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EXECUTIVE BOARD

President: Dragomir Djordjich

Vice-Presidents: Nikola Živković, Maksim Romano

Secretaries: Mira Bratić, Slađana Romano

Treasurers: Dushanka Keane, Mirko Sikirica

Financial Secretaries: Nevena Jovanović, Vanja Sikirica

Odbornic ~ Church Counselor: William Mihailovich

Tutor: Dragan Krstić, Aleksa Jevtić, Djuro George Rajsic

Delegate: Željko Lukić

Advocate: Nikola Lonchar

Clergy and Staff

Very Rev. Protopresbyter / Parish Priest: Fr. Milorad Orlic (h) 215-258-1155 (m) 440-864-7346

Head Alter-server: Alex Kasich

Cantor: Radovan Mićić

Church School Coordinator: Popadija Milena Orlic

2026 Church Bylaws English

Regulations for parishes, church communities, church-school communities and monasteries of the Diocese of Eastern America of the Serbian Orthodox Church

Published 10.12.2025

REGULATIONS FOR PARISHES, CHURCH MUNICIPALITIES, CHURCH-SCHOOL MUNICIPALITIES AND MONASTERIES OF THE EASTERN AMERICAN SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH DIOCESE

AND DIOCESE

Article 1

The Diocese of Eastern America of the Serbian Orthodox Church is, in a canonical, hierarchical and administrative sense, an integral and inseparable organizational part of the Serbian Orthodox Church (hereinafter: the SPC) with its headquarters in Belgrade, Republic of Serbia.
The Eastern American Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church is an incorporated (registered) legal entity with the Secretary of State of the State of New York (case number 5171713) in the United States of America.
The Eastern American Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church, in church-administrative terms, consists of bishoprics, parishes, missionary parishes, church communities, or church-school communities, monasteries, and other church institutions that exist and are established in accordance with the Constitution and other acts of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
The headquarters of the Diocese of Eastern America of the Serbian Orthodox Church is in New York.
The Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church is headed by a diocesan hierarch who, by decision of the Holy Council of Hierarchs of the Serbian Orthodox Church, may have the title of bishop, archbishop or metropolitan (hereinafter: diocesan hierarch) and is the immediate head of the Diocese.
The competent diocesan Hierarch is, according to church canonical regulations, the main representative and leader of all church-spiritual life and church order in the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church and governs it with the assistance of church-hierarchical and church-self-governing authorities/bodies in accordance with the Constitution of the Serbian Orthodox Church and the Statute/general act of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church.
The bishoprics, parishes, missionary parishes, church communities, or church-school communities, monasteries and other church institutions in the Diocese of Eastern America of the Serbian Orthodox Church that exist and are established in accordance with the Constitution and other acts of the Serbian Orthodox Church are governed on the basis of:

Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition according to the teaching of the Holy Orthodox Church;
The Canons of the Ecumenical Councils of the Holy Orthodox Church and the canons of the Apostolic, Local Councils and Holy Fathers recognized by them;
regulations of local councils and patriarchal synods, if adopted by the Serbian Orthodox Church;
Constitution of the Serbian Orthodox Church;
regulations, rules and other general and individual acts of the Holy Council of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church, the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church and the Patriarchal Administrative Board of the Serbian Orthodox Church;
Statute/General Act of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church;
of this Regulation; and
Statute/general act of the church municipality, i.e. church-school municipality or monastery, which have been approved by the Diocesan Administrative Board of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church and the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the final instance.

The Holy Synod of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church and the Holy Council of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church are ultimately responsible for the interpretation of all church acts referred to in this article.
The Eastern American Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church, by decision of the Holy Council of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church, carries out its Orthodox spiritual mission among the faithful (members) of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the territory of its canonical jurisdiction.
Existing and future bishopric vicariates, parishes, missionary parishes, church communities, or church-school communities, monasteries and other church institutions in the Diocese of the Eastern American SOC constitute its integral and inseparable parts and recognize the jurisdiction of the Diocese of the Eastern American SOC, the competent Hierarch of the Diocese of the Eastern American SOC and other authorities/bodies of the SOC.
Bishoprics, parishes, missionary parishes, church communities, or church-school communities, monasteries and other church institutions in the Diocese of Eastern America of the Serbian Orthodox Church are always governed according to the church regulations from paragraph 7 of Article 1 of these Regulations.
Church and legal acts of parishes, church communities, i.e. church-school communities, monasteries and other church institutions in the Diocese of the Eastern American SOC must be in accordance with the Constitution of the SOC, the Statute/general act of the Diocese of the Eastern American SOC and these Regulations, otherwise they are invalid and have no legal effect in the SOC and before state authorities.

II PARISH

Article 2

A parish is a community of Orthodox people who stand under the spiritual leadership of a parish priest who is appointed and dismissed by the competent diocesan bishop.
Every believer of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the area of canonical jurisdiction of the Diocese of Eastern America belongs to the parish in which he or she permanently resides.
Decisions on exceptions to this rule are made by the competent diocesan bishop upon a reasoned request from interested parties.

Article 3

The parish has its own parish church.
Multiple parishes may have a common parish church.
If there are multiple churches in a parish, one of them is the parish church, and the others are branch churches.

Article 4

The parish has an office where the seal, stamp, registers of births and baptisms, marriages, deaths, religious conversions, protocols, the parish register, the chronicle, and other parish archives are kept.
If there are multiple parishes under one parish church, there is one parish office for all of them, with common registers and official books and one seal.

Article 5

The parish seal and all official parish documents are kept by the parish priest.
All correspondence and statements must be issued with the official seal of the parish.

Article 6

In the Diocese of Eastern America of the Serbian Orthodox Church, in addition to existing ones, new parishes may be established.
A proposal for the establishment of a new parish is submitted to the competent diocesan bishop by at least 40 Serbian or other Orthodox believers who wish to be parishioners in the Diocese of Eastern America of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
The competent diocesan Hierarch, in agreement with the Diocesan Council and the Ecclesiastical Court of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church, has the right, if necessary, to allow an exception to this rule.
The competent diocesan Bishop, after accepting the application and making a decision to establish a new parish, issues a church charter to the newly established parish and appoints a parish priest.
The competent diocesan Hierarch, as necessary and in accordance with the Constitution of the Serbian Orthodox Church, and in agreement with the Church Court of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church, has the right to carry out the division of a parish into two or more parishes and the regulation of parishes, which is reported to the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church and the Patriarchal Administrative Board of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
In a parish and church municipality, or church-school municipality in which the need for more parish priests arises, the parish, not the church municipality or church-school municipality, is divided into several parishes with one priest for each parish, with the competent diocesan Bishop appointing one of them as the head of the parish church.
The elder of the parish church keeps the seals and official church documents.
In places where there is a parish without an organized church community, or church-school community, the competent parish priest proposes parishioners as members of the Parish Commission.
The competent diocesan Hierarch, upon the proposal of the competent parish priest, appoints the members of the Commission, and in their work they adhere to the Constitution of the Serbian Orthodox Church and other church acts referred to in Article 1, paragraph 7 of these Regulations.
The decision to liquidate a parish is made by the competent diocesan hierarch in agreement with the Church Court and the Diocesan Administrative Board of the Eastern American Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church, and the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church and the Patriarchal Administrative Board of the Serbian Orthodox Church are notified of this.

Article 7
A parishioner (believer) is obliged to hand over to the new pastor, upon moving from one parish to another, a sealed extract from the parish register, signed by the previous pastor, containing parish information about his home.

Article 8

In places where a permanent parish and church community, or a church-school community, have not been organized, the competent diocesan hierarch, in agreement with the Church Court and the Diocesan Administrative Board of the Diocese of the Eastern American SOC, makes a decision to establish a missionary parish and reports thereon to the Holy Synod of Bishops of the SOC and the Patriarchal Administrative Board of the SOC.
The parish priest for a missionary parish is appointed and dismissed by the competent diocesan Bishop.

Article 9

The parish priest submits a written proposal to the competent diocesan Bishop for the appointment of members of the Missionary Parish Commission.
Members of the Missionary Parish Commission are appointed and dismissed by the competent diocesan bishop in agreement with the Church Court and the Diocesan Administrative Board of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church.
Members of the Accounting and Auditing Commission of the missionary parish are appointed and dismissed by the competent diocesan Bishop in agreement with the Church Court and the Diocesan Administrative Board of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church.
The competent diocesan hierarch, in agreement with the Church Court and the Diocesan Administrative Board of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church, determines the scope of work of the Missionary Parish Commission and delivers to it the legal acts for the organization, legal status and work of the missionary parish (founding act, statute/general act, etc.).
At the end of the fiscal year, the missionary parish commission submits an annual financial report and budget proposal, as well as a report on its work, to the Diocesan Board of Directors of the Diocese of Eastern America of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
The missionary parish commission, in cooperation with the competent parish priest, manages all the affairs of the local organizations in the missionary parish (church choir, Serbian Sisters' Circle and other church organizations).
A meeting of members of the missionary parish is held at least once a year in the missionary parish and is of an informative nature.

Article 10

A missionary parish may become a permanent parish when it meets the conditions for regular functioning in accordance with the Sacred Canons of the Orthodox Church, the Constitution of the Serbian Orthodox Church, the Statute/General Act of the Diocese of Eastern America of the Serbian Orthodox Church, and these Regulations.
The competent diocesan hierarch, in agreement with the Church Court and the Diocesan Administrative Board of the Diocese of the Eastern American SOC, makes a decision to change the status of the missionary parish to a permanent parish and church community, or church-school community of the Diocese of the Eastern American SOC, and reports thereon to the Holy Synod of Bishops of the SOC and the Patriarchal Administrative Board of the SOC.

III PARISH CLERGY

Article 11

A parish priest (paroch) is a person who has been canonically ordained and appointed by the competent diocesan Bishop to serve in the Church. A parish priest stands at the head of his parish as a representative of the competent diocesan Bishop and, as a rule, lives in the place of parish service.
The competent diocesan Hierarch, in accordance with his position and on the basis of the Sacred Canons of the Orthodox Church, the Constitution of the Serbian Orthodox Church, the Statute/General Act of the Diocese of Eastern America of the Serbian Orthodox Church and other church-legal acts, appoints and dismisses a parish priest in the Diocese of Eastern America of the Serbian Orthodox Church at the request or need of the Church.
A parish priest may also be transferred from the parish based on a final judgment of the Ecclesiastical Court of the Diocese of Eastern America of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
A parish priest may, upon request, retire at any time with the blessing of the competent diocesan Bishop.
A parish priest is required to retire when he meets the requirements for receiving a full (100%) federal pension (Federal Social Security), i.e. upon reaching the age of 67.
The parish priest is obliged to, at least six months before fulfilling the conditions for retirement referred to in paragraph 5 of this Article, notify the competent diocesan Bishop thereof in writing.
The competent diocesan Bishop has the right to extend the parish priest's parish service, with his consent, even after the conditions for retirement have been met.
A parish priest may engage in additional occupations only with the express written approval of the competent diocesan Bishop, of which he is obliged to promptly inform the competent diocesan Bishop.

Article 12

A deacon is a person canonically ordained and appointed by the competent diocesan Bishop to serve in the Church.
A cathedral church in the seat of the competent diocesan hierarch must have a deacon who holds the diaconal credentials from the Diocese and the church community, or the church-school community to which the cathedral church belongs.
Parishes may have one or more deacons if they have the means to support them and if the competent diocesan bishop deems it necessary.
The diocesan deacon is under the direct supervision of the competent diocesan Bishop, who determines his scope of work.
Diocesan and parish deacons, except for those who are employed in other institutions, enjoy all the rights and benefits of parish priests.
The parish deacon is appointed by the competent diocesan bishop and assists the parish priest, i.e. the head of the church, in managing administrative and other tasks assigned to him by the head of the church.
Years spent in diaconal service are recognized as well as years spent in priestly service.
Deacons who are employed in other institutions are necessarily under the canonical jurisdiction of the diocesan Bishop and are assigned to a specific parish church.
Deacons may serve and preach in the parish church with the blessing of the competent diocesan bishop and with the knowledge of the elder of the church.

Article 13

In places where there are multiple parish priests at one parish church, the competent diocesan Bishop appoints one of them as the head of the church, who is also the head of the parish office.
The temple elder is responsible for order in the temple and office.

Article 14

If a lawsuit is filed against a parish priest or deacon, the competent diocesan hierarch has the right, in accordance with the Constitution of the Serbian Orthodox Church, to place him under a ban on clerical activity (suspension) until the judgment of the Church Court of the Diocese of Eastern America of the Serbian Orthodox Church becomes final.
A case of this type is to be considered urgent, and the Ecclesiastical Court of the Diocese of Eastern America of the Serbian Orthodox Church is obliged to resolve such a case no later than within one year.

Article 15
A suspended parish priest shall receive half of his regular salary until the judgment of the Ecclesiastical Court of the Diocese of Eastern America of the Serbian Orthodox Church becomes final, and the other half shall belong to the priest who replaces him in the parish.

Article 16

A parish priest cannot leave a parish vacant without prior permission from his competent diocesan bishop.
The date of dismissal of the parish priest is promptly submitted to the church municipality, or church-school municipality, for information.

Article 17
Before leaving the parish, the parish priest is obliged to hand over to his successor or to a priest designated by the competent diocesan bishop, in good condition, the registry and other church books, the archive, the parish register, as well as the church property he handled.

Article 18

The parish priest, in terms of his work, is under the direct supervision of his diocesan Bishop, who exercises this supervision personally or through diocesan authorities/bodies.
The parish priest is accountable exclusively to his diocesan Bishop and the Ecclesiastical Court of the Diocese of the Eastern American Orthodox Church and other authorities/bodies of the Orthodox Church, in accordance with the Constitution of the Orthodox Church.

Article 19

Complaints and lawsuits from parishioners and members of the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, against the parish priest are submitted in writing to the competent diocesan Bishop through the parish priest.
The parish priest is obliged to submit complaints and lawsuits filed against him, within 8 days of receipt, through the Bishop's Deputy or by mail, to the competent diocesan Bishop for inspection and consideration.
Complaints and lawsuits against parishioners or the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, shall be forwarded by the competent parish priest, in writing, to the competent diocesan Bishop for review and consideration within 8 days from the date of receipt.
Upon receipt of complaints and lawsuits under this article, the competent diocesan Hierarch shall decide on his own if it is within his jurisdiction under the Constitution of the Serbian Orthodox Church or shall submit them to the Ecclesiastical Court of the Diocese of Eastern America of the Serbian Orthodox Church for further proceedings.

Article 20

A parish priest may not perform rites in another parish without the permission of the competent parish priest.
In extraordinary circumstances, the competent diocesan Bishop may instruct a priest to perform the rite in another parish.

Article 21

A church municipality, i.e. a church-school municipality or a parishioner may not bring an unauthorized priest to perform the Holy Sacraments and sacred rites.
In the event of a violation of this provision, the competent diocesan Hierarch, together with the church authorities/bodies, will take appropriate measures prescribed by the Constitution of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

Article 22

According to the Constitution of the Serbian Orthodox Church, the Statute/General Act of the Diocese of Eastern America of the Serbian Orthodox Church, and these Regulations, the duties of a parish priest are as follows:

regularly serves the Holy Liturgy and the daily church canon, performs the sacraments and sacred rites for his parishioners in the church and parish according to the rules of the Sacred Canons of the Orthodox Church, the Constitution of the Serbian Orthodox Church and other regulations of the competent church authorities/bodies, and mentions the competent diocesan Hierarch at all services;
regularly preaches the word of God and teaches his parishioners in church and on every other suitable occasion;
serves as a good example to his parishioners in his personal and family life;
performs general prayers, thanksgivings and memorial services according to church regulations and orders of church authorities/bodies;
performs the procession and carrying of the cross with water blessing in places where and how it is customary, prayers at the beginning and end of the school year, cutting the slava cake about the temple glory and about Saint Sava, with water blessing;
announces to the people in the church the holidays that are being celebrated and explains their significance;
takes care of the religious and moral upbringing and education of Orthodox youth outside of school and conducts religious instruction in schools, if there is no permanent religious teacher;
He takes care of good order, pious and proper reading and singing during worship, and cleanliness and beauty in churches and makes arrangements in this regard, as well as the use, acquisition and good maintenance of vestments, church objects and liturgical books, especially the maintenance and care of cemeteries and other consecrated places and church antiquities;
He takes care of his church's library, the dissemination of religious and moral books among parishioners, and zealously suppresses the dissemination of writings whose content is contrary to the teachings of the Orthodox faith and morality;
visits his parishioners for pastoral instruction and directs them to Christian charities, and in agreement with the board of directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, takes care of organizing charitable services and establishing church-charitable institutions;
suppresses infidel and non-Orthodox propaganda and reports every attempt and occurrence of opposition to the faith to the hierarchal vicar, and in important cases to the competent diocesan hierarch; suppresses extramarital living, drunkenness, blasphemy, swearing and all other bad habits among the people;
reconciles quarreling spouses;
implements decisions and orders of its superior authorities/bodies in a timely manner;
accurately and regularly keeps the books of baptisms, pre-marital examinations, marriages and deaths, together with the anagraph (domovnik), as well as other official books and maintains them in good condition and order; issues extracts and certificates, either at the request of individuals or on official duty and, according to regulations, regularly sends annual reports and statistical data on the state of the parish to the Ecclesiastical Court of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church;
keeps the chronicle of his parish;
appoints and dismisses, in agreement with the management board of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, churchwardens and singers; directs, directs and supervises them in their service; in the event of a disagreement between the parish priest and the management board of the church municipality, or church-school municipality regarding the singer and churchwardens, the dispute is finally resolved by the competent diocesan Bishop; and
fully participates in the work of the Board of Directors and other organizations of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, and as a spiritual father gives them the necessary instructions for working in the spirit of the Holy Gospel.

Article 23

The responsibilities of the parish priest are as follows:

monthly salary and benefits, the minimum amount of which is determined by the Assembly of the Diocese of the Eastern American Orthodox Church. The minimum amount of salary and benefits, determined by the Assembly of the Diocese of the Eastern American Orthodox Church, is the same for all priests in the Diocese of the Eastern American Orthodox Church, regardless of the country in which they serve. The monthly salary is adjusted to the consumer price index (CPI) of the country in which the priest lives. The basis is the priest's salary for the previous year (including all previous increases).
a decently furnished apartment with the costs of heating, lighting, water and communal services or appropriate financial compensation for a rented apartment with the listed costs.
Federal Social Security , which is paid 50% each by the church municipality, i.e. the church-school municipality and the parish priest.
church pension fund for priests and religious officials, 2/3 of which is paid by the church municipality, or church-school municipality, and 1/3 by the parish priest.
health insurance for the parish priest, his wife if she is not employed or is employed without health insurance, and minor members of his family.
life insurance for the parish priest .
insurance of the parish priest against injuries at work ( workers compensation insurance).
official use of telephone, computer and internet or appropriate monetary compensation.
car allowance.
expenses for official travel outside the place of employment.
income from the performance of sacred sacraments and rituals in the parish church, the amount of which and its distribution with the parish priest are determined by the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality.
accessories during the annual leave. The costs of replacing a parish priest during the annual leave shall be borne by the church municipality, or the church-school municipality or the missionary parish. In the event that a parish priest does not use his annual leave and performs his parish duties during that time, he shall receive only his regular salary, except in special cases, with the blessing of the competent diocesan Bishop and in agreement with the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or the church-school municipality. Annual leave must be used in the current year, except in special cases with the blessing of the competent diocesan Bishop and in agreement with the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or the church-school municipality. The parish priest is obliged to promptly submit a written notification of his intention to use annual leave to the competent diocesan Bishop and the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality. The parish priest may not be absent from the parish without the permission of the competent diocesan Bishop.
The annual leave of parish priests and deacons is determined according to their years of active service in the Serbian or other Orthodox Church, including Sundays and holidays:

from one to five years of service - 14 days;
from five to fifteen years of service - 21 days;
from the sixteenth year of service onwards - 31 days.

Article 24
A parish or church municipality, or a church-school municipality, may not reduce the salary and benefits of a priest without the permission of the competent diocesan Hierarch and the Diocesan Council of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church.

Article 25

For the first six months of sick leave, the parish priest will receive all supplies from the parish or church municipality, or the church-school municipality.
The deputy to the parish priest during the period of illness is appointed by the competent diocesan bishop.
The deputy parish priest is paid by the church municipality, i.e. the church-school municipality or the parish, during his sick leave.

Article 26

In the event of the death of a parish priest, the church municipality, or church-school municipality, will pay his family his three-month allowance.
A church municipality, or a church-school municipality, cannot cancel an apartment for the family of a deceased priest for at least 3 months from the date of his death.

Article 27
All priests of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church must be members of the church pension fund for priests and religious ministers, in accordance with the provisions of that fund, and holders of life insurance.

Article 28

The amount of the fee for ceremonies performed by a parish priest in the parish church is determined, after consultation with the parish priest, by the Management Board of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, by its decision, according to the circumstances in the parish.
The portion of the fee for performed parish ceremonies that belongs to the parish priest will be regulated by the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, in agreement with its parish priest.

Article 29

A parish priest may, for personal reasons, be absent from the parish only with the permission of the competent diocesan bishop, provided that he finds a replacement, preferably from among the priests of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
The parish priest is obliged to promptly inform the Board of Directors of his church municipality, or church-school municipality, about his absence.

I V CHURCH MUNICIPALITY/CHURCH-SCHOOL MUNICIPALITY

Article 30

A church community, or church-school community, is made up of members of the Serbian Orthodox Church with a priest in a specific area that may include one or more places.
In the Diocese of Eastern America of the Serbian Orthodox Church, in addition to the existing ones, new church communities, or church-school communities, may be established.
When establishing a new church community, or church-school community, an application is submitted to the Diocesan Administrative Board of the Diocese of the Eastern American SOC, signed by at least 2/3 of the parishioners, who undertake to financially support and assist it; a statement of acceptance of the Constitution of the SOC, other valid acts of the Holy Council of Bishops of the SOC and the Holy Synod of Bishops of the SOC that relate to church communities, or church-school communities, the Statute/general act of the Diocese of the Eastern American SOC and these Regulations, and drafts of the founding act and statute/general act of the church community, or church-school community, which must be in accordance with the Constitution of the SOC, the Statute/general act of the Diocese of the Eastern American SOC and these Regulations.
The competent diocesan hierarch, upon receipt of the documents referred to in paragraph 3 of this article and examination of the possibility of establishing a church community, or a church-school community in one parish, shall make a decision in agreement with the Diocesan Administrative Board and the Church Court of the Diocese of the Eastern American SOC and shall inform the Holy Synod of Bishops of the SOC and the Patriarchal Administrative Board of the SOC thereof.
The competent diocesan Hierarch, after making a decision to establish a new church municipality, i.e. a church-school municipality, and receiving the acts of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church and the Patriarchal Administrative Board of the Serbian Orthodox Church, issues a charter of establishment.
A church community, or rather a church-school community, as well as a missionary parish of the Diocese of the Eastern American SOC, may acquire the status of a legal entity by incorporation (registration) with the competent state authority in accordance with state legislation, provided that the founding act, statute/general act and other acts are in accordance with the Sacred Canons of the Orthodox Church, the Constitution of the SOC, the Statute/general act of the Diocese of the Eastern American SOC and these Regulations.
The Diocesan Administrative Board of the Diocese of the Eastern American SOC, before submitting a request for incorporation (registration) of a church municipality, church-school municipality or missionary parish, shall issue a written decision on the fulfillment of the conditions for incorporation (registration) of the church municipality, church-school municipality or missionary parish, which at the same time signifies the written consent/approval of the Diocesan Administrative Board of the Diocese of the Eastern American SOC for incorporation (registration).

Article 31

A parishioner is a person who has been baptized and confirmed in the Orthodox Church and belongs to the parish and church community, or the church-school community in the territory where he or she resides.
A member of a church community, or church-school community, is a parishioner who fulfills religious obligations towards the Church and strives to live a Christian life, according to the teachings of the Orthodox Church, participates in the Holy Liturgy and other divine services; regularly receives communion, respects church authorities/bodies and church order, as witnessed by the parish priest, helps the Church materially and financially in its mission, and by personal example witnesses to others and professes the Orthodox faith.
A church community, or church-school community, is organized in a specific area, headed by a parish priest, and its members have voluntarily undertaken to assist in the management and maintenance of the property of the church community, or church-school community, in accordance with the Constitution of the Serbian Orthodox Church, the Statute/General Act of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church, and these Regulations, for the benefit of the Church and for their religious life. Parishioners, as members of the parish who timely and regularly fulfill the prescribed obligations to the church community, or church-school community, referred to in paragraph 2 of this Article, have the right to participate and vote at assemblies, as well as the right to be nominated and elected to the Board of Directors, the Supervisory Board, and as representatives of the regular or extraordinary Assembly of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church.
A parishioner and member of a church municipality, or church-school municipality, must be of legal age, and is obligated to regularly fulfill annual obligations to the church municipality, or church-school municipality.
A member of a church community, or church-school community, is obliged to fulfill all religious and moral obligations from paragraph 2 of this article, as well as financial or guardianship obligations towards the church community, or church-school community; he/she is governed according to the Constitution of the Serbian Orthodox Church, the Statute/General Act of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church and these Regulations, and cooperates with the parish priest and other parishioners and members of the church community, or church-school community, for the progress of the parish and the church community, or church-school community.
All church communities, or church-school communities in the Eastern American Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church, will implement a procedure and maintain a protocol so that the priest and the Board of Directors of the church community, or church-school community, can establish the status of parishioners in terms of the conditions established for the status of members of the church community, or church-school community.
Parishioners who are entered in the register books and other documents of the parish and church municipality, or church-school municipality, may be called members, guardians (stewards) or by a similar title.
In church communities, i.e. church-school communities and missionary parishes, there may also be rules and programs for stewards. A steward is a parishioner who has solemnly pledged to contribute to the spiritual and material-financial life of the church community, i.e. church-school community, with his work or funds in cooperation with the competent parish priest. The board of directors of the church community, i.e. church-school community, annually determines the guidelines for acquiring the status of steward. A steward who regularly fulfills his obligations under the adopted guidelines has the status of a member of the church community, i.e. church-school community, with the right to vote.
In the event that a church municipality, or a church-school municipality, has not been established in a parish, the conditions prescribed in paragraph 2 of this article shall apply to the parishioners.

Article 32

A person who is not recognized as a parishioner or member of a church municipality, or church-school municipality, as well as a person who has been excluded from membership, has the right to appeal.
The appeal shall be submitted to the Diocesan Administrative Board of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church through the Administrative Board of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, within 14 days, starting from the day the appellant received the decision of the Administrative Board of the church municipality, or church-school municipality.
The decision of the Diocesan Governing Board of the Diocese of Eastern America of the Serbian Orthodox Church is final and binding on both parties.
No one may be a member of multiple church communities, i.e. church-school communities or parishes, at the same time.

Article 33
Upon fulfillment of the conditions set forth in Article 31 of these Regulations, a new parishioner and member of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, shall acquire rights and obligations after 6 months.

Article 34
In the event that a parishioner moves from the area of one parish to another, his membership shall also be valid in the new parish, or new church municipality, or church-school municipality.

Article 35

The merger of two or more church communities, or church-school communities, in the Diocese of Eastern America of the Serbian Orthodox Church is permitted.
In the case referred to in paragraph 1 of this article, the governing boards of church municipalities, or church-school municipalities, are obliged to obtain prior written consent from the Diocesan Governing Board of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church.
The merger of two or more church municipalities, or church-school municipalities, must be approved by at least 2/3 of the total number of members present - parishioners with the right to vote present at the Assembly of the church municipality, or church-school municipality.
The session of the Assembly of a church municipality, or church-school municipality, for the purpose of making a decision on merging with another church municipality, or church-school municipality, shall be convened in writing by the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, at least 14 days prior to the session.
The decision of the Assembly of a church municipality, or church-school municipality, on merging with another church municipality, or church-school municipality, shall be submitted without delay to the Diocesan Council of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church for approval.
The Diocesan Council of the Diocese of the Eastern American Orthodox Church reports to the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church and the Patriarchal Administrative Board of the Orthodox Church on the merger of two or more church municipalities, or church-school municipalities.
In the event that a church municipality, or church-school municipality, is unable to support itself or must cease operations due to other objective reasons that prevent its regular functioning, the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, is obliged to convene an Assembly. The Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, is obliged to request and obtain written consent from the competent diocesan Bishop for holding the Assembly.
In the event that a church municipality, or church-school municipality, has already been dissolved and the Assembly cannot be convened, the competent diocesan Hierarch and the Diocesan Council are authorized to announce that the church municipality, or church-school municipality, has been dissolved.
The decision on the liquidation (termination of work) of a church municipality, or church-school municipality, is made by the Assembly of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, at a session attended by at least 2/3 of the members with the right to vote. The Assembly of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, is obliged to submit the decision on the liquidation (termination of work) of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, to the Diocesan Administrative Board and the Diocesan Council of the Diocese of the Eastern American SOC within 7 days from the date of its adoption. The decision on the liquidation of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, is enforceable after confirmation by the Diocesan Administrative Board of the Eastern American SOC Diocese, the Patriarchal Administrative Board of the SOC and the Holy Synod of Bishops of the SOC.
The property and rights of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, in the event of liquidation (cessation of operation) belong to the Diocese of Eastern America of the Serbian Orthodox Church and may be used exclusively for church needs.

V ASSEMBLY OF THE CHURCH MUNICIPALITY/CHURCH-SCHOOL MUNICIPALITY

Article 36

The decision on the agenda and venue of the Assembly of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, is made by the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality.
The invitation with the agenda is sent to the members of the Assembly of the church municipality, or church-school municipality at least 14 days before the Assembly session is held.
The competent parish priest shall announce the time and place of the Assembly in the church and, if there is one, on the official website of the parish in a timely manner, i.e. at least 14 days in advance.
The Presidency of the Assembly of a church municipality, or church-school municipality, must strictly adhere to the agenda, and the Presidency of the Assembly may include questions and proposals outside the agenda under the item: "Questions and proposals".

Article 37

Sessions of the Assembly of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, are opened and closed by the competent parish priest with a prayer.
The President of the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, opens the nomination for the election of the presidency of the Assembly: president, vice president and secretary.
The President, Vice-President and Secretary of the Assembly of a church municipality, or church-school municipality, are elected by a majority vote of the members of the Assembly present.

Article 38
The assembly of a church municipality, or church-school municipality, shall perform the following tasks:

elects the Presidency of the Assembly;
elects representatives for the Assembly of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church;
elects the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, the Nomination Committee for the following year, and other necessary committees.
decides, in accordance with the proposed budget, on the accessories and other benefits of priests and other staff of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, in accordance with the Constitution of the Serbian Orthodox Church, these Regulations and the decision of the Assembly of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church.
makes decisions on the construction and repair of a church, school, parish house and other buildings, the maintenance of church buildings and investments for the improvement of the property of the church municipality, i.e. the church-school municipality, and submits its decisions, along with plans, construction and financial estimates and other documents, to the Diocesan Administrative Board of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church for approval;
discusses other issues and proposals concerning the church municipality, or the church-school municipality;
adopts the Statute/general act and makes amendments and supplements to the Statute/general act of the incorporated (registered) church municipality, i.e. church-school municipality, which must be in accordance with the Constitution of the Serbian Orthodox Church, the Statute/general act of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church and these Regulations, and submits them to the Diocesan Administrative Board of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church for approval;
adopts regulations for the special needs of the church municipality and regulations of regional organizations and bodies of the church municipality, i.e. church-school municipality, and submits them to the Diocesan Administrative Board of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church for approval;
in the budget proposal, it provides financial and material resources for the implementation of the parish educational program, and the competent diocesan Bishop approves the parish educational program; and
adopts the annual financial report (final account) and the budget proposal of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, and submits them to the Diocesan Administrative Board of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church for approval.
decides on issues related to turnover (purchase, sale/alienation, exchange and lease), as well as on debts/encumbrances of the property of the church municipality, i.e. the church-school municipality, and forwards the decision to the Diocesan Administrative Board of the Diocese of the Eastern American SOC for final written approval by the Patriarchal Administrative Board in accordance with Article 101 of the SOC Constitution.

Article 39
In the event that important issues arise during the year that exceed the competence of the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, and the solution cannot be postponed until the next regular Assembly, the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, upon approval of the competent diocesan Bishop, has the right to convene an extraordinary Assembly that resolves only the issues for which it was convened.

Article 40

At the written request of 1/2 of the members of the church municipality, or church-school municipality who have the right to vote, or at the request of the diocesan authorities/bodies, the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality is obliged to convene an extraordinary Assembly.
3a Extraordinary Assembly, at which issues of alienation, purchase and borrowing of church property, or construction and expansion of new facilities are resolved, must obtain the approval of the competent diocesan Hierarch and the Diocesan Administrative Board of the Diocese of the Eastern American SOC and, finally, the written approval of the Patriarchal Administrative Board of the SOC.
The competent diocesan Bishop has the right to send his delegates to each assembly of the church municipality, or church-school municipality.

Article 41

The quorum at regular or extraordinary assemblies is the number of members with voting rights prescribed by the Statute/general act of the church municipality, or church-school municipality.
In the event that a quorum is not provided for the work and decision-making of the Assembly, the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, is obliged to convene a new session of the Assembly within 14 days.
Issues related to the purchase, alienation, exchange, lease or borrowing of property of a church municipality, or church-school municipality, may only be resolved if at least 2/3 of the members with the right to vote are present.
In the event that a quorum cannot be ensured, the competent diocesan Bishop may, as an exception, reduce the quorum for the next extraordinary Assembly.

Article 42

All decisions of regular or extraordinary assemblies are made by a simple majority of votes (50% + 1 vote) of the total number of members present with the right to vote, unless a higher number is prescribed by these Rules and the Statute/general act of the church municipality, or church-school municipality.
In the event of a tie, the vote of the competent parish priest shall be decisive.
Only members present with voting rights have the right to vote.

Article 43
The Chairman of the Assembly of a church municipality, or a church-school municipality, has the right to remove from the Assembly session any member who abuses his or her right, creates disorder and disrupts the Assembly in its work.

Article 44

In the event that the Assembly of a church municipality, or church-school municipality, exceeds its powers or prevents the execution of orders of diocesan authorities/bodies, the Diocesan Administrative Board of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church has the obligation to annul such decisions.
Until the new Assembly is held, the Diocesan Board of Directors of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church has the right to entrust the management of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, to the previous Board of Directors or to appoint a temporary Board of Directors.
The Diocesan Board of Directors of the Diocese of the Eastern American SOC will approve the convening of a new Assembly upon receipt of written assurance that the new Assembly will be held in accordance with the Statute/General Act of the Diocese of the Eastern American SOC, these Regulations, and the Statute/General Act of the church municipality, or church-school municipality.

V I CHURCH MUNICIPALITY/CHURCH-SCHOOL MUNICIPALITY MANAGEMENT BOARD Article 45

Membership in the Board of Directors of a church community, or church-school community, is honorable and primarily signifies service to the Serbian Orthodox Church. All members of the parish, and especially members of the Board of Directors, are called to testify worthily and in every place that they are disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Orthodox faith in all areas of life.
Candidates for members of the Board of Directors of a church community, or church-school community, must have the status of parishioners with the right to vote who strive to live a Christian life, regularly confess and receive communion in their parish church, and respect church order, the Sacred Canons of the Orthodox Church, the Constitution of the Serbian Orthodox Church, the Statute/General Act of the Diocese of Eastern America of the Serbian Orthodox Church, and other valid church acts.
The time spent as a member as a condition for election to the Board of Directors of a church municipality, or church-school municipality, is determined by the Statute/general act of the church municipality, or church-school municipality.
In the event that there are multiple candidates for one position on the Board of Directors of a church municipality, or church-school municipality, the election will be held by secret ballot.
Candidates for the Board of Directors of a church municipality, or church-school municipality, are nominated by the Nomination Commission, which is always elected at the previous regular Assembly. The competent parish priest, or the head of the parish church, is always a member of the Nomination Commission ex officio.
The members of the Nomination Commission are members of the church municipality, or church-school municipality with voting rights, and the competent parish priest, and it consists of at least 3 and at most 9 members.
The Nomination Committee must meet at least two weeks before the date of the regular Assembly of the church municipality, or church-school municipality.
A parishioner, or a member of a church municipality, or a church-school municipality with the right to vote, who wishes to be a member of the Board of Directors of a church municipality, or a church-school municipality, submits an application to the Nomination Commission, and the responsible parish priest, after the church service, announces the names of the members of the Nomination Commission so that potential candidates can contact them.
The nomination committee, at least two weeks before the regular Assembly of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, with the consent of the competent parish priest, shall publish to the members with the right a list of candidates for members of the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality.
No one may be nominated for more than one position on the Board of Directors of a church municipality, or a church-school municipality.
Parishioners and members of the church community, or church-school community with the right to vote who are interested in being candidates for members of the Board of Directors of the church community, or church-school community, or the President of the Assembly, are required to meet with the competent parish priest, who is obliged to familiarize them with the Constitution of the Serbian Orthodox Church, the Statute/General Act of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church, these Regulations, and the obligation to take the oath.
All candidates for members of the Board of Directors of a church municipality, or church-school municipality, are required, after completing the meeting with the competent parish priest, to sign a statement stating that they are familiar with the Constitution of the Serbian Orthodox Church, the Statute/General Act of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church, and these Regulations, which they will respect and apply, as well as that they will honor the oath taken.
Members of the Board of Directors of a church municipality, or church-school municipality, may not be related by blood up to the fourth degree inclusive, and by in-laws and baptism up to the second degree inclusive, nor spouses. An exception to this rule, upon written approval of the competent diocesan Bishop, may exist in parishes, missionary parishes and church municipalities, or church-school municipalities with a small number of parishioners.

Article 46

The competent parish priest is obliged, immediately after the election of the members of the Management Board and the Supervisory Board of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, to submit to the Diocesan Management Board of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church for approval a list of newly elected members of the Management Board and the Supervisory Board, the minutes of the Assembly, the annual financial report (final account) and the budget proposal for the following year.
The list of elected members of the Management Board and Supervisory Board of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, is signed by the competent parish priest, the chairman and the secretary of the Assembly.
The Board of Directors of a church municipality, or church-school municipality, shall not be dismissed from office until the new Board of Directors has been confirmed and its members have taken the oath.
A handover of minutes between the Board of Directors whose mandate has expired and the Board of Directors whose new mandate has been confirmed is mandatory.
The handover of the minutes is carried out in the presence of the competent parish priest, and the minutes are submitted to the Diocesan Administrative Board of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church.
Appeals against the election of members of the Board of Directors, the Supervisory Board, or individual members shall be submitted to the Diocesan Board of Directors of the Diocese of Eastern America of the Serbian Orthodox Church through the competent parish priest within 8 days from the date of election.
The Diocesan Board of Directors of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church has the right not to confirm the decision of the Assembly on the election of members of the Board of Directors and the Supervisory Board if it determines that the appeal is well-founded, and until a new decision is made, the duty will be performed by the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality whose mandate has expired.
The Diocesan Board of Directors of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church has the right to confirm newly elected members of the Board of Directors and the Supervisory Board of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, who it determines have been elected in accordance with applicable church regulations.
The Diocesan Board of Directors of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church has the right, until a final decision is made, to postpone the confirmation of the decision on the election of those members of the Board of Directors and the Supervisory Board of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, against whose election an appeal has been filed.
Newly elected and confirmed by the Diocesan Governing Board of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church, members of the Governing and Supervisory Board of the church community, or church-school community, take the prescribed oath in the parish church, before the competent parish priest and in the presence of the faithful, and after taking the oath, they assume the duties of members of the church authorities/bodies for which they have been elected.
A newly elected member of the Management Board and Supervisory Board of a church municipality, or church-school municipality, who refuses to take the oath before the competent parish priest, cannot accept the position of a member of the Management Board or Supervisory Board of a church municipality, or church-school municipality.
In the event that one or more positions on the Board of Directors of a church municipality, or church-school municipality, become vacant, the Diocesan Board of Directors of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church has the right to appoint new members, upon the proposal of the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality and the parish priest.
In the case referred to in paragraph 12 of this article, the Diocesan Administrative Board of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church has the right to request that vacant positions in the Administrative Board of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, be filled by the election of new candidates at an extraordinary Assembly of the church municipality, or church-school municipality.

Article 47

The Diocesan Board of Directors of the Diocese of the Eastern American SOC has the right, in the event that the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, does not perform its duties in accordance with the Sacred Canons of the Orthodox Church, the Constitution of the SOC, the Statute/General Act of the Diocese of the Eastern American SOC, these Regulations and other valid acts of the SOC, to make a decision to dismiss the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality.
The Diocesan Board of Directors of the Eastern American Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church has the right, after the dismissal of the Board of Directors, to appoint a temporary Commission of the church community, or church-school community.
The Temporary Commission exercises the powers of the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, in accordance with the Sacred Canons of the Orthodox Church, the Constitution of the Serbian Orthodox Church, the Statute/General Act of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church and these Regulations, and its mandate is not limited in time.
The Temporary Commission will exercise its powers until the election and confirmation of the new Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality.

Article 48

Sessions of the Board of Directors of a church municipality, or church-school municipality, are convened by the President of the Board of Directors at least once a month.
In the event that the Diocesan Board of Directors of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church or a majority of the board members request the convening of a session, the president of the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, is obliged to convene a session of the Board of Directors without delay.

Article 49

The Board of Directors of a church municipality, or church-school municipality, makes its decisions at a session attended by the majority of the members of the Board of Directors and with the mandatory participation of the parish priest and the president of the Board of Directors, otherwise they are invalid.
The President of the Board of Directors of a church municipality, or church-school municipality, may approve that a meeting of the Board of Directors be held in his absence, provided that he provides written consent to the agenda and holding of the meeting in his absence.
In the absence of the President of the Board of Directors of a church municipality, or church-school municipality, the meeting may be chaired by the Vice President of the Board of Directors upon written authorization from the President of the Board of Directors.
The board of directors of a church municipality, or church-school municipality, makes all decisions by a majority vote of the members present (50%+1 vote), and in the event of a tie, the chairman's vote is decisive.

Article 50
The Diocesan Board of Directors of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church has the right, at the request of the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, or ex officio, to exclude a member from the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, if he neglects his duty, does not justify his absence at three consecutive sessions, if he does not obey the decisions and orders of the competent church authorities/bodies or if he obstructs their execution.

Article 51
The Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality performs the following tasks:

announces the time and place of the annual or extraordinary Assembly;
keeps a list of parishioners with the right to vote at the Assembly;
represents the interests of the Serbian Orthodox Church on all occasions;
implements decisions of the Assembly of the church municipality, i.e. the church-school municipality, and decisions and orders of higher church authorities/bodies;
proposes to the Assembly the amount of salary and benefits for the parish priest that must be provided for in the budget of the church municipality, or church-school municipality;
appoints and dismisses the staff of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, and proposes to the Assembly the amount of their salaries to be provided for in the budget, and ensures that salaries are paid on time;
keeps and keeps an inventory of movable and immovable property in the archives of the church municipality, or church-school municipality;
proposes funds for the construction and repair of the church, school, parish house and other buildings; submits plans and construction estimates for their improvement to the Assembly for approval, and thereafter submits them to the Diocesan Administrative Board of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church for approval;
manages the property of the church municipality, i.e. the church-school municipality, taking care of the church service order, and in accordance with the Constitution of the Serbian Orthodox Church, meets all its needs;
prepares the agenda for the Assembly and takes care of all matters necessary for the holding of the Assembly;
compiles and proposes to the Assembly the annual financial report and budget proposal for adoption, and then submits them to the Diocesan Board of Directors of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church for final approval;
ensures that immovable church property is provided with evidence of ownership rights and is insured with appropriate insurance and policies in order to protect the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church and the church community, or church-school community, from potential lawsuits and legal proceedings;
implements the rules and standards prescribed by the Diocesan Council of the Diocese of the Eastern American SOC for parishes, church communities, i.e. church-school communities, missionary parishes, monasteries and other church institutions in the Diocese for the purpose of protection from all types of offenses and criminal acts of abuse of priestly and church service in general that are sanctioned by state legislation in the United States of America. The rules and standards, upon the proposal of the Diocesan Council of the Eastern American SOC, are finally adopted by the Holy Synod of Bishops of the SOC;
submits reports on its work to the Assembly;
ensures that the approved budget of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, is achieved;
takes care of the church library;
regularly monitors the condition, maintenance, order and cleanliness of church buildings;
duly settles the prescribed payments and other financial obligations to the Diocese of Eastern America of the Serbian Orthodox Church, in accordance with the decisions of the competent diocesan authorities/bodies.

Article 52
The Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, is obliged to strictly adhere to the Constitution of the Serbian Orthodox Church, the Statute/General Act of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church, these Regulations, the Statute/General Act of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, and all decisions of the competent diocesan authorities/bodies in its work and when making decisions.

Article 53

The board of directors of a church municipality, or church-school municipality, shall, as far as possible, consist of:
1. Parish priest;
2. President;
3. First Vice President;
4. Second Vice President;
5. Secretary;
6. Treasurer;
7. Accountant;
8. Tutors (one to three);
9. Members (from two to five).
The church municipality, or church-school municipality, is obliged to bear the costs of insurance for all members of the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, during the duration of their mandate (directors and officers insurance ). The church municipality, or church-school municipality, is obliged to provide special insurance for the treasurer and accountant of the Board of Directors ( fidelity bond ).
The mandate of the Board of Directors of a church municipality, or church-school municipality, may last for a minimum of one and a maximum of three years.

Article 54

The competent parish priest and the president of the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, are the legal representatives of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, before civil and church authorities/bodies.
The President of the Board of Directors of a church municipality, or church-school municipality, convenes meetings of the Board of Directors, opens and closes them, puts items for discussion, puts them to a vote, and announces the decisions of the Board of Directors.
The President of the Board of Directors of a church municipality, or church-school municipality, ensures that peace and order prevail at the session and that all members of the Board of Directors strictly adhere to the agenda.
The competent parish priest and the president of the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, are the legal guardians of the seal of the church municipality, or church-school municipality.

Article 55

When the President of the Board of Directors of a church municipality, or church-school municipality, is prevented from performing his duties, he is replaced by the first vice-president.
The President of the Board of Directors of a church municipality, or church-school municipality, is, by position, the representative of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, at the Diocesan Assembly.
In the event of absence, the President of the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, at the Diocesan Assembly is replaced by the First Vice-President.
When a representative or his/her deputy, the president or first vice-president of the Board of Directors of a church municipality, or church-school municipality, cannot attend the Diocesan Assembly, the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, may appoint deputies for them.

Article 56
The President and members of the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, as well as all members of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, are obliged to protect the dignity and honor of the competent parish priest and cannot demand anything from him that would diminish his reputation or violate his sacred service.

Article 57

The Secretary of the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, keeps minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality.
The Secretary of the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, handles the correspondence of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, which he or she signs together with the President of the Board of Directors.
The Secretary of the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, shall keep the business records of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, and shall keep the archives of the church municipality, or church-school municipality exclusively in the church office.

Article 58

The treasurer of the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, keeps a treasury journal of income and expenses, receives money from tutors and other persons and deposits it in the bank, pays out allowances to the competent parish priest and other staff, as well as the accounts of the church municipality, or church-school municipality.
The Treasurer of the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, regularly submits a financial report to the Board of Directors and the Assembly of the church municipality, or church-school municipality.
The Treasurer of the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, is responsible for the proper and timely payment of all disbursements to the Diocese of Eastern America of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

Article 59

The accountant of the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, shall keep a list of parishioners (members) of the church municipality, or church-school municipality with the right to vote, receive and register all their donations and contributions and all other income, issue receipts and hand over the collected money to the treasurer of the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality.
The treasurer and accountant of the Board of Directors of a church municipality, or church-school municipality, must be under a bond paid by the church municipality, or church-school municipality.

Article 60
Tutors are obliged to regularly attend all church services and church rituals, to receive money from candles, cups and other things, to hand over the money received to the accountant and to take care of other needs related to the temple and church rituals.

VII SUPERVISORY BOARD OF THE CHURCH MUNICIPALITY/CHURCH-SCHOOL MUNICIPALITY

Article 61

The Supervisory Board of a church municipality, or church-school municipality, consists of a president and two or more members. The members of the Supervisory Board are proposed by the Nomination Commission, and their election is carried out at the regular Assembly of the church municipality, or church-school municipality.
Candidates for members of the Supervisory Board of a church municipality, or church-school municipality, should have experience in professional financial operations, and if there are no such candidates, the church municipality, or church-school municipality, will hire a certified (licensed) accounting firm ( Certified Public Accountant ).

Article 62

The supervisory board of a church municipality, or church-school municipality, must meet once at the end of each year, before the regular annual Assembly of the church municipality, or church-school municipality.
The Supervisory Board of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, reviews the entire financial operations of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, and submits its report to the regular Assembly.

Article 63
The Supervisory Board of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, has the right to review the financial operations of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, more often during the year, if the need arises, or if so requested by the Diocesan Administrative Board of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church.

VIII MONASTERY

Article 64

A monastery is a sacred place with a church and other buildings as a residence for members of the monastic order, united in a spiritual community by solemn vows of abstinence, poverty and obedience and dedicated to prayer and work. A monastery serves specific spiritual and charitable purposes.
The Sacred Canons of the Orthodox Church, the Constitution of the Serbian Orthodox Church, the Regulation for the Internal and External Life of Serbian Orthodox Monasteries, and the Statute/General Act of the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of East America are directly applicable to all monasteries in the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of East America.
The monastery administration prepares an annual financial report and a budget proposal for the following year.
The monastery administration is obliged to submit the annual financial report and the proposed budget for the following year to the Diocesan Governing Board of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church for final approval without delay.

I X REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS OF THE DIOCESE

Article 6 5

Church regional organizations are organized in the Diocese of Eastern America of the Serbian Orthodox Church and in church municipalities, or church-school municipalities.
Diocesan regional organizations, such as the Federal Circle of Serbian Sisters, choral associations, folklore societies, sports and youth organizations, and others that carry out their mission, are under the control of diocesan authorities/bodies and under the charter of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church.
Each diocesan regional organization is obliged, with the blessing of the competent diocesan Hierarch and according to the decisions of the diocesan authorities/bodies, to assist the Diocese in its mission.
The rules of the diocesan regional organizations must be in accordance with the Constitution of the Serbian Orthodox Church and the Statute/General Act of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church, and they are approved by the Diocesan Administrative Board of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church.
Diocesan authorities/bodies supervise the work of regional diocesan organizations and give them the necessary orders and instructions, ensuring that each of these organizations acts in accordance with the teachings of the Church, the Constitution of the Serbian Orthodox Church, and the Statute/General Act of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church.
Every member of the diocesan regional organization must be a parishioner of the parish in which he or she permanently resides.

X REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS OF CHURCH MUNICIPALITIES/CHURCH-SCHOOL MUNICIPALITIES

Article 6 6

Regional organizations, such as the Serbian Sisters' Circle, choir, folklore ensembles, sports and youth organizations, pensioners' clubs, and others, may be formed within each church municipality, or church-school municipality, in order to achieve the necessary goals of the church municipality, or church-school municipality.
The regulations of the regional organizations of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, must be in accordance with the Constitution of the Serbian Orthodox Church, the Statute/general act of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church and these Regulations, and are adopted by the Assembly of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, and approved by the Diocesan Administrative Board of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church.
The parish priest and the Board of Directors of the church community, or church-school community, supervise the work of these regional organizations and give them the necessary orders and instructions, ensuring that each of these organizations acts in accordance with the teachings of the Orthodox Church, the Constitution of the Serbian Orthodox Church, the Statute/General Act of the Diocese of Eastern America of the Serbian Orthodox Church, and these Regulations.

XI FISCAL YEAR, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND BUDGETS

Article 6 7

The fiscal year for the treasury of a church municipality, or church-school municipality, is the calendar year unless the Diocesan Council of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church, with the approval of the Patriarchal Governing Board of the Serbian Orthodox Church, determines otherwise.
The Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, and all other church institutions and organizations in the church municipality, or church-school municipality, are obliged to submit annual financial reports to the regular Assembly, accurately recording all income and expenses for the previous year, as well as budget proposals for the upcoming year.
The Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, is obliged to submit all adopted annual financial reports and budget proposals for the following year without delay to the Diocesan Board of Directors of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church for final approval.
Members of church-hierarchical and church-administrative authorities/bodies receive reimbursement from their respective treasuries for travel expenses incurred during their work, according to the rules and decisions prescribed by their competent authorities/bodies.

XII CLAIMS AND APPEALS

Article 68

A period of 14 days from the date of delivery is set for filing admissible appeals against decisions and judgments of church authorities/bodies.
If the appeal is submitted directly or by registered mail within the specified deadline, it is considered to have been filed in a timely manner.
The appeal is submitted through the church authority/body that issued the first-instance decision or verdict.
Written complaints from individual members of a church municipality, or church-school municipality, against decisions of the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, must be submitted through the Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, and the competent parish priest.
The Board of Directors of the church municipality, or church-school municipality, is obliged, ex officio, to submit the appeal to the Diocesan Board of Directors of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church within 8 days from the date of receipt.

XIII OATH

Article 69

Each newly elected member of the Board of Directors of a church municipality, or church-school municipality, shall take an oath before the parish priest in the church before assuming his or her duties.
The text of the oath reads: "I (_________) swear by my honor before Almighty God that as an Orthodox Christian I will obey, respect and fulfill the Law of God, protect and defend the Sacred Canons of the Orthodox Church, the Constitution of the Serbian Orthodox Church, the Statute/General Act of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church and other decisions of the competent Hierarch and church bodies, that I will regularly and accurately perform my duties as a parishioner and member of the Church Community (or Church-School Community) in __________ and my parish church, keep official secrets and protect and represent the interests of the Serbian Orthodox Church. As I have done this, so may the Lord God judge and help me."

XIV TRANSITIONAL AND FINAL PROVISIONS

Article 70

This Regulation applies to every parish, missionary parish, church community, church-school community, and other church organizations in the Diocese of Eastern America of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
The founding acts, statutes/general acts, charters and other acts of parishes, church communities, church-school communities, monasteries and other church organizations in the Diocese of the Eastern American SOC must be in accordance with the Constitution of the SOC, the Statute/general act of the Diocese of the Eastern American SOC and these Regulations, and are finally approved by the Diocesan Administrative Board of the Diocese of the Eastern American SOC.

Article 71

This Regulation is written in English and Serbian.
The English text of these Rules shall be considered the official text in the territory of the United States of America.

Article 72

Amendments and supplements to these Regulations are made by the Diocesan Council of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church by a majority vote of the members present and submitted to the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church for approval.
Amendments and supplements to these Regulations shall enter into force after written and final approval by the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

Article 73

These Regulations were adopted by the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church by its decision No. 1141/decree 847 of November 20, 2025 and entered into force on the day of their adoption.
With the entry into force of these Regulations in the area of canonical jurisdiction of the Diocese of the Eastern American Serbian Orthodox Church, the Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the USA and Canada of 1982, with amendments and supplements of 1994 and 2006, cease to be valid.

St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church
506 Stahr Road; Elkins Park, PA 19027

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St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church
506 Stahr Road; Elkins Park, PA 19027

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