Enclosed is the text of  Constitution of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America approved by the Holy Synod of Antioch in the 37th conciliar session held in the Patriarchate, in Damascus October 13-15, 2004.

This document is the culmination of a process begun by the request to the Patriarchate of Antioch from her North American archdiocese for "autonomy." The Holy Synod of Antioch met 7-10 October 2003 to consider this request and responded by passing unanimously a resolution that approved a status of  "self-rule" according to the specifics included in that official resolution. The North American archdiocese was asked to propose changes to its constitution consistent with the October 2003 Resolution. The said resolution stated (article 8) : "The Archdiocese shall submit its amended constitution to the Holy Synod of Antioch for approval."

Following the archdiocesan special convention held in Pittsburgh in July 2003, His Eminence Metropolitan Philip submitted to the Patriarch a proposed amended constitution. It was discussed during the course of the meeting of the Holy Synod, October 13-15, 2004, and the enclosed revised constitution was unanimously approved.

Section 1. The Name

The name of this self-ruled religious corporation shall be “Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocesan of North America”.

A. Legal

This organization derives its legal authority to function as a religious corporation by virtue of a charter issued pursuant to the provisions of Article 2, Section 15, of the “Religious Corporation Laws” of the State of New York.

B. Ecclesiastical

This Archdiocese derives its ecclesiastical authority to function as a self-ruling Archdiocese in accordance with this constitution from the Holy Synod of the Apostolic Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all  the

East (“Holy Synod”) and shall constitute one unified ecclesiastical Antiochian entity as an Archdiocese of the Patriarchate of Antioch.

Its Primate is a member of said Holy Synod and is the duly elected Metropolitan Archbishop (“Primate”, “Metropolitan –Archbishop”), serving under a canonical Praxis issued by His Beatitude, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and all the East (“Patriarch”).

Section 3. Headquarters

The headquarters of this Archdiocese shall be located in the Greater Metropolitan New York City area, including northern New Jersey.

Section 4. Qualifications for Metropolitan Archbishop and Diocesan Bishop

Candidates for the office of Metropolitan Archbishop of this Archdiocese and / or candidates for the office of Diocesan Bishop must be celibates and meet the following qualifications:

A. Metropolitan Archbishop

(1) He must be one of the canonical clergy who is qualified in all respects, including the possession of an earned degree in Orthodox theology and be a man of piety and good character.

 (2) He must be fluent in the English language and have a good working knowledge of the Arabic language.

(3) He must be at least thirty-three (33) years of age.

(4) He must be physically and mentally sound.

(5) He must have been in accordance with the statutes of the Patriarchate of Antioch, a member of the clergy  of the Patriarchate for five years, and have served some time, as a clergyman in the Archdiocese.

B. Diocesan Bishop

(1) He must be one of the canonical clergy who is qualified in all respects, including the possession of an earned degree in Orthodox theology and be a man of piety and good character.

(2) He must be fluent in the English language and have a knowledge of the Arabic language.

(3) He must be at least thirty-three (33) years of age.

(4) He must be physically and mentally sound.

(5) He must have been in accordance with the statutes of the Patriarchate of Antioch, a member of the clergy of the Patriarchate for five years, and have served some time, as a clergyman in the Archdiocese.

Section 5. Nomination and Election Procedures Upon Vacancy of Metropolitan  See

A. Immediately upon the vacancy of the Metropolitan See, either by death, disability or retirement, the Archdiocesan Synod and the Archdiocesan Board of Trustees shall inform officially in writing the Patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East and appropriate civil and ecclesiastical authorities.

Upon any such happening, the Senior Bishop present, together with the Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees and/or the Treasurer and/or the Chancellor shall seal important rooms at the Archdiocese headquarters, and make a record of same, signed by all present. (Thereafter, all properties or investments registered in the name of the Metropolitan Archbishop shall become the property of the Archdiocese). The Senior Diocesan Bishop and the Archdiocesan Synod will, with the members of the Archdiocesan Board of Trustees, assume responsibility for the administration of the Metropolitan See.

B. The duties and functions assigned to the Senior Diocesan Bishop in Sections 5A, C and D shall cease to be performed by him and shall be performed by the Patriarchal Vicar appointed by the Patriarch of Antioch upon assumption of his duties.

C. Within a period of sixty (60) days after the vacancy of the Metropolitan See, the Senior Diocesan Bishop and the Archdiocesan Synod together with the Archdiocesan Board of Trustees, shall call a Special Convention, which must be held on or before the expiration of thirty (30) days of the date of call, for the nomination and election of candidates for the position of Metropolitan Archbishop by secret ballot.

D. (1) The Senior Diocesan Bishop, and the Archdiocesan Synod in agreement with the Archdiocesan Board of Trustees, shall prepare a list containing all the names of worthy clergymen who are qualified for nomination as per the list of nominees kept in the records of the Patriarchate and the Holy Synod, and including the names of those qualified under Section 4 of this Article.

(2) The delegates attending such Convention shall select, by secret ballot, three candidates from such list. Each delegate shall be entitled to one vote. The three clergymen with the highest number of votes of the general assembly shall thereupon be designated as candidates.

(3) Immediately, thereafter, the names of the candidates for the office of Metropolitan Archbishop, shall be submitted to the Synod of the Archdiocese which will certify the results of the nomination and submit the names of the candidates to the Holy Synod, who will, within forty days of submittal, elect one of the nominees to be the Metropolitan Archbishop of the Archdiocese.

Section 6. Nomination and Election of Diocesan Bishops

A Diocesan Bishop shall be nominated and elected in the following manner:

A. The Metropolitan Archbishop is agreement with the Archdiocesan Synod and the Archdiocesan Board of Trustees, shall prepare a list containing the names of the worthy clergymen who are qualified for nomination as per the list of nominees kept in the records of the Patriarchate and the Holy Synod and mentioning the names of those qualified under Section 4B of this Article, and a copy of this list shall be included in the call for the Convention.

B. A General Convention, or a Special Convention called for that purpose by the Metropolitan Archbishop, shall, from a list provided for in accordance with Section 6A above, nominate, by secret ballot, three (3) candidates for the office of Diocesan bishop. Each delegate shall be entitled to one vote times the number of offices to be filled and each of such votes must be for a different candidate. The entire list of candidates shall be submitted to the Archdiocesan Synod with the candidate’s respective number of votes received. When Diocesan Assemblies shall be constituted, the nominations shall then be made by said Assemblies.

C. The Electoral Board of Diocesan Bishops is constituted of the Metropolitan – Archbishop with the Diocesan Bishops and the Auxiliary Bishop

D. Where one Diocesan Bishop is to be elected, the Electoral Board shall elect, by a majority vote, from the three candidates receiving the highest number of votes of the Convention. With respect to the election of additional Diocesan Bishops at the same time, the Electoral Board may elect, by a majority vote, from the entire list of nominees. Such election(s) shall occur within 40 days thereafter. The Metropolitan Archbishop of this Archdiocese shall set the time and place for the electoral assembly and shall preside over it.

Section 7. Consecration of Metropolitan and/or Diocesan Bishop

A. The consecration of the Metropolitan Archbishop shall take place at the Patriarchal Cathedral in Damascus by the laying on of hands of the Patriarch, and the members of the Holy Synod. His enthronement (installation) shall take place at the Cathedral of the Archdiocese.

B. The consecration of Diocesan Bishops shall take place at the Patriarchal Cathedral in Damascus by the laying on of hands of the Patriarch and the members of the Holy Synod. Their enthronement (installation) shall take place at the Cathedral of their diocese.

ARTICLE II

MEMBERSHIP AND

JURISDICTION

Section 1. This Archdiocese consists of all dioceses, churches, missions, parishes, monasteries, departments, agencies, orders, societies and committees in North America (“units”) heretofore or hereafter established by the Archdiocese of North America.

Section 2. This Archdiocese shall remain one unified Antiochian entity as an Archdiocese of the Patriarchate of Antioch and may not be divided except if Orthodox unity in North America is implemented by decision of the Antiochian Holy Synod and of the Orthodox Churches concerned.

Section 3.  Upon the dissolution or separation from the Archdiocese of any unit, the assets and property shall revert to the Archdiocese. No real property of any unit may be sold or mortgaged without the express written approval of the Metropolitan Archbishop and no assets in excess of $ 100,000 (one hundred thousand dollars) of any unit may be sold or mortgaged without the express written approval of the Metropolitan Archbishop.

Section 4. Any provision of the Constitution of any unit of this Archdiocese that is in any way inconsistent with, or in conflict with any provision of this Constitution shall cause said provision of the unit Constitution to be deemed void and of no effect.

ARTICLE III

PURPOSES

Section 1. The purpose of the Archdiocese is the pastoral care of the Antiochian Orthodox people of North America. It maintains  spiritual unity, coordinates religious work or activity, and promotes collaboration and closer relations with the governing and advisory bodies of other Orthodox Christian Jurisdictions in the territory hereinbefore mentioned, with the intent of propagating, practicing and forever perpetuating religious worship, services, ministrations, sacraments, and teachings in full accord and unity with the doctrine, rules, ritual, canon law, faith, practice, discipline, traditions and usages of the Orthodox Christian Church.

Section 2.  In  fulfilling the purpose set forth in Section 1, of this Article, to exercise governing and advisory authority over all the component divisions of this Archdiocese hereinbefore mentioned.

ARTICLE IV

GOVERNMENT

Section 1. The governing code for this Archdiocese shall be the Holy Scripture, Sacred Tradition, Holy Canons, the Constitution of the   Church of Antioch and the Constitution of the Archdiocese as approved by the Holy Synod of Antioch.

Section 2.  The Archdiocesan Synod comprised of the Metropolitan Archbishop and the Diocesan Bishops shall be the governing ecclesiastical authority of the Archdiocese. The Metropolitan Archbishop shall preside over the Archdiocesan Synod. The Synod shall determine the number of dioceses, their boundaries, and the respective diocese(s) and/or area of responsibility of each bishop. It shall also determine all matters of hierarchical discipline of bishops of the Archdiocese.

Section 3.  The decisions of the Archdiocesan Synod may be appealed to the Patriarch and Holy Synod of Antioch who shall be the final judge on the matter.

Section 4. All administrative authority is vested in the Metropolitan Archbishop and the Archdiocesan Board of Trustees as hereinafter provided.

Section 5.  All legislative authority is vested in the General Convention of the Archdiocese as approved by the Metropolitan Archbishop and by the Archdiocesan Synod.

Section 6. The decisions of the Holy Synod of Antioch shall be binding on the Archdiocese on matters of doctrine, liturgy, sacraments, relations with autocephalous Orthodox Churches and ecumenical policy with regard to other Christian and non-Christian bodies.

ARTICLE V

MEETINGS

Section 1. The General Convention shall be held biennially within the last twelve days in July at a location set by the General Convention at its meeting four years preceding its determination. In the event of an emergency or circumstances which in the discretion of the Metropolitan Archbishop and the Board of Trustees justify the postponement or a change in the time, place or bidding for a future convention, such postponement and/or change in the time, place or bid therefore shall be valid.

Section 2.  Special Convention

A.  The Metropolitan Archbishop may call a Special Convention at any time he deems it necessary and advisable.

B. Upon a petition by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of Diocesan Bishops or of parishes of the Archdiocese in good standing to the Metropolitan Archbishop and the Board of Trustees for a special convention, the Metropolitan Archbishop and the Board of Trustees shall call a special convention.

C. The time and place of such convention shall be fixed by those responsible for calling such convention.

Section 3.  Notices for Convention

A. Notices for regular conventions shall be sent to all parishes and missions of the Archdiocese and to all those who are entitled to be represented at the convention no less than sixty (60) days prior to the date of the convention.

B. All notices for special convention shall state the purpose for which the convention is being called and shall be sent by mail that will positively certify receipt by signature no less than thirty (30) days in advance of the date of such convention to all parishes and missions of the Archdiocese and to all those who are entitled to be represented at a convention.

Section 4.  Delegates

A. All Diocesan Bishops pastors, full-time assistant pastors, retired pastors, and all full-time clergy directly employed by the Archdiocese shall be delegates to any convention and shall each be entitled to one (1) vote in person or by written proxy.

B. Each one hundred (100) persons or any fraction of one hundred (100) which exceeds fifty (50) persons in every parish or mission, in good standing in the Archdiocese, shall be represented by one lay delegate at a convention. Each delegate may vote on behalf of one (hundred (100) persons in his parish or community or on behalf of any fraction of one hundred (100) exceeding fifty (50) in number. A parish or community may send as many delegates or written proxies as it wishes without affecting its right to have cast in its behalf the votes to which it is entitled. These delegates shall be elected in accordance with the provisions of the local parish constitution and by-laws and be faithful Orthodox in good standing under the rules of their parish or community and the Archdiocese.

C. (1) All regular members of the Board of Trustees of the Archdiocese shall be delegates at large and shall be entitled to one vote.

 (2) Each Diocesan Fellowship of St. John the Divine shall be represented by as many delegates as it wishes to send and each Diocesan Fellowship of St. John the Divine shall be entitled to one (1) vote.

(3) Each Diocesan SOYO shall be represented by as many delegates as it wishes to send and each Diocesan SOYO shall be entitled to one (1) vote and the NAC president shall be a delegate and shall be entitled to one (1) vote.

(4) Each Diocesan AOCWNA (Antiochian Orthodox Christian Women of North America) shall be represented by as many delegates as it wishes to send and each Diocesan AOCWNA shall be entitled to one (1) vote.

(5) Each Diocesan Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch shall be represented by as many delegates as it wishes to send and each Diocesan Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch shall be entitled to one (1) vote.

D. A delegate’s proxy shall be recognized if it bears the signature of the pastor and/or chairman of the Parish Council. The proxy of a priest shall be recognized with the approval of the Metropolitan Archbishop of the presiding officer of the Convention or his duly appointed representative. A proxy by telegram will be accepted in an emergency if it is approved by the Metropolitan Archbishop or the presiding officer of the convention or his duly appointed representative.

Section 5.  Convention Officers

A. The Metropolitan Archbishop or his duly appointed representative shall preside over all conventions.

B. The Metropolitan Archbishop or his duly appointed representative shall appoint the following officers of the convention: A lay vice-chairman, a secretary or secretaries, sergeants at arms and one or more parliamentarians.

C. The secretaries shall be responsible for recording the minutes of the convention.

D. In the event of prolonged absence of the Metropolitan Archbishop, his duly appointed representative or upon the failure to so appoint, the Senior Diocesan Bishop shall preside at a  convention.   

Section 6.  Quorum

A majority of the established Churches, missions and organizations which are under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese represented by delegates (either in person or by written proxies), together with a majority of active clergy of the Archdiocese, (either in person or by written proxies) shall constitute a Quorum for the transaction of business at all conventions.