About us
Our monastic foundation, situated in the Niagara Peninsula, had its beginnings in East Asia at the turn of the new millennium, and is currently in a period of transition from its inception abroad to its new location in southern Ontario. In October 2014, we were received into the Autonomous Metropolia of North & South America and the British Isles. In April 2016, stravrophore monk Lazr was elevated to the priesthood. In September 2019, Father Lazr was elevated to the episcopacy and consecrated to be Vicar Bishop of NIagara in the Dominion of Canada. Though in the current struggle of not having a permanent location, the liturgical life of services and prayer remains uninterrupted.
Glory to God for all things. |
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Ferial Horarium7:00 AM
Hours of the Minor Office 12:00 PM Prayer Rule of Saint Pachomius 12:15 PM Refectory 6:00 PM Vespers of the Minor Office 7:00 PM Collation 9:00 PM Compline of the Minor Office 10:00 PM Grand Silence LINKS (some are temporarily unavailable)
The Autonomous Orthodox Metropolia of North & South America and the British Isles:
http://orthodoxmetropolia.org The Archdiocese of New York & New Jersey: (link out of service) http://orthodoxwest.net The Archdiocese of Edmonton: (link out of service) http://archdiocesecanada.org The Abbey of Saints Alban and Aethelwold: http://www.botelabbey.org Sister Synod of Greece: https://avlonasynod.com/en/home-english Sister Synod of Russia: http://ipckatakomb.ru/news Notes from the Underground: http://nftu.net |
PublicationsEastern Orthodox:
Requiem Offices for the Dead The Žumberak Divine of Saint John Chrysostom Troparia & Kondakia to the Saints Volume I Troparia & Kondakia to the Saints Volume II Žumberak Akathist Hymns - Monastery Patrons Žumberak Akathist Hymns - Supplimentaries Žumberak Octoechos Western Orthodox: Dismissal & Proper Hymns of Tesseracost Dismissal & Proper Hymns of Pentecost Dismissal & Proper Hymns to the Saints Volume I Dismissal & Proper Hymns to the Saints Volume II The Eight Modes of the Resurrection The Glagolitic Divine Synaxis of Saint Clement The Hour of Vespers of the Minor Office The Hour of Compline of the Minor Office The Hour of Lordsdays Vigils The Hour of Ferial Vigils The Hour of Matins of the Minor Office The Hour of Prime of the Minor Office The Hour of Terce of the Minor Office The Hour of Sext of the Minor Office The Hour of None of the Minor Office The Lordsday Prophecy Lessons of the Year The Lordsday Epistle Lessons of the Year The Lordsday Gospel Lessons of the Year The Prayer Rule of Saint Pachomius The Rule of Saint Benedict The Twelve Major Solemnities of the Liturgical Year The Twelve Minor Solemnities of the Liturgical Year The Sequential Psalter |
AN HISTORICAL TIMELINE
of the
Autonomous True Orthodox Metropolia
of North & South America and the British Isles*
of the
Autonomous True Orthodox Metropolia
of North & South America and the British Isles*
1867
The concept of a Western Orthodox Synod is proposed to the Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church in detail in the writings of Joseph Julius Overbeck, a Bavarian convert to Orthodoxy. The proposals include the use of restored Western Rites and the eventual formation of a Western Synod.
1871
Munich Convention establishes an Old Catholic Church, which breaks from Rome over papal dogmas and claims of infallibility. Overbeck originally supports the movement but becomes disillusioned.
1904
Russian Holy Synod, responding to a petition from Anglican parishes in America, rejects Anglican use due to unclear proclamation of Orthodox doctrine in liturgical texts.
1913
An American, Father William Francis Brothers, an old catholic monk, is ordained abbot-bishop for the Czech old catholic church in Illinois.
1917
The Bolshevik Revolution in Russia leads to the martyrdom of thousands of clerics, monks and nuns, and millions of Orthodox Christians. The Church moves underground, except the Bishops Abroad who eventually form a Synod in Exile.
1920
Patriarchate of Constantinople issues the Encyclical, Unto the Churches of Christ Everywhere, establishing Orthodox participation in inter-church and inter-religious movement.
1923
Sparsely attended "Pan-Orthodox Congress" in Constantinople establishes use of papal calendar for Orthodox Christians, which was previously condemned in three Pan-Orthodox Synods.
1924
Papal calendar is introduced in Greece; new Paschalion ultimately reversed, thus only changing the fixed cycle of Feasts. Traditionalists separate from the main body of the state Church. Abbot-bishop William relocates monastery to New York and attracts followers as a Western Orthodox cleric.
1927
Metropolitan Sergius in Russia becomes locum tenens through questionable means; approves in theory of Western Rites, eventually capitulates to Soviet power and is given rights over official Churches in Russia.
1934
Bishop William is consecrated an Orthodox Bishop using the Western Rite according to Orthodox norms in New York.
1935
Three Bishops separate from the Hierarchy of the Church of Greece and declare the innovators schismatic for introducing the Papal Calendar into Orthodoxy. New Synod begins consecrating Bishops.
1943
Metropolitan Sergius is elected Patriarch with the blessing of the Soviet State. Bishops of the state Church begin legal battles after being sent abroad with Bishops of the Church in Exile.
1948
Split in the True Orthodox Church of Greece between Florinites and Matthewites.
1949
Bishop Matthew given rank of Archbishop of Athens for Matthewite faction of Old Calendarists in Greece.
1955
Bishop Chrysostomos of Florinite faction of the Old Calendarists reposes.
1960
Russian Church in Exile consecrates Hierarchs for the Florinites.
1962
Archbishop Auxentios is elected as Archbishop of Athens by the Florinites. Archbishop William given title of "Exarch for Western Parishes" by the Moscow Patriarchate. Due to concerns over Soviet interference, Exarch William refuses to be re-consecrated in Moscow. Roman Catholic Vatican II begins, ultimately involving the Roman Church in the ecumenical movement and advising modernization of the liturgy. Parishes begin to leave the Roman Church en masse in Europe and America.
1964
Metropolitan Philaret chosen as the new head of the Russian Church in Exile.
1965
Patriarch Athenagoras and Pope Paul VI unilaterally "lift" the 1054 anathemas between the two Churches. Orthodox parishes join the Old Calendarists in protest.
1966
After Patriarch Alexis' repeated insistence that Exarch William come to Moscow, William departs from the Moscow Synod and enters into communion with Archbishop Palladios of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church in Exile.
1967
Archbishop Palladios petitions and receives the right for Archbishop William to operate independently as a Western Orthodox Bishop. Archbishop William s given the rank of Metropolitan and his coadjutor, Fr Joseph McCormack, is elevated to Archbishop of San Francisco.
1969
Metropolitan Philaret and the Russian Church in Exile recognizes the Florinite succession of Hierarchs of the True Orthodox Church of Greece.
1971
Metropolitan Philaret presides over a short-lived union between the Hierarchs of both factions of the True Orthodox Church.
1973
The Western Orthodox Bishops in America cease communion with Constantinople after the latter's recognition of the Pope of Rome as the "first-Bishop" of Christianity.
1977
The Western Orthodox Bishops in America receive the Old Catholic Diocese of Texas and elevate their Bishop to Archbishop of Texas.
1978
Joao Rocha, a priest of the Roman Church who converted to Orthodoxy, petitions the Synod of Archbishop Auxentios to establish a Church for Portugal. Archbishop Auxentios raises Joao Rocha to the Episcopate, giving him the name Gabriel and assigning him to the long-defunct See of Lisbon.
1980
Western Orthodox Bishops in America elevate Schema-Abbot John (LoBue) as Bishop of the Northeast.
1983
Metropolitan Philaret and the Russian Church in Exile anathematize ecumenism. Old Calendarists, while no longer in communion with the Church in Exile, agree in principle to the nature of ecumenism and issue their own condemnations.
1984
Archbishop Auxentios grants autonomy to the Portuguese Church and the West. More Bishops are made for Autonomous Western Metropolia.
1985
Schism in the Florinites; Autonomous Western Metropolia supports Archbishop Auxentios of Athens.
Repose of Metropolitan Philaret of New York who is entombed in vault beneath the Dormition cemetery temple.
1990
Metropolitan Eulogius of Milan elevated to head of Autonomous Western Metropolia, eventually earning it the moniker "the Synod of Milan" after the departure of Metropolitan Gabriel of Portugal for the Polish Orthodox Church.
1994
Repose of Archbishop Auxentios. Autonomous Western Metropolia recognized by Patriarch Volodymyr of Kiev, a Catacomb confessor elected to head the resurgent Ukrainian Church.
1997
Western Synod breaks communion with Ukrainian Church over allegations that the new Patriarch, Filaret Denisenko, is a KGB agent; and later these allegations turn out to be correct.
Through the influence of Schema-Bishop Theodore (lrtel), the Western Bishops in America enter into communion with the Autonomous Western Metropolia, providing a unified Orthodox Christian witness to Western Europe and the Americas.
1998
The coffin of Metropolitan Philaret is opened whereupon his body is found incorrupt. During the Panachida preceding reburial, Abbot Archbishop Laurus does not allow an open coffin for the faithful to venerate. Metropolitan Philaret is re-interred in a vault behind the main cathedral at Jordanville.
1999
Autonomous Metropolia establishes parishes in England and Germany.
2001
ROAC (Russian Orthodox Autonomous Church) and HOCNA (Holy Orthodox Church of North America) glorify Metropolitan Philaret. Upon the discovery of the incorrupt relics, ROCOR-V (Metropolitan Vitaly) is formed in Canada.
2006
Autonomous Metropolia re-establishes Churches in lberia of Spain.
2008
Metropolis of Avlona applies for assistance from Autonomous Western Metropolia and is received into communion with same.
ROCOR-PSCA (Provisional Supreme Church Authority), under Metropolitan Agafangel, glorify Metropolitan Philaret.
2009
Friction develops within Milan Synod between those wishing continued traditional praxis and those with more liberal views who consequently make covert overtures in World Orthodox quarters, particularly the Moscow Patriarchate.
ROCOR-V (Metropolitan Vitaly), also known as ROCiE, glorify Metropolitan Philaret.
2010
In Milan, a proposal is made to grant the American dioceses Autonomy. The proposal was accepted, and plans were devised to compose the Tomos granting same.
Metropolitan Anghelos of Avlona and Boetia, who had entered into communion with Metropolitan Evloghios of Milan the previous year, establishes the Synod of the True Orthodox Church of the Patristic Calendar with interests in True Orthodox developments in Romania and Bulgaria wherein a functional True Orthodox Synod is established.
Full communion is also established with Metropolitanate of a Seraphimo-Gennadite Catacomb Bishop in Bukovina.
2011
Early in the year, discussions are held between the True Orthodox Synod in Greece and the True Orthodox Church of Russia under Metropolitan Raphael (Prokopiev), with approximately 80 parishes in Russia. In Communion with this Synod are two Caucasian Hierarchs, Ioathan and Christopher, the future Metropolitan of Tbilishi and Khartlinsky. On the third Sunday of the Great Fast, the Russian and Greek Synod enter into formal ecclesial Communion.
In February, Archbishop John of New York is given a Tomos for the Dioceses of North and South America by the Synod of Milan, granting them full autonomy as a Metropolitanate with extended jurisdiction over the British Isles. The new Metropolitan re-proclaims his vow to continue to reject ecumenism in all its forms, battle heresy, and strengthen the bonds of Communion with Milan’s regional Sister-Churches in Greece, Russia and Bulgaria.
In Latin America, Metropolitan Anghelos of the Avlona Synod receives the True Orthodox Church of the Patristic Calendar under Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Ecuador which consists of missions that were orphaned after the Orthodox Church of Spain had also embraced the path to ecumenism. The Bishops with jurisdiction in the Region, now in control of over two dozen parishes, begin working out the canonical overlap in an orderly fashion.
At the same time, secret negotiations between the liberal hierarchy and clergy of the Synod of Milan with Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev) come to fruition with their reception into the Moldovan branch of the Moscow Patriarchate.
By June, the Sister Synods of Greece, Russia, and the Americas, try to comprehend this development with multiple discussions, all of which prove fruitless, and thus, in July, officially end communion with the True Orthodox Synod of Milan, leaving Metropolitan John, and his Synod, as heir to its legacy.
Some clergy of the now defunct Milan Synod are received into ROCOR by Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral), whereas a few others come directly under the Omophorion of Metropolian John of Holy Name Abbey.
2014
It becomes apparent that the True Orthodox Church of Russia under the Omophorion of Metropolitan Raphael, influenced by soi-disant bishop Gregory Lourie accept the heresy of Imjaslavije (Name-worshipping). The Russian Bishops as well as a few Bishops of the Avlona Synod waver on this and do not out rightly condemn the false teaching. This causes the break of inter-Communion with the other Sister-Synods and also causes a rift between the Avlona Synod and the Autonomous Metropolia under Metropolitan John.
2015
About 30 clergy of Philippine independent old-catholic church, a break-away group from the papal church, seek the piety and stability of Orthodoxy, and with them bring a multitude of souls under the guidance of the Moscow Patriarchate and are received by the Muscovite clergy.
2017
Disillusioned with their treatment by the clergy of the Moscow Patriarchate, together with confusion and discord created by meddling clergy of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, some of the Clergy and Faithful in the Philippines return to their former heretical church; however, outnumbering them were those who remain zealous for Orthodoxy and instead of abandoning their resolve, petition Metropolitan John to be received and have their western rite protected under his Omophorion.
2018
Visiting the missions throughout the Philippines, Metropolitan John and assistants formally receive the Philippine Clergy and multitudes of Faithful under his Omomphorion, performing numerous baptisms, chrismations and ordinations.
A Deanery of the Philippines is established whose Clergy and Faithful worship Christ God by means of the proper texts of the restored western rites of the canonical True Orthodox Church.
The Russian True Orthodox Church repents of the heresy of Name-worshipping and inter-Communion between Metropolitan Raphael (now named Seraphim having been tonsured into the Great Schema) and the Synod of Avlona, as well as the Autonomous Metropolia, is fully restored. A festive concelebration takes place on the Paschal Sunday of the Myrrh-bearers. A new title to describe the five canonical Sister Synods is created: The International Union of Genuine Orthodox Churches
2019
With both the accumulated departure and also repose of certain Hierarchs of the American Metropolia, and with the approval and assistance of the Sister Synods, to strengthen the Synod of North & South America and the British Isles, three new Vicar-Bishops are elevated to the Episcopacy for Canada, Scotland and the USA.
2020
The Holy Synod of Avlona issues a Statement condemning the global lockdowns and shuttering of temples by state governments using a pandemic as an excuse in attempts to establish the new world order by means of limiting the Faithful access to the Holy Mysteries of Christ God.
2021
The Holy Synod of North & South America and the British Isles issues a Statement prohibiting the acceptance by its Clergy and Faithful of hastily and immorally developed so-called vaccines which world governments claim will prevent the spread of a global virus by nefariously promising that civil freedoms and travel liberties by this means will be restored.
Two Vicariates of Davao and Cotabato, are created for the Philippine Missions. Directions and measures on penances are implemented for Confessors deaing with any who have accepted the unapproved and immoral inoculations.
2023
Early in the year, Archpriest Andreas, a senior cleric of the Philippino Deanery, had made secret overtures towards the Serbian Free Church in order to join it, and consequently all but a few souls in the Missions there followed this sudden departure from our Metropolia. Reader Andrew, a loyal son of our Church, was commissioned to collect and honour the remaining holy Chrism and Antimensia. With great sadness, the holy Synod of Bishop, who met in synaxis in October, realized that, after the considerable spiritual and financial support given to our True Orthodox Churches of the Philippines, the Missionary work of the Metropolia has seemingly come to an end.
_________________________________________________________________
*Some of the earlier information was extracted from the 2008 publication Lux Veritatis compiled by Priest Joseph Suaiden
The concept of a Western Orthodox Synod is proposed to the Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church in detail in the writings of Joseph Julius Overbeck, a Bavarian convert to Orthodoxy. The proposals include the use of restored Western Rites and the eventual formation of a Western Synod.
1871
Munich Convention establishes an Old Catholic Church, which breaks from Rome over papal dogmas and claims of infallibility. Overbeck originally supports the movement but becomes disillusioned.
1904
Russian Holy Synod, responding to a petition from Anglican parishes in America, rejects Anglican use due to unclear proclamation of Orthodox doctrine in liturgical texts.
1913
An American, Father William Francis Brothers, an old catholic monk, is ordained abbot-bishop for the Czech old catholic church in Illinois.
1917
The Bolshevik Revolution in Russia leads to the martyrdom of thousands of clerics, monks and nuns, and millions of Orthodox Christians. The Church moves underground, except the Bishops Abroad who eventually form a Synod in Exile.
1920
Patriarchate of Constantinople issues the Encyclical, Unto the Churches of Christ Everywhere, establishing Orthodox participation in inter-church and inter-religious movement.
1923
Sparsely attended "Pan-Orthodox Congress" in Constantinople establishes use of papal calendar for Orthodox Christians, which was previously condemned in three Pan-Orthodox Synods.
1924
Papal calendar is introduced in Greece; new Paschalion ultimately reversed, thus only changing the fixed cycle of Feasts. Traditionalists separate from the main body of the state Church. Abbot-bishop William relocates monastery to New York and attracts followers as a Western Orthodox cleric.
1927
Metropolitan Sergius in Russia becomes locum tenens through questionable means; approves in theory of Western Rites, eventually capitulates to Soviet power and is given rights over official Churches in Russia.
1934
Bishop William is consecrated an Orthodox Bishop using the Western Rite according to Orthodox norms in New York.
1935
Three Bishops separate from the Hierarchy of the Church of Greece and declare the innovators schismatic for introducing the Papal Calendar into Orthodoxy. New Synod begins consecrating Bishops.
1943
Metropolitan Sergius is elected Patriarch with the blessing of the Soviet State. Bishops of the state Church begin legal battles after being sent abroad with Bishops of the Church in Exile.
1948
Split in the True Orthodox Church of Greece between Florinites and Matthewites.
1949
Bishop Matthew given rank of Archbishop of Athens for Matthewite faction of Old Calendarists in Greece.
1955
Bishop Chrysostomos of Florinite faction of the Old Calendarists reposes.
1960
Russian Church in Exile consecrates Hierarchs for the Florinites.
1962
Archbishop Auxentios is elected as Archbishop of Athens by the Florinites. Archbishop William given title of "Exarch for Western Parishes" by the Moscow Patriarchate. Due to concerns over Soviet interference, Exarch William refuses to be re-consecrated in Moscow. Roman Catholic Vatican II begins, ultimately involving the Roman Church in the ecumenical movement and advising modernization of the liturgy. Parishes begin to leave the Roman Church en masse in Europe and America.
1964
Metropolitan Philaret chosen as the new head of the Russian Church in Exile.
1965
Patriarch Athenagoras and Pope Paul VI unilaterally "lift" the 1054 anathemas between the two Churches. Orthodox parishes join the Old Calendarists in protest.
1966
After Patriarch Alexis' repeated insistence that Exarch William come to Moscow, William departs from the Moscow Synod and enters into communion with Archbishop Palladios of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church in Exile.
1967
Archbishop Palladios petitions and receives the right for Archbishop William to operate independently as a Western Orthodox Bishop. Archbishop William s given the rank of Metropolitan and his coadjutor, Fr Joseph McCormack, is elevated to Archbishop of San Francisco.
1969
Metropolitan Philaret and the Russian Church in Exile recognizes the Florinite succession of Hierarchs of the True Orthodox Church of Greece.
1971
Metropolitan Philaret presides over a short-lived union between the Hierarchs of both factions of the True Orthodox Church.
1973
The Western Orthodox Bishops in America cease communion with Constantinople after the latter's recognition of the Pope of Rome as the "first-Bishop" of Christianity.
1977
The Western Orthodox Bishops in America receive the Old Catholic Diocese of Texas and elevate their Bishop to Archbishop of Texas.
1978
Joao Rocha, a priest of the Roman Church who converted to Orthodoxy, petitions the Synod of Archbishop Auxentios to establish a Church for Portugal. Archbishop Auxentios raises Joao Rocha to the Episcopate, giving him the name Gabriel and assigning him to the long-defunct See of Lisbon.
1980
Western Orthodox Bishops in America elevate Schema-Abbot John (LoBue) as Bishop of the Northeast.
1983
Metropolitan Philaret and the Russian Church in Exile anathematize ecumenism. Old Calendarists, while no longer in communion with the Church in Exile, agree in principle to the nature of ecumenism and issue their own condemnations.
1984
Archbishop Auxentios grants autonomy to the Portuguese Church and the West. More Bishops are made for Autonomous Western Metropolia.
1985
Schism in the Florinites; Autonomous Western Metropolia supports Archbishop Auxentios of Athens.
Repose of Metropolitan Philaret of New York who is entombed in vault beneath the Dormition cemetery temple.
1990
Metropolitan Eulogius of Milan elevated to head of Autonomous Western Metropolia, eventually earning it the moniker "the Synod of Milan" after the departure of Metropolitan Gabriel of Portugal for the Polish Orthodox Church.
1994
Repose of Archbishop Auxentios. Autonomous Western Metropolia recognized by Patriarch Volodymyr of Kiev, a Catacomb confessor elected to head the resurgent Ukrainian Church.
1997
Western Synod breaks communion with Ukrainian Church over allegations that the new Patriarch, Filaret Denisenko, is a KGB agent; and later these allegations turn out to be correct.
Through the influence of Schema-Bishop Theodore (lrtel), the Western Bishops in America enter into communion with the Autonomous Western Metropolia, providing a unified Orthodox Christian witness to Western Europe and the Americas.
1998
The coffin of Metropolitan Philaret is opened whereupon his body is found incorrupt. During the Panachida preceding reburial, Abbot Archbishop Laurus does not allow an open coffin for the faithful to venerate. Metropolitan Philaret is re-interred in a vault behind the main cathedral at Jordanville.
1999
Autonomous Metropolia establishes parishes in England and Germany.
2001
ROAC (Russian Orthodox Autonomous Church) and HOCNA (Holy Orthodox Church of North America) glorify Metropolitan Philaret. Upon the discovery of the incorrupt relics, ROCOR-V (Metropolitan Vitaly) is formed in Canada.
2006
Autonomous Metropolia re-establishes Churches in lberia of Spain.
2008
Metropolis of Avlona applies for assistance from Autonomous Western Metropolia and is received into communion with same.
ROCOR-PSCA (Provisional Supreme Church Authority), under Metropolitan Agafangel, glorify Metropolitan Philaret.
2009
Friction develops within Milan Synod between those wishing continued traditional praxis and those with more liberal views who consequently make covert overtures in World Orthodox quarters, particularly the Moscow Patriarchate.
ROCOR-V (Metropolitan Vitaly), also known as ROCiE, glorify Metropolitan Philaret.
2010
In Milan, a proposal is made to grant the American dioceses Autonomy. The proposal was accepted, and plans were devised to compose the Tomos granting same.
Metropolitan Anghelos of Avlona and Boetia, who had entered into communion with Metropolitan Evloghios of Milan the previous year, establishes the Synod of the True Orthodox Church of the Patristic Calendar with interests in True Orthodox developments in Romania and Bulgaria wherein a functional True Orthodox Synod is established.
Full communion is also established with Metropolitanate of a Seraphimo-Gennadite Catacomb Bishop in Bukovina.
2011
Early in the year, discussions are held between the True Orthodox Synod in Greece and the True Orthodox Church of Russia under Metropolitan Raphael (Prokopiev), with approximately 80 parishes in Russia. In Communion with this Synod are two Caucasian Hierarchs, Ioathan and Christopher, the future Metropolitan of Tbilishi and Khartlinsky. On the third Sunday of the Great Fast, the Russian and Greek Synod enter into formal ecclesial Communion.
In February, Archbishop John of New York is given a Tomos for the Dioceses of North and South America by the Synod of Milan, granting them full autonomy as a Metropolitanate with extended jurisdiction over the British Isles. The new Metropolitan re-proclaims his vow to continue to reject ecumenism in all its forms, battle heresy, and strengthen the bonds of Communion with Milan’s regional Sister-Churches in Greece, Russia and Bulgaria.
In Latin America, Metropolitan Anghelos of the Avlona Synod receives the True Orthodox Church of the Patristic Calendar under Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Ecuador which consists of missions that were orphaned after the Orthodox Church of Spain had also embraced the path to ecumenism. The Bishops with jurisdiction in the Region, now in control of over two dozen parishes, begin working out the canonical overlap in an orderly fashion.
At the same time, secret negotiations between the liberal hierarchy and clergy of the Synod of Milan with Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev) come to fruition with their reception into the Moldovan branch of the Moscow Patriarchate.
By June, the Sister Synods of Greece, Russia, and the Americas, try to comprehend this development with multiple discussions, all of which prove fruitless, and thus, in July, officially end communion with the True Orthodox Synod of Milan, leaving Metropolitan John, and his Synod, as heir to its legacy.
Some clergy of the now defunct Milan Synod are received into ROCOR by Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral), whereas a few others come directly under the Omophorion of Metropolian John of Holy Name Abbey.
2014
It becomes apparent that the True Orthodox Church of Russia under the Omophorion of Metropolitan Raphael, influenced by soi-disant bishop Gregory Lourie accept the heresy of Imjaslavije (Name-worshipping). The Russian Bishops as well as a few Bishops of the Avlona Synod waver on this and do not out rightly condemn the false teaching. This causes the break of inter-Communion with the other Sister-Synods and also causes a rift between the Avlona Synod and the Autonomous Metropolia under Metropolitan John.
2015
About 30 clergy of Philippine independent old-catholic church, a break-away group from the papal church, seek the piety and stability of Orthodoxy, and with them bring a multitude of souls under the guidance of the Moscow Patriarchate and are received by the Muscovite clergy.
2017
Disillusioned with their treatment by the clergy of the Moscow Patriarchate, together with confusion and discord created by meddling clergy of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, some of the Clergy and Faithful in the Philippines return to their former heretical church; however, outnumbering them were those who remain zealous for Orthodoxy and instead of abandoning their resolve, petition Metropolitan John to be received and have their western rite protected under his Omophorion.
2018
Visiting the missions throughout the Philippines, Metropolitan John and assistants formally receive the Philippine Clergy and multitudes of Faithful under his Omomphorion, performing numerous baptisms, chrismations and ordinations.
A Deanery of the Philippines is established whose Clergy and Faithful worship Christ God by means of the proper texts of the restored western rites of the canonical True Orthodox Church.
The Russian True Orthodox Church repents of the heresy of Name-worshipping and inter-Communion between Metropolitan Raphael (now named Seraphim having been tonsured into the Great Schema) and the Synod of Avlona, as well as the Autonomous Metropolia, is fully restored. A festive concelebration takes place on the Paschal Sunday of the Myrrh-bearers. A new title to describe the five canonical Sister Synods is created: The International Union of Genuine Orthodox Churches
2019
With both the accumulated departure and also repose of certain Hierarchs of the American Metropolia, and with the approval and assistance of the Sister Synods, to strengthen the Synod of North & South America and the British Isles, three new Vicar-Bishops are elevated to the Episcopacy for Canada, Scotland and the USA.
2020
The Holy Synod of Avlona issues a Statement condemning the global lockdowns and shuttering of temples by state governments using a pandemic as an excuse in attempts to establish the new world order by means of limiting the Faithful access to the Holy Mysteries of Christ God.
2021
The Holy Synod of North & South America and the British Isles issues a Statement prohibiting the acceptance by its Clergy and Faithful of hastily and immorally developed so-called vaccines which world governments claim will prevent the spread of a global virus by nefariously promising that civil freedoms and travel liberties by this means will be restored.
Two Vicariates of Davao and Cotabato, are created for the Philippine Missions. Directions and measures on penances are implemented for Confessors deaing with any who have accepted the unapproved and immoral inoculations.
2023
Early in the year, Archpriest Andreas, a senior cleric of the Philippino Deanery, had made secret overtures towards the Serbian Free Church in order to join it, and consequently all but a few souls in the Missions there followed this sudden departure from our Metropolia. Reader Andrew, a loyal son of our Church, was commissioned to collect and honour the remaining holy Chrism and Antimensia. With great sadness, the holy Synod of Bishop, who met in synaxis in October, realized that, after the considerable spiritual and financial support given to our True Orthodox Churches of the Philippines, the Missionary work of the Metropolia has seemingly come to an end.
_________________________________________________________________
*Some of the earlier information was extracted from the 2008 publication Lux Veritatis compiled by Priest Joseph Suaiden
