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Regulations Of The Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia
Confirmed by the Council of Bishops in 1956 and by a decision of the Council dated 5/18 June, 1964
I. GENERAL
1. The Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia is an indissoluble
part of the Russian Orthodox Church, and for the time until the
extermination in Russia of the atheist government, is self-governing on
conciliar principles in accordance with the resolution of the Patriarch,
the Most Holy Synod, and the Highest Church Council [Sobor] of the
Russian Church dated 7/20 November, 1920, No. 362.
2. The
Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia is composed of those who are
outside the borders of Russia and are guided by the lawful hierarchy of a
diocese with their parishes, church communities, spiritual missions and
monasteries.
3. The basic task of the Russian Orthodox Church
Outside of Russia is the preservation abroad of complete independence of
the Russian Orthodox Church from atheistic and anti-Christian forces
and the overall spiritual nourishment of the Orthodox Russian flock in
the diaspora, independent of nationality; and in particular, the
preservation and strengthening in the souls of the faithful flock the
purity and wholeness of the holy Orthodox faith; and the encouragement
of devotion in the flock, dispersed throughout the world, to the
suffering Mother Church.
4. In her internal life and
administration, the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia is guided
by Holy Scripture and Tradition, by the Holy Canons and Church laws, the
regulations and pious customs of the Church of Russia and, in
particular, by the resolution of His Holiness the Patriarch, the Most
Holy Synod, and the Highest Church Sobor of the Russian Orthodox Church
dated 7/20 November, 1920, No. 362, by the resolutions of sobors and
declarations of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, in which
is included the present statute.
5. The administration of the
Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia is carried out by a Sobor of
Bishops through the First Hierarch and Synod, and through diocesan
bishops.
6. All organs of Church administration, beginning with
the First Hierarch and Synod of Bishops and others in descending order,
must subject their acts to scrutiny and control, according to the
prescribed chain of authority.
II. SOBOR OF BISHOPS
7. The Sobor of Bishops is to be convoked annually, if possible, in
accordance with Church canons, and it is the highest law-making
administrative, judicial and controlling body in the Russian Orthodox
Church Outside of Russia.
8. The President of the Sobor of
Bishops and the Synod of Bishops is the First Hierarch of the Russian
Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, being the Metropolitan, and is
elected for life by the Sobor . All bishops of the Russian Orthodox
Church Outside of Russia are members of the Sobor .
9. Members
of the Sobor who for some special valid reason cannot be present at a
Sobor, must give their opinion on questions raised at the Sobor, or
entrust their representation to other bishops. Absent bishops have the
right, in matters concerning their diocese or vicariate, to send their
proxies (of priestly rank).
10. Questions at a Sobor of Bishops
are resolved by common consent of all participants, or by the opinion
of the majority. On all equally divided votes, the President's vote
prevails.
11. The following matters come within the authority of the Sobor of Bishops:
A. The election of the First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church
Outside of Russia, for life, with his elevation to the rank of
Metropolitan;
B. The election of two deputies of the First Hierarch who will be vice-presidents of the
Synod, two members of the Synod of Bishops, and two deputies of the members of the Synod;
C. Questions of a general church nature concerning faith, morals, services, church
administration, church discipline, general religious instruction, and also the church court of appeal;
D. Matters of a principal character concerning contemporary schisms and false teachings;
and also defense of the rights of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia before
governments and various institutions;
E. Publication of epistles and other acts in the name of the whole Russian Orthodox Church
Outside of Russia;
F. Establishment of diocesan sees, their closure, and alteration in diocesan boundaries;
similarly, the opening or organization of new missions and their closure;
G. The election, nomination, transfer, retirement and rewarding of bishops.
NOTE: The appointment of ruling bishops from those available, and also the election,
appointment, transfer, retirement and rewarding of bishops, establishment of diocesan sees, their
closure and alteration of boundaries, the reuniting to the Church of bishops who have apostasized
or who join from other faiths, in the period between sobors, may be
carried out, in case of extreme need, by the Synod of Bishops but not
otherwise than by requiring the written opinions of all the bishops.
H. Setting up of monetary collections and tithes for church needs;
I. Resolution of problems associated with the preparation of candidates for the priesthood
and of the other clergy;
J. Consideration of reports of the Synod of Bishops, its President, diocesan and vicar
bishops and others and of institutions, concerning various aspects of
church administration and life, and also other assorted questions
concerning relations with governments and church authorities or
representatives of other Orthodox Churches and heterodox faiths;
K. The opening and closing, by the Synod of Bishops, of permanent institutions listed in
para. 32;
L. The election of a Synodal Auditing Committee for the checking of
Synodal accounts and the proper conducting of the economic side of the
Synod and for similar bodies under the Synod's jurisdiction;
M. Setting up of staffs (personnel) of the Synod of Bishops;
N. Examination and confirmation of income/outgoing estimates for the maintenance of the
First Hierarch, the Synod of Bishops and the Metropolitan's residence, and also for the publication
of the official organ of the Synod of Bishops;
O. The supplementing and alteration of the Regulations of the Russian Orthodox Church
Outside of Russia.
12.
In case of special need, the First Hierarch together with the Synod of
Bishops may call an extraordinary Church Sobor, composed of bishops,
representatives of the clergy, and laity. The resolutions of these
Sobors have the force of law and go into effect only on confirmation by
the Sobor of Bishops under the presidency of the First Hierarch of the
Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia which should meet at the same
time or immediately after the end of the extraordinary Church Sobor.
13. The preparatory work for the calling of a sobor shall be done by
the First Hierarch. He shall compile a preliminary agenda of matters to
be discussed by the Sobor, collect and prepare material for the Sobor
received from bishops and their dioceses and other sources. The Synod of
Bishops can set up a Pre-Sobor Commission under the presidency of a
member of the Synod for the preparation of material for the
consideration of the sobor and financial and administrative questions
and matters connected with the calling of the sobor.
l4.
Besides the regular Sobor of Bishops, extraordinary sobors may be
called, for example, for the election of a new First Hierarch after the
retirement or death of the former one, and also in the case of some
other special events which give rise to the necessity to call an
extraordinary sobor of Bishops.
15. In the period between sobors,
urgent and important questions lying within the competence of the Sobor,
may be resolved by the Synod of Bishops by way of calling for comments
from all the bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.
III. THE SYNOD OF BISHOPS
16. The Synod of Bishops is the executive organ of the Sobor and is
composed of the chairman, who is the First Hierarch of the Russian
Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, his two deputies and four members, of
whom two are elected by the Sobor for the period between sobors, and
two are summoned from dioceses for a four-month period in order of turn;
and also of two of their deputies summoned to the meeting of the Synod
at the discretion of the chairman.
17. In cases of discussion
and decision by the Synod of extremely important matters, and also
judgments in respect of bishops at first instance, the composition of
the Synod shall be enlarged by other bishops, expressly invited by the
First Hierarch.
18. Every diocesan bishop may attend a meeting
of the Synod which discusses the affairs of his diocese equally with
other members of the Synod.
19. A . The Synod may, in case of
necessity, summon the diocesan or vicar bishop concerning matters in his
diocese or vicariate; B . In the case of some serious disruption in a
diocese, the Synod may send one of the bishops to become acquainted with
or to investigate the affair on the spot. Should there be
uncovered any abuses or offences on the part of the diocesan or vicar bishop, the Synod shall take
necessary steps to establish order in accordance with para. 15; in case of necessity, the Synod may
temporarily employ measures with notification of such to the hierarchy.
20. Meetings of the Synod are to be considered valid when, besides the
chairman, at least half of the members are present. But when there is
discussion of extremely important questions, and also when it sits as a
court of first instance in respect of bishops (in which case an enlarged
composition of the Synod is required), the meeting is considered valid
when no less than six bishops are present including the chairman.
21. In the case of illness or absence for some reason of the First Hierarch, his deputy shall take the chair in the Synod.
22. Matters in the Synod are to be determined by general agreement of
all members who take part in the meeting or by a majority of votes. On
an equal division of votes, the chairman's vote shall be decisive.
23. No one who participates in a Synod meeting may abstain from voting,
but in the event of disagreement with the accepted decision, the person
who disagrees may give his opinion which he must declare at the same
session, setting out that on which it is based, add he should present it
in written form no later than three days after the day of the session.
Special opinions are appended to the item without annulling the
decision.
24. Matters coming within the jurisdiction of the
Synod may be brought up for discussion at the direction or initiative of
the chairman; but the right to raise questions to be discussed by Synod
also belongs to every individual member of the Synod.
25. All
resolutions of the Synod are to be published in ledgers and should be
signed by the chairman and all members who took part in the essence of
the matter at hand.
26. After signing, resolutions of the Synod
go into force and are not subject to review except when facts are
presented which change the very essence of the matter at hand.
27. The chairman of Synod has supreme authority for the correct
processing of matters in the Synod's Consistory and its auxiliary bodies
and for the expeditious and exact carrying out of resolutions that have
been passed.
28. The following officials are attached to Synod:
a secretary, of the rank of bishop, from among the members of Synod; a
director who shall be in charge of the Synodal Consistory; the Synodal
Jurisconsult; the Synodal Treasurer; and officials of the Consistory.
29. The following matters come within the jurisdiction of the Synod of Bishops:
A. The appointment of ruling bishops from those available; the appointment and
transfer of vicar bishops; the appointment and release of heads of
missions; the retirement of bishops during the inter-sobor period;
B. The arranging for the election of new bishops in the inter-sobor period by way of
requesting written opinions from all bishops;
C. The establishment of cathedral sees: their closure, and alteration of borders in
inter-sobor periods, if there be urgent need;
D. The reuniting of bishops to the Church who have fallen to apostasy and the reception
of those who come from other faiths;
E. The composition (which shall be enlarged) of a court at first instance in respect
to bishops;
F. The hearing of complaints and formation, with normal Synod membership, of an
appeal court in respect of clergy, and confirmation of decisions by
diocesan courts to defrock clergy, submitted by diocesan bishops;
G. The hearing of divorce matters at first instance in respect of clergy, and in respect
of laity in parishes directly subject to the chairman of the Synod,
brought to the Synod from diocesan courts for whatever reason. Also, the
hearing of appeals of divorce matters.
NOTE: Synod has authority to make exceptions to the rules concerning the place of
bringing divorce suits and the setting up of time limits for them.
H. The resolution of questions concerning various aspects of church life and church
administration and regulation thereof;
I. Amalgamation and direction of all aspects of the life of the Russian Orthodox
Church Outside of Russia and control over the carrying out of previous sobor resolutions and other church laws still in force;
J. The publishing of books of Sacred Scripture, collections of the
canons, service books, texts on catechism and other books of a
religious/moral nature, and also of sacred art; in addition, the
granting of permission, approval and blessings for the publication of
books of the aforesaid content by various organizations and private
individuals;
K. The approval of newly composed services, rites and
prayer-books and the safeguarding or the text of' Scripture and church
service books; control over the correction of the latter; and also
translations and publications;
L. The opening of theological schools for candidates for the priesthood and lesser schools;
M. The appointment of heads of theological schools for the preparation of candidates for the priesthood, and their dismissal;
N. The supervision and confirmation of academic curricula for separate
courses and subjects in theological schools, on the initiative of the
Schools Committee;
O. The supervision of the strictly Orthodox and
artistic form of church art and architecture, iconography, singing and
applied arts, and their development;
P. The appointment and dismissal of the director of the Synodal Consistory, Jurisconsult and Synodal Treasurer.
NOTE: The chairman of Synod accepts into service and dismisses from
service those who work in the Consistory and other Synod employees, at
the representation of the director.
Q. The appointment and dismissal
of members and secretaries of Diocesan Councils, at the representation
of the diocesan bishop;
R. The organization of various types of
collections for general church needs, and for the needs and maintenance
of separate missions;
S. Matters of adoption and legitimization;
T. The awarding of "white" and monastic clergy with the rank of
protodeacon, the pectoral cross, the rank of archpriest, the palitsa,
the jeweled pectoral cross, mitre, the rank of Hegumen and
Archimandrite, and also the giving of awards to clergy and laity in the
form of certificates, Bibles or icons, for their special labors,
sacrifices and services on behalf of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside
of Russia;
U. The granting to bishops of permission to take
vacations for a period in excess of two months, and vacations abroad
with temporary substitution by vicar bishops or bishops from other
dioceses;
V. The supervision and partial alteration of pre-existing
rules and statutes by which are regulated the life, activity and
administration of existing and potential parishes, brotherhoods,
sisterhoods, various diocesan and parochial educational and
philanthropic organizations, institutions of the Synod of Bishops,
theological schools, spiritual missions and convents and monasteries;
W. Matters concerning the strengthening and defense of the rights of
the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia in respect of her legal
status, existence and activity, and of her organs;
X. Matters
concerning church property in dioceses, parishes, brotherhoods,
sisterhoods, spiritual missions, monasteries and theological schools,
coming within the jurisdiction of Synod;
Y. The supervision and decision of matters concerning spiritual missions and theological schools, directly subject to Synod;
Z. The resolution of difficult questions coming from dioceses and other
places or people, and also arising as a result of incompleteness or
lack of clarity of church laws and conciliar decisions;
AA. Appeals by epistle or addresses to bishops, pastors, monastics, brotherhoods, and to the flock, as circumstances demand;
BB. The notification of bishops of important events in church life and
Synodal resolutions of general significance, which duty belongs to the
Secretary of Synod.
30. The Synod of Bishops will publish its own magazine under the name of “Church Life.”
31. The Synod has the following auxiliary bodies:
A . Consistory;
B . Schools Committee, under the chairmanship of a member of Synod;
C . Synodal Philanthropic Fund;
D . Department of Missions, under the chairmanship of a member of Synod;
E . Library, Archives and Museum;
F . Department of domestic affairs;
G . Synodal Accountant;
H . Synodal Auditing Committee;
I . Legal Committee; and Artistic/Architectural Committee.
32. Income for the maintenance of Synod will be generated from the following:
A . Basic fees established by the Council and received through diocesan
offices and also, in part, directly from parishes and monasteries;
B . From specific plate collections taken up in churches;
C . From percentages of candle and plate collections in churches of the entire Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia;
D . From the 2% deducted from the income of the bishops;
E . From the 1% deductions from the income of the parochial clergy;
F . From bonus taxes and administration taxes in connection with divorce matters;
G . From donations connected with certain prayer books, made by the clergy of the Synodal church of the Metropolitan;
H . From deductions made from the sale of spiritual literature;
I . From marks and endorsements;
J . From other individual donations;
K . From deductions from the income of the Synodal Council.
IV. THE FIRST HIERARCH
33. The First Hierarch, holding the rank of Metropolitan, heads the
Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. He is elected for life by the
Sobor of Bishops from among those of the episcopate who are available.
34. The name of the First Hierarch shall be commemorated at services in
every church of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, before
the name of the local ruling bishop.
35. The residence of the
First Hierarch shall have a domestic chapel in which shall be kept the
holy, wonderworking Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God of the Sign.
36. The First Hierarch is, at one and the same time, the diocesan
bishop of that diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia
in which he constantly resides, and the rector of the Metropolitan's
cathedral church. He administers, with the rights of a diocesan bishop,
those churches not included in any other diocese and directly subject to
him. His vicar helps him administer the churches subject to him.
37. The First Hierarch, besides being chairman of the Council and Synod, possesses the following rights:
A . He has the general care for the well-being of the Russian Orthodox
Church Outside of Russia, both internally and externally;
B . To call ordinary and extraordinary sobors of Bishops, and also the All-Diaspora Sobors
with the participation of clergy and laity, of which he is also chairman;
C . He is the chairman of the Sobor of Bishops;
D . To present to the Sobor accounts of the condition of the Russian Orthodox Church
Outside of Russia during the period between sobors;
E . To communicate with representatives of autocephalous Orthodox Churches on
questions of church life, in fulfillment of resolutions of the Sobor or Synod, and also in his own name;
F . To communicate with government authorities on matters affecting the Russian
Orthodox Church Outside of Russia;
G . To address the whole Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia with archpastoral
epistles and instructive admonitions;
H . To be responsible for appointments to cathedral sees, when necessary;
I . To be responsible for the preparation of the Holy Myrrh and antiminses, when necessary;
J . To give blessings to clergy and laymen for their beneficial services to the Church;
K . To give awards of the rank of archpriest and hegumen to clergy directly subject to him;
L . In necessary cases, to give brotherly admonitions to bishops concerning their personal
lives, as well as their fulfillment of their archpastoral duties;
M . To administer churches, missions and monasteries, directly subject to him;
N . In the case of a vacant episcopal see, to take upon himself temporary control of it or to
assign a bishop before the appointment of a ruling bishop;
O . To receive complaints against bishops, and to give them appropriate consideration;
P . To examine personal misunderstandings between bishops who have voluntarily sought
his mediation, without formal proceedings; in which cases, the decision of the First Hierarch is binding on the parties;
Q . In necessary cases, to visit all dioceses, with the consent of the diocesan bishop;
R . To have supreme supervisory control over the correct processing of all matters
pertaining to Synod and Synodal institutions, and the putting into force of resolutions of the Sobor and Synod;
S . To grant leave to bishops to be absent from their dioceses from two weeks to two
months, without temporary substitution;
T . To distribute Holy Myrrh to the dioceses and churches of the entire Russian Orthodox
Church Outside of Russia;
U . To visit theological schools;
V . On his own initiative, to refer questions and other matters for examination and
resolution by the Sobor and Synod.
38. The First Hierarch may use his right of protest in those cases when
he recognizes that resolutions adopted by Synod are not conducive to
the well-being and benefit of the Church. He should give reasons for his
protest in writing, and suggest to Synod that they review the matter.
If the Synod repeats its former resolution, the First Hierarch may
suspend its going into effect after summoning a sobor or, in writing,
request the opinion of all members of the Sobor, on whom depends the
final resolution of the question.
39. The First Hierarch has his
personal consistory (office) and secretary. In his domestic chapel he
has clergy who serve in succession.
V. DIOCESES AND DIOCESAN BISHOPS
40. The Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia is divided into
dioceses whose boundaries are established by the Synod with definitive
confirmation by the Sobor of Bishops.
4l. Every diocese is under the administrative control of its diocesan bishop.
42. Bishops of dioceses that are located in a certain part of the
world, may periodically gather for meetings, under the chairmanship of
the most senior of them, or of the bishop who is representative of the
Synod.
43. Every diocese should have a Diocesan Council to
assist the diocesan bishop in the administration of the diocese and it
should be under his direct control and be subject to him.
44.
Diocesan administration as well as the diocesan church court should be
conducted according to the principles set out in para. 4 of these
Regulations.
45. The diocesan bishop, as the head of a local
church (the diocese), enjoys, by divine ordinance, the complete fullness
of episcopal power, that is, to teach, to perform divine services, to
administer a court and give judgment, within the boundaries of his
diocese.
46. To the diocesan bishop belongs the right of initiative and direct leadership in all aspects of diocesan life.
47. The diocesan bishop, having the overall care of his diocese and its prosperity:
A . opens and closes parishes and defines their boundaries;
B . appoints, transfers in case of need, when it would be beneficial, and dismisses, rectors
of parishes and other clergy;
C . confirms in their position abbots and abbesses of monasteries and sketes for men and
women, and their deputies;
D . with the blessing of the Synod of Bishops, opens and closes monasteries and sketes in
his diocese;
E . sets up deaneries and appoints and dismisses deans;
F . ordains clergy and consecrates churches and antimenses;
G . gives permission for the construction, opening and repair of churches, chapels and
cemeteries;
H . guides the spiritual education of his flock, with missionary and charitable activities;
I . supervises the teaching of catechism;
J . visits parishes, monasteries and theological schools, and in necessary cases, points out
defects and omissions to the proper person and gives corresponding instructions, exhortations and orders;
K . gives guiding instructions to diocesan clergy regarding serving, church school and other
pastoral and clerical duties;
L . supervises the personal moral purity of life and good conduct of all church servers and
the flock;
M . in all necessary cases, brings archpastoral pressure to bear by admonishment, warning,
imposition of epitimias, distraint, temporary removal from serving, or complete dismissal;
N . in necessary cases, entrusts bodies under his jurisdiction to conduct closed or public
enquiries or formal investigations;
O . confers awards on clergy up to the kamilavka, inclusively, awards the Holy Gospel or
holy icons and confers his blessing on clergy and laity in the form of certificates, etc.;
P . permits the establishment of church brotherhoods and sisterhoods, philanthropic,
educational and other beneficial institutions and closes them, confirms their rules and controls them;
Q . with the permission of the Synod of Bishops, opens seminaries for the training of
candidates for the priesthood and precentors, presenting the
regulations and curricula for these schools for the training of chanters
and precentors, teachers and preceptors, and, in general, has overall
guidance and supervision of schools.
NOTE: Curricula of seminaries are confirmed by the Synod of Bishops at the
representation of a member of the Schools Committee.
R . administers and disposes of diocesan and monastic property and supervises all other
church property in the diocese, in accordance with the 4lst Apostolic
canon: "We command that the Bishop have authority over the property of
the church";
S . summons Diocesan Assemblies under his chairmanship;
T . confirms the resolutions of Diocesan Assemblies and Diocesan Councils;
U . confirms the estimate of income and expenditure for the diocese and also
apportionment of all kinds of monetary collections in the parishes of
the diocese for the maintenance of the diocesan bishop, episcopal
residence, journeys of the bishop on church business, and also of the
Diocesan Council, consistory, secretary, etc.;
V . summons pastoral and missionary assemblies;
W . confirms the judgments of the diocesan court in all matters including divorce matters at
first instance;
X . increases or decreases punishments imposed by the diocesan court;
Y . confirms the resolutions of parish meetings, elections of church wardens, and other
elective office-bearers in the parishes;
Z . is the rector of his cathedral church.
48. The diocesan bishop has the duty of obtaining for his diocese the
rights of a legal person in a form corresponding to the local laws and
approved by the Synod of Bishops.
49. The archpastoral
residence should have its own consistory (office) of the bishop, under
the control of his personal secretary. The diocesan bishop receives his
income and living quarters from his cathedral and diocese.
NOTE: The diocesan bishop's residence should be in the city where the cathedral see is located.
50. The diocesan bishop should have in his consistory lists of all
clergy (higher and lesser) of the diocese; abbots and abbesses of
monasteries and sketes; their brotherhoods; heads of missions and their
members; heads, helpers, instructors and teachers in seminaries, with
information about each of them.
51. The diocesan bishop may not
leave the borders of his diocese for longer than one (1) month. In the
case of a more protracted absence, he must obtain permission from the
chairman of Synod, who may give him leave of absence for a period no
longer than two (2) months; or from the Synod of Bishops, who may extend
his leave up to six (6) months (see below). In the case of his absence
from the diocese or prolonged illness, the deputy of the diocesan bishop
is his vicar bishop, or another bishop appointed by the Synod of
Bishops.
52. A diocesan bishop has no archpastoral rights
within the borders of another diocese, otherwise than with the leave and
permission of the local diocesan bishop.
53. A diocesan bishop
may not accept clergy or monks from another diocese to serve in his
diocese, without a canonical release. It is also forbidden, under pain
of strict responsibility, to allow people to serve who have been
deprived of their clerical rank, or been forbidden to serve by another
bishop of another diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of
Russia.
54. The personal property of a ruling bishop (as of any
bishop) must be known to the clergy around him, and must not be mixed
with church property. In accordance with canonical rules, the bishop has
the right, before departing from this life, to make testamentary
disposition of his property, or to give it to whomever he wishes,
provided only that the person who receives it is of the Orthodox faith.
NOTE: 1. Holy things that bishops have kept, for example, antiminses, relics, Eucharistic
paraphernalia, the Holy Gifts, the Holy Myrrh, and other inviolable objects, are to be given to the
cathedral church for safekeeping or for use, unless there is an express directive concerning them by
the Supreme Church Authority.
2. Every bishop is obliged to make a will concerning the aforesaid subjects (in Note 1.), and
to give a copy of it to the Synod of Bishops.
55. The name of the diocesan bishop is commemorated at services in all
churches of his diocese after the name of the First Hierarch.
56. The following office-holders should help the diocesan bishop in the administration of the diocese:
A . vicar bishops;
B . Diocesan Assemblies;
C . Diocesan Council;
D . deans; and
E . rectors of churches and monasteries.
57. All auxiliary bodies of diocesan administration come under the
direct supervision of the diocesan bishop and are subject to him.
Without the agreement of the diocesan bishop, or his deputy, no decision
of the bodies of diocesan administration may be carried into effect.
VI. DIOCESAN ASSEMBLIES
58. Diocesan Assemblies are of two kinds:
A . ordinary; and
B . extraordinary.
59. Diocesan Assemblies are composed of:
A . all members of the clergy of the diocese, together with laymen, elected by the Parish
Meeting, equal in number to the clergy representatives;
B . members of the Diocesan Council and Diocesan Auditing Committee;
C . one representative of each of the monasteries, spiritual missions and church schools;
D . one representative of each of the educational, missionary and philanthropic institutions
and Church Brotherhoods, having not parochial but diocesan
significance, and coming within the control of the Diocesan
Administration; and
E . experienced people at the invitation of the diocesan bishop.
NOTE: 1. Members of the All-Russian Church Sobor have the right of participation in all
Diocesan Assemblies;
2. Supernumerary members of the clergy have the right of participation in Diocesan
Assemblies, with a deliberative vote.
60. The following people may not be members of the Diocesan Assembly:
A . those who, in the course of the year, do not confess and receive communion;
B . those who are cohabiting illegally and without the Church's blessing;
C . those found blameworthy by a civil or church court; those engaged in immoral
occupations or trades.
61. The President of the Diocesan Assembly is, by virtue of his office,
the diocesan bishop who declares the meeting open. In dioceses where
there are vicar bishops, the latter are the first deputies of the ruling
bishop and permanent members of the Diocesan Assembly. Apart from them,
the Diocesan Assembly should choose from the members of the Assembly
one deputy of the President, of the rank of priest.
62. The Diocesan Assembly:
A . chooses members of the Diocesan Council and Diocesan Auditing Committee for the
annual financial auditing of accounts, for a period of three (3) years, and deputies for them off half the number;
B . hears reports on various areas of church life for the period of time from the last
Diocesan Assembly till the present, and makes decisions concerning them;
C . examines the financial report submitted by the Diocesan Council in respect of all
diocesan institutions, and the reports of the Diocesan Auditing Committee;
D . draws up an estimate of income and expenditure for the maintenance of the diocesan
bishop, his residence and consistory and for the maintenance of the
personnel and staff of the Diocesan Administration; and for the
maintenance of the consistory, Diocesan Council, and other institutions
of diocesan administration as well as seminaries;
E . procures means to cover the expenses of the approved estimates;
F . sets up general and special taxations of income and other monetary collections for the
increase of the diocesan fund and for the assistance of various poor parishes;
G . seeks ways for the necessary organization of educational, missionary and philanthropic
activities in parishes for the religious and moral strengthening of the
flock and to strengthen the religious education of children and youth;
H . considers the diocesan bishop's solutions to questions concerning the acquiring,
alienation and use of real property which belongs to diocesan bodies, in accordance with the 41st Apostolic canon;
I . considers all general economic questions of a local diocesan character, connected with
the distribution of diocesan funds;
J . The Diocesan Assembly may comment on various important events of world or local
significance, affecting the Christian conscience of the Orthodox flock,
or directly or indirectly concerning the Russian Orthodox Church
Outside of Russia;
K . discusses and resolves all questions submitted to the Diocesan Assembly by the
diocesan bishop;
NOTE:
1. If, before the Diocesan Assembly meets, it is discovered that there
are not enough deputies for the members of the Diocesan Council or
Auditing Committee, they shall be appointed by the diocesan bishop with
confirmation by the Synod of Bishops;
2. In dioceses where, as a result of certain conditions, annual Diocesan Assemblies cannot
be called, the Diocesan Council shall annually draw up an estimate of income and expenditure for
the diocese, which shall be confirmed by the diocesan bishop;
3. If a new monastery (or convent) is opened, the immovable (real)
property obtained for it shall temporarily be placed in the name of the
diocese in which the monastery is founded; but on confirmation of the
opening of the monastery (or convent) by the Synod of Bishops, it should
be transferred to the name of the monastery, since only the latter has
acquired the rights of a legal entity.
63. All questions at
Diocesan Assemblies shall be decided by a simple majority of votes, with
the exception of questions concerning the purchase and sale of real
estate, for which a 2/3 majority shall be required.
64. Decisions of Diocesan Assemblies shall come into force and be implemented only after confirmation by the diocesan bishop.
65. In the case of disagreement of the ruling bishop with the decision
of the Diocesan Assembly at which he has presided, the matter may be
taken to the Supreme Church Authority for their consideration. If the
Assembly was conducted under the presidency of another person, and a
resolution of this Assembly is later objected to by the ruling bishop,
then the latter, while indicating the basis of his disagreement, may
return the matter to this same Assembly for their consideration a second
time. If there be still no agreement this time, the matter should be
taken to the Supreme Church Authority for their consideration. Urgent
decrees on debatable matters should be submitted to the bishop.
66.
All expenses connected with the summoning of a Diocesan Assembly are to
be met out of local funds, at the direction of the Assembly.
VII. DIOCESAN COUNCIL
67. The Diocesan Council is ad body permanently under the presidency and direct guidance of the diocesan bishop.
68. The diocesan bishop shall be the president of the Diocesan Council
and his deputy shall be the vicar bishop, where there is one, or a
person of the rank of priest, nominated by the diocesan bishop.
It shall consist of from four (4) to six (6) elected members, of whom no less than half shall be of the rank of priest.
NOTE:
In those dioceses which have a large number of parishes, monasteries
and seminaries, the number of members of the Diocesan Council may be
increased.
69. The Diocesan Council shall have a consistory
(office) under the immediate control of the Secretary of the Diocesan
Council, with personnel who are clerical or lay but whose education is
no lower than high school level and sufficiently competent in church
affairs.
70. The Secretary of the Diocesan Council shall be
appointed by the diocesan bishop with notification of his appointment to
the Synod of Bishops. At meetings of the Diocesan Council, the
Secretary shall record the minutes and shall certify as to certain
matters, but he does not have the right of a deciding vote, if he is not
a member of the Sobor.
71. Dioceses which have sufficient means may, on the recommendation of the Secretary, appoint personnel to assist him.
72. The Treasurer is appointed by the diocesan bishop, preferably from
among the members of the Diocesan Council, and as such, conducts the
financial affairs and makes a report concerning them, pays the monthly
salaries to the diocesan personnel, is responsible for the payment of
the expenses connected with the running of the bishop's household, the
consistory and the premises of the Diocesan Council, the trips of the
ruling or vicar bishops and members of the Diocesan Council undertaken
for diocesan business, the insurance of the personnel, etc., and makes
advance payments against forthcoming unforeseen expenses.
73.
All members of the Diocesan Council and their candidate deputies are
elected for three (3) years, and are confirmed by the diocesan bishop
with notification of their appointment to the Synod of Bishops. They
should not be younger than 30 years of age and should possess, as far as
possible, sufficient education and be of sufficient piety and devotion
to the Church.
74. Members of the Diocesan Council and the
deputy of the president should refrain from hearing matters in which
they are involved, but in the case of their being investigated or
brought to trial, they should withdraw until the matter has been
finalized.
75. In the case of illness, death or absence of the
diocesan bishop and his deputy president in the Diocesan Council, a
person should be expressly appointed by the Supreme Church Authority to
carry out the duties of a temporary president; or, if there were no such
appointment, the most senior member of the Sobor, of priestly rank,
should be temporarily appointed.
76. In order to supply
replacements for people who, for various reasons, are no longer members
of the Diocesan Council, the Diocesan Assembly should elect deputies for
them, or candidates for membership of the Diocesan Council, being half
of the active members in proportion to the number of clerical and lay
members.
77. The Diocesan Council has control over all matters
entrusted to its consideration and resolution by the diocesan bishop, in
particular:
A . the safeguarding and spreading of the Orthodox faith;
B . the erection and fitting out of churches;
C . church economy;
D . opening and legalization of new parishes;
E . gathering of information about parishes and the clergy and about pastoral and
educational activities in parishes;
F . organization of church festivals and festive services;
G . matters concerning the opening of church schools and youth organizations in parishes;
H . consideration and resolution of parishioners' complaints against the clergy;
I . various matters concerning subscriptions and monetary collections in diocesan churches
for the maintenance of the Synod of Bishops, diocesan establishments, for philanthropic purposes, etc.
J . compiling of all kinds of reports and financial accounts for presentation to the diocesan
bishop or Diocesan Assembly;
K . all kinds of matters connected with the existence of auxiliary bodies in the diocese;
L . the carrying out of resolutions of the Diocesan Assembly after confirmation by the
diocesan bishop, and directives of the diocesan bishop on various matters;
M . in dioceses where there is no church court, its functions shall be exercised by members
of the Diocesan Council, of priestly rank;
N . consideration and resolution of matters of an administrative nature involving disputes
between parishes and private individuals, and social and governmental
bodies concerning church property; the defense of the rights of the
diocese, parishes and clergy.
78. All matters in the Diocesan Council are to be decided by majority
vote and go into effect after confirmation by the diocesan bishop.
NOTE: Lay members of the Diocesan Council should not participate:
1. in the discussion and determination of matters concerning accusations against clergy and their conduct;
2. in divorce trials.
79. In the case of the disagreement of the ruling bishop with the
decision of the Diocesan Council, he may either resubmit it for
consideration to the Diocesan Council, or make a decision on his own
discretion.
80. No resolution or directive of the Diocesan
Council, issued during the tenure of office of a lawful diocesan bishop,
shall be valid if issued without his knowledge or confirmation.
VIII. VICARIATES AND VICAR BISHOPS
81. In large dioceses with numerous parishes and communities,
vicariates, having a vicar bishop at their head, may be established by
the Sobor of Bishops or Synod of Bishops, on the petition of diocesan
bishops calling for local relief.
82. On the appointment of a
vicar bishop, the diocesan bishop should set up ways and means for his
adequate maintenance out of local funds and secure for him a church
rectorship in his vicariate, of which he should inform the Synod of
Bishops.
83. Vicar bishops are chosen, appointed, transferred
and retired by the Sobor of Bishops, but in the period between sobors,
by the Synod with the concurrence of the diocesan bishops by way of
requiring the written opinions of all the bishops.
84. A vicar
bishop, on his nomination, is usually called by the name of the city to
which he has been permanently appointed, in which he will serve and
where the cathedral church is located, and of which the vicar bishop is
the rector. There should be a sufficient number of faithful
parishioners.
85. A vicar bishop can be the superior of a monastery with the title of that city in which the monastery is located.
86. Each vicar bishop, with regard to diocesan affairs, is the closest
assistant to his diocesan bishop, and acts at his direction and on his
instructions, and presents an account to him of his activity. In the
case of the illness, death or protracted absence or leave of the
diocesan bishop, the vicar bishop temporarily takes his place in the
administration of the diocese.
87. Being the closest assistant and helper of the diocesan bishop, the vicar bishop, on the instructions of the ruling bishop:
A . visits the parishes of the diocese where divine services are conducted, cheeks the
activities of deans, rectors and other people in parishes and their moral conduct;
B . points out both good aspects of their activity and positive things in the parishes that he
has noticed, as well as defects and omissions, gives necessary
directions and explanations, and, in case of need, gives warnings and
reprimands in outlying areas;
C . on the instructions of the diocesan bishop, blesses antimenses and churches and ordains
clergy;
D . on a circuit of the parishes, drops in on classes in church schools;
E . in case of necessity, summons and conducts pastoral and missionary meetings in
outlying areas;
F . visits church educational institutions;
G . accepts and hears in outlying areas reports, requests and complaints of deans, rectors
and other clergy and laymen, delegates of parishes, individuals,
parochial organizations; looks into misunderstandings in outlying areas
and takes measures to clear up the misunderstandings and establish peace
and concord in the parish;
H . issues directives in outlying areas concerning urgent and pressing matters which do not
have general diocesan significance;
I . on the completion of his circuit, gives a detailed report to his diocesan bishop on the
internal and external condition of the parishes which he visited;
J . has the right to present to the diocesan bishop his views and suggestions concerning the
improvement of various aspects of church life and activities in parishes.
88. Apart from visiting parishes of the diocese on the express
instructions of the diocesan bishop, the vicar bishop may perform the
divine services in other parochial and monastic churches of the diocese
in a specific region, with the general blessing of the diocesan bishop.
Similarly, the vicar bishop, in the case when he receives such authority
from his ruling bishop, gives permission for marriages in the parishes
of the aforesaid district (apart from cases when permission for such
marriages lies within the competence of the Synod), and resolves
perplexing questions of church life and practice which have been
submitted by rectors of this district or even deans.
89. The
traveling expenses of a vicar bishop, when serving or in respect of
matters involving interested parties, shall be paid by the aforesaid
parishes (where he serves) or by those persons. In some cases, namely
trips undertaken at the express direction of the ruling bishop, the
expenses may be paid out of diocesan funds if the parishes are in no
position to cover them fully or partly.
90. Vicar bishops have
the right to present to their ruling bishop for his judgment, reports on
incorrect actions which they have noticed on the part of various
officials, and concerning their behavior and also concerning any kind of
improvement in the organization of church life in outlying areas.
91. A vicar bishop does not have the right to present reports on
diocesan affairs, and even on affairs concerning his vicariate, direct
to the Supreme Church Authority, without the authority and permission of
his ruling bishop; with the exception of matters concerning personal
relations between the vicar and ruling bishop. In these cases, the vicar
bishop may go directly to the First Hierarch who takes action on the
matter according to his judgment.
92. If a vicar bishop
receives from the Sobor or Synod of Bishops special powers or authority
to conduct an investigation of some matter in another diocese; or to
conduct a general or particular (for example, of a seminary, or
monastery) inspection of this diocese, in these cases the Supreme Church
Authority merely advises the respective diocesan bishop of these powers
or authority for his information, and the vicar bishop, on the basis of
the authority of the Supreme Church Authority, carries out his
commission completely independently and makes his report direct to the
Supreme Church Authority.
93. Vicar bishops may be appointed by
the diocesan bishops President or deputy president of the Diocesan
Council and presidents of diocesan legal institutions in respect of all
matters of the church court, including divorce matters at first
instance.
94. Ruling bishops may also entrust to vicar bishops
certain separate branches of diocesan authority, for example, leadership
of general religious missions in the diocese and leadership of
religious instruction in parish schools or organization and leadership
of philanthropic activity in the center of the diocese and in parishes
in outlying areas.
95. Vicar bishops who are entrusted with the
administration of a group of parishes in a definite territory which is
remote from the center of the diocese, enjoy extensive rights within the
borders of their vicariates, namely, they act in outlying areas as
though they were the diocesan bishop, making appointments, transfers and
retirements of parochial rectors, with the authority and confirmation
of the diocesan bishop; and they conduct a court in respect of clergy on
the basis of article 12-16 of the Regulations on the Church Court
(Court of Bishops). Acting independently in church matters, vicar
bishops of such vicariates are accountable for their activities to their
diocesan bishop from whom they should seek advice and permission in all
important matters. In respect of proprietary and financial questions
concerning various collections for diocesan and general church needs,
and in respect of questions of a canonical nature, for example, the
legal protection of church property falling within the confines of the
vicariate, vicar bishops act on the directions of the ruling bishop.
96. Vicar bishops are deputies, in order of seniority, for their
diocesan bishops in the post of President of the Diocesan Assembly.
97. The First Hierarch may have a vicar bishop. The Metropolitan's
vicar carries out the instructions of the First Hierarch and permanently
resides in the place of his residence, or nearby.
98. Vicar
bishops may receive leave from their diocesan bishops for a period not
in excess of one month. Periods of greater duration are granted on the
same principles as for diocesan bishops.
99. Vicar bishops communicate directly with diocesan bishops.
100. All directives of the diocesan authority to parishes forming part
of a vicariate, are carried out through the vicar bishop.
101. Vicar bishops should send copies of their directives to the diocesan administration.
102. Appeals from the decisions of vicar bishops lie to the ruling bishop.
103. For the execution of consistorial work, vicar bishops have their
own personal consistories or use the secretary of the parish or
monastery of which they are the rector (or superior).
104. Vicar bishops have their own seal.
105. The vicar bishop is commemorated after the ruling bishop in all
churches of the vicariate and in churches of the place of residence and
service of the vicar bishop.
106. The vicar bishop also has the following duties:
A . to give notice of the directives of the Diocesan Authority and supervise their execution;
B . the closest guidance of the clergy of the vicariate in their serving activities and
supervision of their good conduct;
C . examination of matters concerning payment of indisputable promissory notes of the
clergy so as to indicate means of recovery and liquidation of these notes;
D . granting leave to members of the vicariate clergy for a period up to one month with a
report concerning this to the ruling bishop;
E . presentation to the ruling bishop of conclusions concerning the opening of new and the
closing of existing parishes and the alteration of their borders;
F . confirmation of the minutes of Parish Meetings and election of parish officials.
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