The Diocese of New England held its 60th Diocesan Assembly on October 27-28, 2023. The assembly was held at Holy Transfiguration Church in New Haven, CT. This assembly was crucial and unique in that the clergy and delegates met to review annual reports from various departements as well as decide on the nomination for open position of Bishop of New England.  Holy Trinity was represented by Fr Marc Vranes as clergy delegate, and Mr. Timothy Fetzko, acting as lay delegate.

Day 1 consisted of presentations and discussions about many aspects of Diocese administration. Of note were lengthy conversations around clergy health and wellbeing, compensation and pensions, as well as emerging opportunities for deeper engagement within the Diocese, which included newly updated DNE website, successful Youth Rally and Late Vocations programs.  Following the report review was a presentation by the Great-Grandaughter of Metroplitan Platon (https://www.oca.org/holy-synod/past-primates/platon-rozhdestvensky), which included many historical documents and artifacts.

Day 1 concluded with a Q&A session and open concersation with Father Benedict Churchill, who would be considered for the nomination of Bishop of New England the follwing day.

Day 2 began with a beautiful Heirarchical Divine Liturgy presided over by Metropolitan Tikhon. The nomination of Father Benedict followed a brief meal break. The assembled delegates and clergy nomimated Father Benedict with a clear majority of ballots cast in his name. Of the 70+ ballots, only two were left blank. Father Benedict then received the nomination from the Assembly with great humility.

The Assembly of Bishops will meeting in two weeks (November 6-10) to consider the presumptive candidate. Assuming Father Benedict's candidacy is approved by the Assembly, an installation date will be set, likely before the end of 2023.