Summary: ROCA Bishops Synod Session

Sent to me today:.. regarding Dimitri's 'Summary':

 

(Keep in mind that this is a summary and not a translation. As a result there are numerous details omitted. Also there are some inaccuracies in the summary. For example, the original Russian text says regarding Archbishop Sophrony: подлежит лишению сана. This has been rendered in the summary as “will be defrocked”; but the actual meaning of the Russian phrase is more accurately rendered as “is subject to deprivation of [the hierarchal] dignity.” The same error occurs in regard to Archbishop Andronik. What the text is saying in both instances is that because of the serious nature of the offenses, the canonical penalty could be “defrocking”. The final decision of the ecclesiastical court, however, was to impose a much lighter punishment and merely place both Archbishops in retired status.

Another error is the statement in the proceedings of the ecclesiastical court pertaining to Archbishop Sophrony: "Abp. Sophroniy is retired, but with the right to serve in his monastery until the All-Diaspora Council, as long as he attends.” In the original Russian text there is nothing corresponding to the phrase “as long as he attends.”  Instead, the Russian text has the phrase, согласно его собственного заявления, which may be translated as “in accordance with his own statement”, which is not found in the summary. The same error also occurs in the summary of the ecclesiastical court proceedings pertaining to Archbishop Andronik. )

 

(By someone who knows Russian and the English equivalent, a bit better than Dimitri.)

============================================================================================================================

My comment:

For myself, I had wished for and requested, a complete human-English translation of ALL of that Bishop's Report, every word,

to thus make clear to all, its exact and full meaning,[ for whomever agrees with it or not]  and to thereby dispel any wrong interpretations.

But I cannot pay any such able bi-lingual translator, or order anyone to do this work.

Daniel In Oregon

General Sharing: (A Summary): ROCA Bishops Synod Session and Ecclesiastical Court 19-21JUL16 Summary - English    Inbox

Dan Everiss <oregdan@hotmail.com> Fri, Jul 22, 2016 at 10:32 AM Reply | Reply to all | Forward | Print | Delete | Show original Extraordinary Session of the ROCA Synod of Bishops  and Ecclesiastical Court   July 19-21, 2016, Odessa   Summary      Discussed: statements from Bishops Sophroniy and Andronik. Resolved:        The matter of Hieromonk Joseph (Sukhov) was resolved among all parties at the last Synod session.  Anyone who dares to make any charges or raise the issue again without new information will be severely punished.      The matter of accusing Abp. Sophroniy of having a non-traditional sexual orientation was resolved among all parties at the last Synod session.  Anyone who dares to make any charges or raise the issue again without new information will be severely punished.      The matter of the First Hierarch performing an ordination without a liturgy and sending an antimens by mail will be reviewed by the Council of Bishops.      Fr. Vladimir Khorunzhe had already received a release gramota from Abp. Sophroniy when the latter decided to defrock him, so there are no grounds that recognize it as valid.  Also, it was decided already at a session in 2014 to defrock him, so the earlier decision stands.      The First Hierarch remains the ruling bishop for Western Europe, as B. Nikon has not been able to assume that duty.      When the First Hierarch said Abp. Sophroniy depended on “the authorities,” it was not meant as an accusation, but only a statement of facts based on his legal status.      The contention that Abp. Sophroniy indicted the First Hierarch was only heard by all the bishops present previously and an official document was never submitted.      While under indictment, the idea that the First Hierarch should cede authority to the Vice Chairman is incorrect and a poor understanding of the rules by Abp. Sophroniy and Abp. Andronik.  The First Hierarch must cede authority to a senior bishop only during the course of the court proceedings.  He retains them before and after.      That the ROCA Synod of Bishops signed the general agreement in Greece was a gesture of fidelity, just as Abp. Sophroniy once pledged his loyalty to the ROCA Synod of Bishops.      Regarding Bishops Dionisiy and Iriney, they were invited to the Synod numerous times and they refused saying they are breaking with their brothers in the Council.  After their censure, they did not make an appeal, so they must be satisfied with that ruling.  Bishop Iriney in an open letter to B. Andronik supported schism in our Church.      Met. Agafangel, Abp. Georgiy, Archpriest Leonid Plyats and Protodeacon German Ivanov were in Greece at the Pan-Orthodox Meeting.  They participated in discussions and are in full agreement with all documents coming from that meeting.      Regarding the request to convene an All-Diaspora Council, the First Hierarch’s request is accepted and a committee will be formed to make arrangements.      All letters from Abp. Sophroniy and Abp. Andronik in which they libel the fairness of the Synod and its Chairman were read.  The letters also include statements of not recognizing the authority of the Synod and the Council of Bishops and calling for an AllDiaspora Council.  Abp. Andronik’s ukase to Fr. Dmitriy Dobronravov is read.  The letter from 4 bishops to Abp. Andronik is read.  The letter from Hegumen John (Smelts) is read.  Fr. Leonid reports on the discussion by email by members of the Supreme Council of the ROCA.  The opinions of the members are read.  Resolved: To take all the information under consideration.      Abp. Georgiy reads the charge of the Chairman against Abp. Sophroniy to the court.   The court has determined: Abp. Sophroniy in his letters states he will not recognize the authority of the First Hierarch and the Synod of Bishops and the ROCA Council, which violates the canons.  His violation of his bishop’s oath also violates the canons.  He has violated the Synod decree on how to conduct discussions of topics on social media, which violates the canons.  He refused to appear before the court after three requests, which violates the canons.  We have had to review his case without him present.  Accordingly, based on the church regulations and canons, Abp. Sophroniy will be defrocked.      The court has ruled:  As an expression of brotherly love, archpastoral ekonomia, concern for his flock and based on the church regulations, Abp. Sophroniy is retired, but with the right to serve in his monastery until the All-Diaspora Council, as long as he attends.  He also has the right to appeal this ruling.  Note: a retired bishop does not have a title [I.e. of 'bishop'] and does not have the right to issue ukases and rule a diocese.      Abp. Georgiy reads the charges of the Chairman against Abp. Andronik to the court.   The court has determined:  Abp. Andronik in his letters states he will not recognize the authority of the First Hierarch and the Synod of Bishops and the ROCA Council, which violates the canons.  His violation of his oath of allegiance also violates the canons.  He has violated the Synod decree how to conduct discussions of topics on social media, which violates the canons.  Abp. Andronik violated the canonical territory of another bishop, which violates the canons.  He refused to appear before the court after three requests, which violates the canons.  We have had to review his case without him present.  Accordingly, based on the church regulations and canons, Abp. Andronik will be defrocked, and according to another canon law, will be denied communion at his death.      The court has ruled:     As an expression of brotherly love, archpastoral ekonomia, concern for his flock and based on the church regulations, Abp. Andronik is retired, but with the right to serve only at Mountain View until the All-Diaspora Council, as long as he attends.  He also has the right to appeal this ruling.   Note: a retired bishop does not have a title [i.e. of 'bishop'] and does not have the right to issue ukases and rule a diocese.      Discussed: to decide the results of the court.   Resolved:   Based on the court ruling on July 19, issue an ukase declaring Abp. Andronik is retired with the right to serve in Mountain View until further notice.   To consider all of Abp. Andronik’s ukases regarding the Astoria parish issued after the May, 2016, Synod session uncanonical and without authority.   To assign Bishop Gregory as the temporary ruling bishop of the Canadian and Syracuse-St. Nicholas diocese.  Commemorate his name after the First Hierarch.  Direct all questions to him.   To assign the First Hierarch as the temporary ruling bishop of Australia.    Commemorate only his name.  Direct all questions to him.   Abp. Sophroniy is retired with the right to serve in his monastery until further notice.   To assign B. Nikon as the temporary ruling bishop of the St. Petersburg diocese.  Commemorate his name after the First Hierarch.  Direct all questions to him.      Discussed: The First Hierarch reported on matters in the Holy Trinity parish in Astoria. After reading all the letters and discussing the matter,   Resolved: To decide matters there at a General Parish Meeting with the ROCA First Hierarch present.      Discussed: The actions and behavior of Fr. Oleg Mironov.   Resolved:  To summon Fr. Oleg Mironov before the ROCA Council of Bishops.