On October 13th and 14th, Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary’s own Canon Law professor, Rev. Protodeacon Andrei Psarev, along with one of his Canon Law students, John Keller, traveled to Boston, MA, to Hellenic College/Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology (HCHC) for the inaugural “Orthodox Canon Law Society of North America'' meeting.

The event began with a cocktail hour where Orthodox canonists and those who were interested in this subject from around the country gathered and conversed not only with each other but also with the students who came in attendance. 

The president of the Orthodox Canon Law Society, The Rev. Dr. Patrick Viscuso, warmly welcomed everyone and stressed the importance of having a society like this, especially in today’s society. He also emphasized that this society is non-jurisdictional, meaning anyone can join and participate without being restrained by jurisdictional disagreements that are unfortunately active within the Holy Orthodox Church today.  It should be noted that Fr. Andrei Psarev was the appointed Vice-President of the Orthodox Canon Law Society. 

After more remarks from various canonists, primarily noting that the canons should and must be applied with love (for without it, the canons lose their purpose), a wonderful dinner was served. 

The following day, after breakfast, Fr. Patrick Viscuso gave an excellent presentation on the “Myths and Realities about the 1923 Pan-Orthodox Congress.” After the presentation, there was an open floor where Fr. Patrick Viscuso, Fr. Bartholomew (Mercado), and Fr. Andrei Psarev answered various questions from those in attendance. Afterwards, a delicious Greek lunch was served. 

Thank you to Hellenic College for hosting this historic event. May God be pleased and bless the Orthodox Canon Law Society, and have it continue for many years!