The Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States gathered in Atlanta from September 28 to October 1 for their 13th General Assembly.
Twenty-nine hierarchs representing various Orthodox Churches in the United States of America attended the meeting. His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae represented the Romanian Orthodox Metropolis of the Americas.
The Assembly reiterated its call for peace in the Middle East and prayed for “for the safety, especially of the Patriarchates of Antioch and Jerusalem, as well as for a speedy end to conflict, the return of all hostages, and for the rebuilding of Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, and the entire region in accordance with the standards of human dignity and international law, as well as a sustainable peace in the Middle East. Violence can never solve violence, and peace should be pursued at all costs.”
The Assembly reiterated its “concern and profound sorrow for the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation as well as the ecclesiastical challenges in the country” and continued to pray “for a peaceful resolution to this invasion that upholds the civil and human rights of all Ukrainians … calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the return of all captives.”
The bishops also discussed the devastation caused by Hurricane “Helene,” which resulted in damage and loss of life from Florida’s Gulf Coast to the Appalachian Mountains in Virginia, particularly in North Carolina.
On the final day of the meeting, the directors and deans of theological schools gave a presentation on clergy formation and contemporary challenges.
Discussions focused on anticipating the skills needed for the next twenty years, seminarians pursuing a second vocation, hybrid teaching formats, and developing a practical internship program for students.
The General Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the United States will next meet in Denver, CO, from September 20-23, 2025, and in Pittsburgh, PA, from October 3-6, 2026.
Photo: Theophani Sarigianis
