BOSTON – Archbishop Elpidophoros of America called an emergency meeting of the Executive Committee of the Archdiocesan Council on Wednesday afternoon, July 3, as both he and his staff are concerned about the proceedings of the Finance Committee of the Clergy-Laity Congress – the discussions, statements and decisions – of the previous day which were revealed in detail by The National Herald that evening. Specifically, there was an outright rejection of the budget proposal which included a 6% increase for 2025 and a 3% increase for 2026, totaling 9% over the next two years.

As reported by TNH, the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Archdiocese unanimously opposed the increase in community contributions, with the exception of Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit, who remained neutral. The chairman of the Finance Committee, Lazaros Kyrkos, and the treasurer, Elaine Allen, faced strong resistance from hierarchs, priests, and laity, who voted against the proposals.

It is reported that 95 voted against any increase, wanting the budget to remain at the same levels for the next two years due to the financial difficulties faced by most parishes, while 64 voted in favor.

During the Executive Committee meeting on July 3, there was also an attempt to address procedural issues from the Finance Committee meeting the previous day, specifically arguing that a vote should not have been taken. However, hierarchs responded to Elpidophoros’ staff that it was the Finance Committee and the Archdiocesan Council that requested and initiated the vote.

Archbishop Elpidophoros appeared deeply upset and concerned as virtually the entire Eparchial Synod stood up in opposition and voted against the proposal to increase community contributions and the budget for the next two years, deciding instead to keep it at the same level.

Sources from within the Executive Committee informed TNH that Archbishop Elpidophoros reprimanded the synodical hierarchs, saying it was not appropriate for the hierarchs to stand and vote against the proposal of the Archdiocesan Council and its Finance Committee. The hierarchs, however, responded that he was not present during the vote – Elpidophoros had left – and emphasized that issues should be discussed first within the Eparchial Synod before being brought to the Archdiocesan Council and the committees. The Archbishop countered that members of the Eparchial Synod are also members of the Executive Committee, but he was told that the Synod is a different institution from the Archdiocesan Council and the Executive Committee.

Meanwhile, following the report by TNH that Elpidophoros left the Finance Committee meeting, his staff are now claiming that he had to attend other committees, specifically the Retired Clergy Committee, to present a pectoral cross to a priest.

It was decided by the Executive Committee to revisit the issue of increasing parish contributions at the Clergy-Laity Congress on Thursday, July 4, and to attempt to agree on a small increase to maintain the appearance of unity, especially since the theme of the Clergy-Laity Congress is ‘In Christ we are one’, derived from St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans 12:4-5.

Treasurer Elaine Allen will be responsible for providing explanations and clarifications at the plenary session on Thursday, July 4. Additionally, sources indicate that there is significant dissatisfaction among many clergy and laity regarding transparency in the budget and the effectiveness of specific financial sectors.