From Tuesday the 9th to Thursday the 11th of December, the final meeting of the ROCOR Synod of Bishops of the year took place at the Synodal Residence of the First Hierarch of the Russian Abroad in New York City. The meeting, chaired by His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, was attended by: Metropolitan Mark of Berlin & Germany; Archbishops Kyrill of San Francisco & Western America and Gabriel of Montreal & Canada; and Bishops Irenei of London & Western Europe, Theodosius of Seattle, Luke of Syracuse (by special invitation), and Job of Stuttgart.
On Tuesday, December 9, the meeting opened with a greeting from the President of the Synod of Bishops, who outlined the program for the days ahead. Having accepted the agenda previously sent out by Bishop Theodosius, and adding a few questions at the request of the archpastors, the members of the Synod of Bishops commenced their work.
Archimandrite Roman (Krassovsky), head of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem, reported on the state of affairs in the churches and monasteries under his jurisdiction. Nicholas Ohotin, Communications Director of the Synod, then delivered a report on legal and property matters.
Archpriest Alexandre Anchoutine, Director of AZCC Builders Inc., and representatives of the Zimmerman Agency acquainted Synod members with the progress of the repair and construction of the Synodal Residence. Bishop Irenei, secretary of the Synod for Inter-Orthodox Relations, then reported on events in the Orthodox world since the last meeting.
Bishop Luke, abbot of the Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY, briefed those present on the state of affairs at Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary.
A commission was established by the Synod of Bishops to study the life, legacy, and veneration of Hieromonk Seraphim (Rose), headed by His Grace James, Bishop of Sonora, vicar of the Western American Diocese.
Hieromonk Peter (Karakozoff; cleric of the Western American Diocese), gave a report on the liturgical traditions of the Russian Church Abroad.
Mark Selawry, President of the Fund for Assistance to ROCOR, gave an extensive presentation on its work and future plans.
Special attention was paid to issues of replenishing the episcopate and preparing for the upcoming Council of Bishops, to be held in Munich, Germany, from April 29-May 5, 2026, during which celebrations dedicated to the centennial of the German Diocese will take place. In this regard, following the acts of the Council of Bishops, a commemorative church conference will commence at the Monastery of Venerable Job, Abbot and Wonderworker of Pochaev.
The Synod reviewed various church-disciplinary and administrative-economic issues, as well as a number of petitions from the archpastors for awards to their clergy and parishioners.
On Wednesday, December 10, the feast of the Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God "of the Sign," Metropolitan Nicholas officiated at Divine Liturgy at the Synodal Cathedral, preceded by All-Night Vigil on the eve of the feast.
On Thursday, December 11, the archpastors continued their work in the meeting hall of the Synodal Residence. Concluding the meeting, the President of the Synod wished its participants a peaceful fast and a joyful encounter with the "Eternal God, Who is to be born as a little child."
That same evening, a meeting of the Supreme Council of the Orthodox Palestinian Society was held under the chairmanship of His Eminence, Metropolitan Nicholas.
The next meeting of the Holy Synod will take place on February 17, 2026.
