## DIOCESAN COUNCIL MINUTES

### DIOCESE OF THE WEST

#### May 25, 2022

His Eminence, Archbishop BENJAMIN Eminence, Archbishop BENJAMIN convened a meeting of the Diocesan Council at 10:28 am on Wednesday, May 25, 2022. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS PRESENT: Archbishop BENJAMIN, Bishop DANIEL, Archpriest John Dresko, Archpriest Matthew Tate, Archpriest Stephen Soot, Archpriest Lawrence Margitich, Archpriest Damian Kuolt, Archpriest Michael Anderson, Archpriest Andrew Cuneo, Priest David Morrison, Matushka Theodora Blom, Matushka Elizabeth Powell, David Lane, Dorothy Nowik, Lynnell Brunswig, Catherine Mabus COUNCIL MEMBERS MEMBERS ABSENT: Archpriest Basil Rhodes, Archpriest Lawrence Russell, Archpriest Anthony Karbo OTHERS PRESENT: PRESENT: Archpriest Ian MacKinnon, Archpriest Kirill Sokolov, Archpriest Andreas Blom, Priest Andrew Smith, Subdeacon Leonid Bulannikov MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: OF PREVIOUS MEETING: The minutes of the previous meeting were accepted as distributed. ARCHBISHOP’S REMARKS REMARKS Archbishop BENJAMIN gave a report on the improvements around the diocese regarding COVID-19, remarked about the repose of Archbishop PAUL, the war in Ukraine, and other matters found in His Eminence’s report. (see posted report) CHANCELLOR’S REMARKS: REMARKS: Bishop DANIEL thanked His Eminence for his care for the Diocese. People are doing well ameliorating any uncomfortable situations related to Ukraine and Russia. It brings it close to home, when we find one of our parishioner’s family is impacted by the war. Archbishop PAUL’s repose took place on Pascha Morning, and Bishop DANIEL left the next day to lead, at Archbishop PAUL’s request, what was a beautiful funeral. His Grace agreed to become the Locum Tenens to the Diocese of the Midwest, while not letting the Phoenix parish and his duties as chancellor suffer. TREASURER’S REPORT REPORT Mka. Theodora B. reports that the Diocese is doing very well financially. Last year a deficit budget was passed, however this year we are doing quite well with remittances. She has high confidence we will run in the black through the end of the year. Note that travel costs are high. Loans to the OCCIF of $150K and $30K are now consolidated as a $180K loan paying out quarterly, while the previous $600K loan pays monthly. Going forward, the board-designated Pt. Reyes funds will be absorbed into the Operating Funds, and not reported separately as they are not donor-restricted funds, rather board-designated. The Russian Home of Mercy is continuing to pay $1,000 per month for the loan used for clergy housing. However, we need to make certain we are not tied to the property, and clear the funds transferred were just a loan. As a final note, the DOW is not processing Ukraine relief funds. HOUSING AT SANTA ROSA AT SANTA ROSA Archpriest Kirill S. gave review of the purpose of the Russian Women’s Home of Mercy and use of funds. The property adjacent to St Seraphim Cathedral was purchased with funds from the Russian Women's Home of Mercy, in addition to a loan to the RWHOM from the Diocese. There needs to be the development of a business plan to make it available to retired clergy, and specifically for Archbishop BENJAMIN. Until then, it is being managed, the home is rented, and there are no current needs. Potential now is for two immediate households, though some of the other structures given the size of the property can be expanded for additional housing. FINANCE COMMITTEE COMMITTEE Dorothy N. reported that the budgeting process is underway, to have it ready for the Diocesan Council prior to the upcoming meeting. ALL AMERICAN COUNCIL AMERICAN COUNCIL (Baltimore, July 18-22, 2022) Our Diocesan Assembly will be Wednesday, July 20, 7:00 p.m. Mka. Elizabeth P. gave an overview of Clergy Wives and what is happening at a national level. There will be