Interesting reporting - a few comments on either issues I think fair reporting should have picked up on.

1) There is no question raised concerning the interpretation of "existing rules" giving Constantinople juristiction over the whole diaspora. Does that mean that the modern expression of "disapora" is the same thing envisioned in Canon 28? 

2) There is no reference to the fact that this historic decision concerning the diaspora included no bishops from the diaspora. Is it a good thing to exclude from decision-making the very people who will be most affected by any decision?

3) This decision is reforted as referring to migrant communities - what about communities of North American Orthodox who are not immigrants from Orthodox nations/jurisdictions? All in all - a dissappointing decision that bodes ill for a united North American Church.

I for one am happy to hear of such dramatic assessments taking place. I have recently discovered a new way of thinking about the vast array of Cultural Orthodoxia. We in America can not seperate a distinction of Orthodoxy from Ethnicity while we have no Orthodox culture other than what has been grandfathered to us by Culturally Orthodox people. But maybe after we have a lineage of American-born Orthodox Saints we will better understand these so called seperations made by jurisdictional distinctions. Only let us accept and embrace each other as One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church from different parts of the world. If we are in need of a turning point for the O.C.A. anyway, with a new bishop -Jonah- then let it be done with God's blessing and conclude under one church body. As for Fr. Raphael's #2) comment - Father, I believe this was done in an upholding to the previous rules about how the meeting should have been conducted, so as not to change things with out proper diologue among those who were among the original number of Bishops. I am excited to find out what happens to those churches who are considered currently "non-canonical" that could be affected by the December decisions regarding mutual recognition - re: Le' OCF

If memory serves me well, there was a meeting in Ligionier, PA(1994) of SCOBA to address juridictions, recognition, diaspora, and etc. Ligonier was a pioneering test for the hierarchs to work together in unity for the love of God and his flock. I believe most hierarchs sign the agreed upon documents..except for the late Archbishop Iakovos due to Patriarch Bartholomew. IMHO, I believe Constantinople see's itself resurrecting the Byzantine Empire only now there is no Emperor except..hint hint.