JOHNSTOWN, PA - [Diocesan Chancery] The Diocesan Stewardship Commission met on Tuesday, March 11^th in Johnstown, PA. The meeting was hosted by His Grace Bishop Gregory of Nyssa and Very Reverend Protopresbyter Frank Miloro, Diocesan Chancellor.

This was the first formal meeting of the Commission since the unanimous adoption of its first Stewardship Proposal by the delegates to the Diocesan Council-Sobor that took place in Johnstown from October 20 - 23, 2013.

High on the meeting agenda was a report on responses to the Proposal’s resolution that, “the parish council of every parish in the diocese designate a local stewardship coordinator to work with the diocesan Stewardship Commission and to lead the stewardship planning, education, and programs of the parish; and further, that it forward the name of this coordinator to the Diocesan Stewardship Commission by the beginning of Great Lent” (March 3, 2014).

As of the date of the Commission’s March 11^th meeting, only twelve responses had been received from the parishes. At the direction of His Grace, a reminder notice has since been sent to each parish extending the deadline to April 1^st.

It is essential that each parish designate its Coordinator promptly and provide their contact information (name and e-mail address) to the Commission’s Chair, Father Frederick Watson (fr.frederick@comcast.net) because a survey of Parish Stewardship and Practices will be distributed to them April 1^st. The survey is to be completed by the parish coordinators and returned for processing by May 1, 2014. A summary report on the findings of the surveys will then be prepared and delivered to His Grace by the Commission June 1^st.

On an encouraging note, several parishes from across the Diocese have asked for assistance with stewardship issues by inviting a visit from a representative of the Stewardship Commission. The Commission has also received a request to make a presentation at a deanery event in May.

As a result of increased interest in Orthodox Christian Stewardship education from the parishes, the Diocesan Stewardship Commission is in need of new members. If you or someone you know might be interested in making an offering Time and Talent in this way, please contact Father Frederick Watson (fr.frederick@comcast.net).

Finally, the Commission extends its sincere appreciation and congratulations to all of the delegates to the October Council-Sobor for their unanimous support of the Stewardship Proposal. It is not an exaggeration to say that this marks a watershed event in the spiritual growth of the people and parishes of our God-saved Diocese; only good can come from that decision.

Left to Right: Fr. Frederick Watson, Stewardship Commission Chair, His Grace Bishop Gregory, Fr. Basil Aden, Archon John Bilanin, Fr. Frank Miloro and Deacon Steve Hall.