled to take place in Munich from April 29 to May 5 of this year.

The Synod of Bishops considered a number of petitions from the archpastors who had recommended their clergy and parishioners for church awards.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Metropolitan Nicholas, having asked forgiveness from the archpastors, wished them a fruitful Great Lent and a joyful meeting with the Risen Christ. Then His Grace Theodosius congratulated the President of the Synod on his recently celebrated name day, wishing him good health, cheerful spirit, and Almighty God's help in his service as the Primate, after which many years were proclaimed to His Eminence.