MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2007

The Bishop’s Council, consisting of His Eminence, Archbishop Job of Chicago and the Midwest; Archpriest John Zdinak, chancellor; and the six diocesan deans, met on the afternoon of Monday, October 1.

At 6:00 p.m., a combined dinner meeting of the Diocesan Council and Bishop’s Council was held under the chairmanship of Archbishop Job to review the agenda and consider resolutions.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2007

The 46th Assembly of the Diocese of the Midwest of the Orthodox Church in America opened with a Service of Intercession celebrated by Archbishop Job.

I. PLENARY SESSION 1

The opening plenary session was called to order by Archbishop Job at 9:34 a.m. The chair was turned over to Archpriest John Zdinak, chancellor.

A. Election of Presidium. The diocesan council, seconded by Mrs.
Mary Jane Lucak, nominated Archimandrite Vladimir [Wendling] to serve as clergy vice-chair and Mr. Sam D'Fantis to serve as lay vice-chair. Passed by consensus.

B. Election of Secretariat. The diocesan council, seconded by
Archpriest John Steffaro, nominated Archpriest John Matusiak, Archpriest Michael Butler, and Ms. Kitty Mabus to serve as the secretariat. Passed by consensus.

C. Committee appointments.

1. Nominating Committee: Archpriest Thomas Mueller, chair; Priests Dusan Koprivica and James Dank; Mr. Michael Herzak;
and Mrs. Polly Walker, members.

2. Resolutions Committee: Archpriest John Steffaro, chair; Archpriest
John Adamcio and Mr. John Sedor, members.

3. Parliamentarian: Mr. Michael Herzak..

4. Tellers: All deacons.

D. Credentials. Mrs. Mary Jane Lucak reported at total of 128
attendees [one archbishop, 60 clergy delegates, 58 lay delegates, and 10 observers].

E. Report of the Chancellor. Archpriest John Zdinak delivered his
report to the Assembly in written form, which is appended to these minutes and made a part thereof. (click here view report)

F. Address of Archbishop Job. Archbishop Job delivered his address to
the Assembly, a written copy of which is appended to these minutes and made a part thereof. At the conclusion of the report, the assembly offered a standing ovation. (click here to view address)

G. Parliamentarian's comments. Mr. Michael Herzak, parliamentarian,
spoke about appropriate rules of order, the function of the vice-chairs, and related matters. He noted that speakers would be limited to three to five minutes, and that they may only speak once on a given motion. He
concluded by saying that the parliamentarian only offers advice to the assembly.

H. Greetings from Archpriest Alexander Garklavs, chancellor of the
Orthodox Church in America, were read by Father Zdinak.

I. Reports.

1. Chicago Deanery. The written report of Archpriest Thomas
Mueller, dean, is appended to these minutes and made a part thereof. (click here to view report)

2. Cleveland Deanery. The written report of Archpriest John
Steffaro, dean, is appended to these minutes and made a part thereof. (click here to view report)
3. Kansas City Deanery: The written report of
Priest Timothy Sawchak, dean, is appended to these minutes and made a part thereof. (click here to view report)

4. Michigan Deanery: The written report of Archpriest Andrew
Yavornitzky, dean, is appended to these minutes and made a part thereof. (click here to view report)

5. Minneapolis Deanery: The written report of Archpriest Thaddeus Wojcik, dean, is appended to these minutes and made a part thereof. (click here to view report)

6. Metropolitan Council Representatives. The written report of the
clergy representative, Archpriest Vladimir Berzonsky, who was not in attendance, is appended to these minutes and made a part thereof. Dr. Richard West, lay representative, shared a number of personal observations and serious concerns with regard to the work of the Metropolitan Council, its relationship to His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman and the Holy Synod of Bishops, and related issues. He entertained a variety of questions from
the floor. (click here to view report)

7. Monastery Reports. Written reports from Saint John the
Theologian Monastery, Hiram, OH, and the Presentation of the Holy Virgin Monastery, are appended to these minutes and made a part thereof. (click here for St John's; and here for Presentation of the Holy Virgin)

8. Communications/Chancery Office. Deacon Joseph Matusiak spoke of day-to-day operations at the diocesan chancery office, ongoing expansion and improvement of the diocesan web site of which he is web master, and related matters.

J. Other business.

1. Archbishop Job was asked by Archpriest John Memorich to comment on the intentional withholding of funds by some parishes, after which Archpriest Michael Simerick was asked to speak as to why his parish, Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral, Detroit, MI, is withholding its assessments to the diocese, as noted in his parish report as printed in the Michigan Deanery report. Intense discussion followed.

2. Archpriest Paul Wesche wished to go on record in the minutes that he
was challenging comments contained in the OCA chancellor's greetings, specifically Father Garklavs' comment that “we all want the same thing.”
He said that he does not believe that this is the case inasmuch as there are issues of a cover-up and accountability that are not administrative matters, but a matter of malfeasance. He opined that the diocese needs to go
through a "new storm" together, and asked that resolutions of the assembly
regarding the scandal in the Orthodox Church in America address the substantive issues that underlie said resolutions.

K. Adjournment. The session adjourned at 12:13 p.m. with the
singing of the Hymn to the Theotokos.



II. PLENARY SESSION 2

The Assembly reconvened at 1:35 p.m.

A. Slide presentation on FOCA married student housing project. Mrs.
Polly Walker offered a presentation on the anticipated fundraising efforts of the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America [FOCA] to construct married student housing at Saint Tikhon Seminary, South Canaan, PA.

B. Credentials. Mrs. Lucak reported a total of 124 attendees [one archbishop, 59 clergy delegates, 55 lay delegates, and 10 observers.

C. Resolution and nomination procedures. Procedures for submittingresolutions were explained. Archpriest Thomas Mueller announced that nominations will be accepted for two clergy delegates for Diocesan Council, 2 lay delegates for Diocesan Council, one clergy representative for the Metropolitan Council, and two members for the Audit Committee.

D. Treasurer's report. The written report of Mr. Rob Koncel,
diocesan treasurer, is appended to these minutes and made a part thereof. In analyzing his report, Mr. Koncel thanked Priest John Baker for overseeing necessary renovation work at the Diocesan Chancery, the bulk of which has been completed for a total cost of $304,479.00. He reported a 2006 budget deficit of $118,327.10, and noted that due to the withholding of assessments, a deficit for 2007 is projected. As of June 30, 2007, $81,357.00 is due to the diocese; since this date, a small percentage of the delinquent payments have been received. Because the diocese must continue to pay the OCA assessments, those parishes intentionally withholding their assessments are directly damaging the funding of the diocese, not the OCA.
He added that the decline in diocesan assessment income was primarily due to the failure of two parishes -- Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral, Detroit, MI, and Saint Andrew Church, Maple Heights, OH -- to remit their assessment payments for the last few years. Mr. Koncel fielded a number of questions with regard to this and related matters. (click here to view report)

E. Auditors' report. Mrs. Polly Walker shared a number of
recommendations with regard to bookkeeping practices and related issues, adding that the financial books in general were in good order.

F. 2008 budget presentation. Mr. Robert Koncel reviewed the 2008
proposed diocesan budget, which was approved by consensus upon motion by the Diocesan Council, seconded by Mrs. Mary Jane Lucak.

G. Parish Health facilitator. Mr. Joseph Kormos, parish health coordinator, presesnted a comprehensive overview of the various programs, visitations, and projected projects being undertaken by him and a number of others.

1. Archpriest Michael Butler offered a multimedia presentation on the diaconal vocation and lay catechist programs.

2. Archpriest Andrew Yavornitzky offered a detailed written report on clergy compensation, accompanied by a number of observations and clarifications.

3. Mr. Michael Herzak presented a report on sexual misconduct procedures.

4. Mr. Joseph Kormos presented guidelines for parish financial audits.

5. Archpriest John Matusiak spoke on a number of proposed evangelization initiatives and presented a DVD that introduces the faithful to the theology and practical application of evangelization principles. Delegates offered
a variety of ideas for training and other programs that they would like to see developed in this regard.

At the conclusion of the parish health presentations, a motion was made by the Diocesan Council, seconded by Archpriest Andrew Clements, for an annual $10.00 per capita premium for two years to fund parish health ministries.

After much discussion, a vote was taken, with 64 delegates voting in favor of the motion, 45 against, and 3 abstentions. Motion passed. The
parish health program will be reviewed that the 2009 Diocesan Assembly.

H. Old business. There was no old business.

I. New business. There was no new business.

J. Adjournment. The session adjourned at 4:48 p.m. with the singing
of the Hymn to the Theotokos, after which delegates attended Vespers and enjoyed

dinner.



WEDNESDAY, 3 OCTOBER 2007

Archbishop Job presided at the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at Saint Theodosius Cathedral. Archpriest John Zdinak, cathedral dean, and the cathedral faithful hosted a brunch for all participants following the Divine Liturgy.



III. PLENARY SESSION 3

The Assembly reconvened at 11:20 a.m.

A. Credentials. Mrs. Lucak reported a total of 120 attendees [one archbishop, 56 clergy delegates, 54 lay delegates, and 10 observers.

B. Nominating Committee. Archpriest Thomas Mueller reported that
the following names had been placed in nomination.

1. Diocesan Council clergy member: Archpriests Andrew Clements,
Basil Stoyka, and Stephen Karaffa; Priests Mark Hodges and Christopher Wojcik.

2. Diocesan Council lay member: Mr. Sam D'Fantis, Mr. Christopher
Eager, Mrs. Mary Jane Lucak, Ms. Vera Rippert Meeks, and Mr. Michael Strelka.

3. Clergy representative to the Metropolitan Council: Archpriest Michael Matsko.

4. Diocesan auditors. Mr. Sam Jacob, Mr. Frank Tkach, and Mrs.
Polly Walker.

Archpriest John Adamcio, seconded by Archpriest Andrew Yavornitzky, moved to close nominations. The motion passed.

C. Elections. Elected to the following positions were

1. Archpriests Andrew Clements and Basil Stoyka were elected Diocesan Council clergy members for three-year terms, Archpriest Stephen Karaffa
was elected to a one-year term. Priest Christopher Wojcik was elected alternate.

2. Mr. Sam D'Fantis and Mrs. Mary Jane Lucak were elected Diocesan
Council lay members for three-year terms. Mr. Christopher Eager and Mr. Michael Strelka, in a tie, were elected alternates.

3. Archpriest Michael Matsko was elected clergy representative to the Metropolitan Council.

4. Mrs. Polly Walker was elected auditor for a three-year term. Mr.
Sam Jacob was elected auditor for a two-year term. Mr. Frank Tkach was
elected auditor for a one-year term.

D. Adjournment. The session adjourned at 12:32 p.m. with the
singing of the Hymn to the Theotokos.



IV. PLENARY SESSION 4

The assembly reconvened at 1:50 p.m.

A. Resolutions.

1. Resolution 1: No Confidence. After presentation and lengthy
discussion, Archpriest John Steffaro moved, seconded by Mrs. Alexa Geeza, to present the following resolution.

"Whereas the Metropolitan of the Orthodox Church in America supervises the internal and external welfare of the Church; and,

"Whereas, the Orthodox Church in America has been embroiled in a financial and ecclesial crisis since at least October 2005; and,

"Whereas the Metropolitan has acted in ways that have exacerbated the crisis;

"Be it resolved that: the 46th Assembly of the Diocese of the Midwest has 'no confidence' in Metropolitan Herman."

The motion passed with 80 votes in favor and 24 votes against.

2. Resolution 2: Toward Good Stewardship. Priest Andrew Moore
presented the following resolution.

"Whereas this Diocese is entrusted with being a wise and faithful steward
of the gifts of time, talent and treasure as God gives them to us.

"Whereas we have been forced by reason of mismanagement, malfeasance, and lack of accountability to withhold our national assessment.

"Whereas there are still many valid and important needs of the Church not currently being met.

"Whereas the Diocese of the Midwest has already in place a system of full financial transparency and accountability;

"Be it resolved that: after a period of no less than six months from the date of initial withholding of the national assessment of the Diocese of the Midwest through its Diocesan Council and in consultation with His Eminence, Archbishop Job begin to distribute these funds where needed, bypassing the National Church and yet attending to the needs of widows, orphans, seminary students, and missions that sadly have been ignored by the National Church these last years.

"Be it further resolved that up to 100% of the accumulated monies may be distributed to those pressing needs of the Holy Church (both within and outside the Diocese) and that a full accounting be given of this distribution of monies at the next gathering of the Midwest Diocese so that all may rejoice in God’s will being done in His Divine gifts being put to good use and work."

After much discussion, the resolution was WITHDRAWN by Father Moore.

3. Resolution 3: Unity and Integrity in the OCA. After
presentation and lengthy discussion, Archpriest John Steffaro moved, seconded by Priest Robert McMeekin, to adopt the following resolution.

"Whereas the members of the Diocese of the Midwest have an abiding desire
to maintain the unity of the Orthodox Church in America while promoting the integrity and holiness of our Church, we the clergy and delegates to the Diocesan Assembly "Express no confidence in His Beatitude, Herman, Metropolitan of the OCA, nor in the acting treasurer, Father Paul Kucynda. We no longer believe they are acting in the best interest of the OCA. They have failed openly and fully to resolve the ongoing scandal in the OCA most recently expressed in their opposition to a free and unhindered Investigative Committee and to release all the preliminary report of the Special commission. The good of the Church requires them to step down from their respective offices as soon as a treasurer can be appointed and a new Metropolitan elected at the forthcoming 2008 All-American Council.

"Reaffirm the decision of the Diocesan Assembly in 2006, as expressed by
the Diocesan Council in 2007, to withhold all assessments from the OCA until all the stated benchmarks are fully met, without further alteration or change -- that is, until the Special Commission confirmed by the Metropolitan Council, is reestablished and allowed to continue its investigations as it determines, free from outside interference AND the Preliminary Report of the Special Commission is released. The Questions of the Special Commission must be answered publicly: What exactly happened? Why did it happen?
What can be done to prevent this from happening again? What is the proper
course of action for the Church to take with those responsible for permitting it to happen?

"Believe the way forward to health and integrity for the OCA is the full release of all financial reports, audits, and investigative reports of the Central Church Administration, including those related to past All-American Councils."

Archpriest John Memorich moved, seconded by Dr. Peter Rosi, to amend the last paragraph of the resolution to read "Believe the way forward to
health and integrity for the OCA is the full release of all financial reports, audits and investigative reports of the Central Church Administration SINCE 1992, including those related to past All-American Councils.

After much discussion, the amended resolution passed with 88 votes in favor, 19 against, and one abstention.

4. Resolution 4: Compilation of Resolution Committee.
After
presentation and discussion, Archpriest John Steffaro moved, seconded by Priest Mark Hodges, to adopt the following resolution.

"We, the 46th Diocesan Assembly, gathered in Cleveland, Ohio, on October 1-3, 2007, having heard the report of His Eminence, Archbishop Job, hereby with one voice express our opinion that we have been blessed by his words and thoughts. In addition, we offer our full support and confidence in
our Archpastor and acknowledge to the world our support of his ministry to the Diocese of the Midwest and his efforts to seek a resolution to the alleged financial, administrative, and moral malfeasance exhibited by the Central Administration of the Orthodox Church in America. The Assembly, echoing
the words of His Eminence, asks Metropolitan Herman 'to step down as first hierarch of the Orthodox Church in America in order to assuage the suffering of the Church and her people.'"

The motion passed with 95 votes in favor and 10 votes against.

Priest Daniel Swires moved, seconded by Dr. Richard West, moved to amend the last sentence of the resolution to read "The Assembly, echoing the words
of His Eminence, CALLS FOR THE IMMEDIATE RESIGNATION OF METROPOLITAN HERMAN."

The motion failed.

Archpriest Basil Stoyka, seconded by Ms. Kitty Mabus, moved to amend the final sentence to read "The Assembly, echoing the words of His Eminence, ASKS THE HOLY SYNOD OF BISHOPS TO ASK METROPOLITAN HERMAN TO STEP DOWN."

Dr. Richard West moved, seconded by Archpriest Thomas Mueller, to ammend the ammendment, so that the last sentence of the resolution read "The
Assembly, echoing the words of His Eminence, ASKS METROPOLITAN HERMAN TO STEP DOWN."

The motion passed.

Upon motion by Priest Robert McMeekin, seconded by Archpriest John Zdinak, the following was appended to the final sentence of the resolution, as ammended above, to read "The Assembly, echoing the words of His Eminence, asks Metropolitan Herman to step down AS FIRST HIERARCH OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH IN AMERICA IN ORDER TO ASSUAGE THE SUFFERING OF THE CHURCH AND HER PEOPLE."

The motion passed.

B. The 47th Diocesan Assembly will be held in Chicago in 2008.

C. Adjournment. There being no further business, the assembly was adjourned at 3:37 p.m. with a Service of Prayer during which members of the Diocesan Council, Metropolitan Council representatives, and auditors were installed.