The canons do not set out how one church becomes autocephalus from its mother church. That has always been a problem. One must consider the greatest of all separations. The Russian Church named its own patriarch and separated from Constantinople forceably. The same to some extent was true for all the Bulkan Churches. The OCA was granted autonomy becuase of the control of the Russian Church by the Communists. It is autocephalus, but has not been recognized as such by the Other Orthodox Churches because it would be the sole real church in the USA and Canada. Some websites have suggested that the OCA at its convetion on July 22 name Metropolitan Philip as head of the OCA, a great idea. That would be one step toward a unified American Church. SCOBA has its place and does a good job for what it is, but can one image what the American church with its own patriarchate could do not only in this country but worldwide. That brings up a point I would like to raise with the two of you. Do you know anything about Project Mexico and St Innocent's Orphanage? I have been asked by the orphanage to contact anyone I can to help them raise money for their organization. I headed up the drive to get them their computer lab, what a rewarding experience. Could you both talk to you congregations about this most worthwhile endeavor. Thank you Ron
