To the Reverend Clergy, the Parish Council Presidents, and Parish Council Officers of the Metropolis of Atlanta:
Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
I pray that this message finds you well. Out of pastoral love and guidance, His Eminence has made the decision, in concert with the 2020 Clergy-Laity Congress, to forego Parish Council nominations and elections for the coming year (unless otherwise deemed necessary by the Metropolis of Atlanta). This, the Metropolis feels, will allow the current leadership, including officers, to guide their communities through the quickly evolving circumstances of the COVID-19 era. In this way, irrespective of the remainder of the term length, every Parish Council member will serve for an additional year to ensure a smooth transitional process. Current officers will serve an additional year, and clergy will administer the Oath of Office for all Parish Council members in early January.
For the time being, Parish boards of auditors may be nominated and elected during General Parish Assemblies as usual. Additionally, provided the safety precautions are maintained, the number of parishioners needed to convene General Parishes Assemblies may be constituted by both those faithful who have chosen to attend church in person, as well as those parishioners who wish to participate from their homes over video-conferencing.
Thank you for your understanding, your willingness to adapt, and your continued service to our parish communities,
Faithfully yours,
+ Very Rev. Fr. George Tsahakis
Chancellor