His Grace Basil (Essey) (SVS '73), has been named secretary to the Episcopal Assembly of North and Central America. His Grace is the Bishop of Wichita and the Diocese of Mid-America in the Self-Ruled Antiochian Christian Archdiocese of North and South America. The SVS Board of Trustees bestowed the degree Doctor of Divinity honoris causa on His Grace at our May 2010 commencement ceremonies.
Founded in 2010, the assembly consists of all the active Orthodox bishops of North and Central America, representing multiple jurisdictions. It is the successor to SCOBA and has assumed responsibility for all SCOBA agencies and ministries. The primary purpose of the Assembly is to prepare the Orthodox of the region for an upcoming "Great and Holy Council" which will include all Orthodox bishops throughout the world. The secondary purpose of the Assembly is to provide a forum for the formation of a common pastoral vision in the region, examining various matters of common concern. Read a full interview about Bishop Basil's views on the Episcopal Assembly here.
