Clergy Association

(A Subsidiary of the Malankara Archdiocese of the Syrian Orthodox Church in North America)

Supreme Patron

HIS HOLINESS MORAN MOR IGNATIUS APHREM II
(Patriarch of Antioch & All the East, Supreme Head of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church)

President

HIS EMINENCE MOR TITUS YELDHO
(Archbishop, Malankara Archdiocese of the Syrian Orthodox Church in North America)

Secretary

Very Rev. Joseph C. Joseph Corepiscopos

The Clergy Association was organized in the Archdiocese to bring the clergy together for fellowship and study. As they are scattered all around U.S.A and Canada the clergy felt isolated from other priests. The annual retreat during the Holy Lent is an important event in the life of all members of the Clergy Association. This gathering is a time for the study of the Bible and Liturgy. There is also time for preparing for confession. The retreat ends with Holy Qurbono when all the clergy receive the Holy Eucharist. The presence of the Archbishop brings special significance for the retreat. The clergy take time to discuss matters concerning the Archdiocese and their parishes.

A need for bringing the wives of the clergy into the association was a new step in the Archdiocese. It was necessary to give a forum for the wives of clergy to bring their ideas and concerns. A one day conference is arranged for the clergy and wives in the Northeastern region. This has been a fruitful time for the priests and wives to discuss frankly the various issues they face in their pastoral ministry.

The Clergy Association meets during the Annual Archdiocesan Family Conference & Convention. The presence of the Clergy at the convention increases the spiritual dimension for the Archdiocesan Family Conference as a whole. The Clergy Association also meets for a session during the period of Great Lent.

The Malankara Syrian Orthodox Clergy Association of North America proclaims total allegiance to the Holy See of Antioch & All the East and to the Archbishop of the Malankara Archdiocese of the Syrian Orthodox Church in North America.

Clergy Council

For the total welfare of the Clergy, a Clergy council is elected by the Clergy Association in helping the Archbishop in various matters pertaining to the Clergy if such help is needed. The following are the current members of the Clergy Council: