Diocese of the South Bylaws

These By-laws are issued for the governance of the parishes and local congregations of the Diocese of the South, a territorial diocese of the Orthodox Church in America, which is the local autocephalous Orthodox Church belonging to the world-wide communion of Orthodox Churches. The Orthodox Church in general and the Orthodox Church in America in particular are hierarchical in structure. The primate of the Orthodox Church in America is the Archbishop of Washington and New York and Metropolitan of All America and Canada. Hereafter, the words “the Parish” shall refer to said individual local congregations and parishes. The Parish is governed by Holy Tradition, that is, the whole body of teaching and practice of the One Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. The Tradition is expressed first of all in Holy Scripture, and also in the dogmatic decisions and canons of the seven Ecumenical Councils, the canons of the provincial councils, the canons and writings of the holy Fathers and Doctors of the Church, in the liturgical life of the Church, and in the Statute of the Orthodox Church in America. The purpose of the regulations contained in these By-Laws is to apply Holy Tradition to the organization and daily life of the parish. These By-laws are standard and obligatory for all parishes of the Diocese of the South, having been duly promulgated by the Diocesan authority. Exceptions to any provision of these Bylaws may be made only by express written permission of the Diocesan bishop.

DOS Bylaws

Statutes Concerning Missions

Upon the recommendation of the district dean(s), or on his own initiative, the diocesan bishop establishes missions throughout the diocese. A group of Orthodox Christians residing in a given locality may petition the diocesan bishop, through the district dean, for the establishment of a mission. Services are provided for a mission in accordance with the availability of clergy, under the direction of the district dean.

Statutes

Policy, Standards, and Procedures on Sexual Misconduct

The Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America approved and issued a revised Policy, Standards, and Procedures on Sexual Misconduct at their Fall 2013 Holy Synod meeting. This policy is now in force in the Church. It is the goal of the entire Church to provide a safe and healthy environment for all of the faithful of the Orthodox Church in America. The Church laments the sin of sexual misconduct, and will not tolerate sexual misconduct by its clergy or any layperson.

To further the prevention of sexual abuse of children, the Holy Synod has approved a training program by the non-profit organization Darkness to Light. The training program, Stewards of Children [SOC], is available for free to all those who are required to take the training. See the attached letter for more information on how to access the training.

To confidentially report a case of misconduct please use the toll-free number 855-398-2600. All calls will be confidential.

Policies and Procedures

St Tikhon Membership

Life in an Orthodox Church is not without difficulties. To follow Christ on the Way of the Cross, our time and energy, indeed our very lives, are demanded of us. As we pray so often together:

“Let us commit ourselves, each other, and our whole lives unto Christ our God.”

Such a total commitment requires prayer, hard work, and understanding. It is our hope that through this booklet, you can begin to gain a better understanding of life at St. Tikhon—what we do and why. It is designed as a basic introduction to church life; but it is equally important for the most “experienced” churchgoer to read.

Whether born into the Church or converted yesterday, “by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body” (I Corinthians 12:13), and we can only glorify God if we are one. The closer we follow these guidelines, and the better we understand their significance, the more we will be united in Christ. As we strive to worship and serve God together in His Church, beginning with these guidelines, may He enable us, with one mouth, one mind, and one heart, to glorify Him who has trampled down death by death and granted us eternal life.

“Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27).

Membership Guidebook