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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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