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ABOUT

The Orthodox Canon Law Society of North America is an independent academic society. The Society is Pan-Orthodox as well as unrestricted in denominational affiliation. All those interested in the academic study of Orthodox canon law are invited to join the Society.

 

The principal purposes of the Society are to cultivate a new generation of canonists; to promote canonical study and research in North America; to respond to canonical needs; to encourage cooperation with individuals and organizations conducting research in related fields; to establish meaningful dialogues with other organizations dedicated to canonical studies; and to provide a venue for the presentation of papers embodying current research on all aspects of Orthodox canonical studies and for discussion of canonical praxis in a professional setting.

 

Annual conferences will gather scholars, professors, clergy, seminarians, graduate students, and attorneys, who will all be invited to contribute papers and discussion.

Mural decorations

History of the Society

The founders of the society, Frs. Patrick Viscuso and Bartholomew Mercado, conceived of the idea of an academic organization in 2022 and obtained the blessing of their hierarch, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros. His Eminence invited the hierarchs of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of The United States of America to encourage participation in the newly formed society. Through the generous efforts of a pro bono attorney, the society was incorporated as a non-profit.

 

The first organizational meeting in October 2023 was a success with the establishment of officers and board members. At the same time, the society held a reception and workshop commemorating the centennial year of the 1923 Pan-Orthodox Congress. The Governing Board of the Society is moving forward with a membership drive and plans for the first annual conference next year in 2024.

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  • President – Patrick Viscuso (The Antiochian House of Studies)

  • Vice President – Andrei Psarev (Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary)

  • Secretary – Laura Wilson (The Antiochian House of Studies)

  • Treasurer – Bartholomew Mercado (Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology)

 

Board Members

  • Lewis Patsavos (Emeritus, Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology)

  • Despina Prassas (Independent Scholar)

  • Christos Linardakis (Attorney-at-law)

Officers

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