OCA Metropolitan Council Holds Spring 2026 Session

2025 Metropolitan Council. Photo: oca.org

SPRINGFIELD, VA — The Spring 2026 session of the Metropolitan Council of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) was held via teleconference on March 10 and March 12 under the presidency of Metr. Tikhon. The meeting opened with prayer and was called to order by Chancellor Archpriest Alessandro Margheritino before the Council approved minutes from its previous sessions and reviewed reports from church leadership.

During the first day of meetings, Metr. Tikhon addressed the Council on various matters concerning the life of the Church, including pastoral visits, the work of the Chancery, and oversight of stavropegial institutions. Reports were also delivered by Priest David Bozeman, General Counsel Mark Hamilton, and representatives of the Property Committee. Treasurer Andrew Smith presented an amended 2026 budget, which the Council approved unanimously.

On the second day, the Council heard updates from the Pension Board, departmental leaders, and the Office of Pastoral Life. In his closing remarks, Metr. Tikhon encouraged members amid global challenges and reflected on the limits of artificial intelligence, emphasizing that machines cannot pray, fast, or possess the heart that, according to St. Gregory Palamas, is central to human salvation.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the OCA Holy Synod convened for the Fall 2025 session.

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