|
Although Romanian Orthodox parishes were in existence in the United States and Canada from the turn of the century, the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America was established as a Diocese only at a general Church Congress held in the city of Detroit, Michigan, on April 25-28, 1929.
Administratively, the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America is governed by the Church Congress and the Episcopate Council, both presided by the Hierarch and constituted from representatives of the parishes and of the Auxiliary Organizations. The Episcopate and the parishes conduct their affairs in conformity with the Constitution and By-Laws, as amended and adopted by the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate National Church Congress on July 2,1994. Legally, the Episcopate functions as a non-profit, religious organization chartered in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan. Spiritually, the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate is headed by a Hierarch, elected for life by a special electoral Congress of the Episcopate, and canonically examined and consecrated by the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America. Canonically, the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate is under the jurisdiction of the Orthodox Church in America. In matters of external relations, the Episcopate cooperates with the Department of External Relations of the Orthodox Church in America. It is a founding member of both the World Council of Churches with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. The Diocesan Center of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America is located at the Vatra Romaneasca, 2535 Grey Tower Road, Jackson, Michigan 49201-9120. The Cathedral of the Episcopate is situated in the Detroit area. The official publication of the Episcopate is SOLIA—THE HERALD, published in the Romanian and English languages, since 1936. |