Leadership of the Antiochian Archdiocese Convenes in Southern California

Woodland Hills, CA

Although they are called the "Fall Meetings," to those assembled therein, they are more than just meetings.

By the grace of God, His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph has inaugurated a full spiritual weekend for the bishops, clergy leaders, and lay leaders of the Antiochian Archdiocese at the annual Fall Meetings on October 23-25, 2015. The weekend is co-hosted by St. Michael Church of Van Nuys and St. Nicholas Cathedral of Los Angeles.

Joining Sayidna Joseph are his brother hierarchs: Their Graces, Bishop Basil of Wichita and Mid-America; Bishop Thomas of Charleston, Oakland and the Mid-Atlantic; Bishop John of Worcester and New England; Bishop Anthony of Toledo and the Midwest; and Bishop Nicholas of Brooklyn.Their Graces, Bishop Antoun of Miami and the Southeast and Bishop Alexander of Ottawa, Eastern Canada and Upstate New York were unable to attend. They were kept in the prayers of the other hierarchs, who held their meeting on Friday morning, covering a number of issues impacting the life of the Archdiocese.

At the governing council of The Order of St. Ignatius, Sayidna Joseph called upon the officers and spiritual advisors to inspire more people to join in their ministry, especially new generations. He expressed confidence in their many ways to do so correctly and effectively. Sayidna Joseph and the hierarchs also participated in the gathering of the Department of Conference and Convention Planning.

The Archdiocesan Board of Trustees convenes this weekend to set goals with Sayidna Joseph and all the hierarchs, towards the most effective witness of Jesus Christ on this continent. They will also visit the newly established Antiochian Orthodox Institute in La Verne to learn how it will revitalize efforts for translations of the divine services and patristic texts vital for congregations and their ministries. They will also take part in the Service of Groundbreaking for the new St. Michael church temple in Van Nuys and in honoring its longtime pastor, V. Rev. Fr. Timothy Baclig, on Saturday evening. The weekend will conclude with the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and a luncheon on Sunday at St. Nicholas Cathedral.

Full coverage of the Fall Meetings will continue on www.antiochian.org. Check back often for updates.