† Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Sobor, Vancouver

President’s Report for the Annual General Meeting of the Russian Orthodox Society of the City of Vancouver, Sunday February 23.2003

Father Michael, Reverend Fathers, Church Council, All Parishioners, and honored guests. I welcome everyone to this Annual General Meeting of the Russian Orthodox Society of the City of Vancouver at the Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church.
To-day, you will hear reports from committee members, approve the budget and elect a new council for the coming year. The audit committee, George Vishniakoff, Nelica Volrich and Gloria Prystupa, examined the Church books and records and found them to be explicit and correct. We are thankful to our Treasurer, Olga Fetissoff who continues perform her responsibilities so efficiently. You will notice we operated within our budget even though our revenues were down for the year. Also for the second year now we have been able to put another $10,000 into our reserves. A real tremendous thank-you to the Sisterhood who through their hours of hard work and good planning have contributed the most money in many years: $14139. Thank you Isabella Tchnichena and all the parishioners who contributed to their success. Isabella has resigned as President of the Sisterhood so please at today’s meeting we ask that one of you, woman or man please take on the responsibilities. A special note of thanks to Svetlana Zhuk who stepped in to carry on as sisterhood treasurer when the incumbent the Treasurer resigned.
At our AGM in March of 2002, we approved increasing the annual fee for membership for the year 2003 to $120.00 per annum to be paid on a $10.00 per month basis by those who cannot pay in one lump sum. This motion was approved. However since the membership was not notified officially about the increase we recommend that the incoming council notify the membership that membership for 2004 will be increased to $120.00 per annum.
During my two years as President, I have had many highs and lows and some decisions during my term, some parishioners may have not agreed with but, let me assure you that your council took our responsibilities most seriously and felt our decisions in the best interest of our Church. We worked well together and each member contributed to the best of their ability. I wish those who are on the ballot for 2003 success in the election.
Our constitution states that we should have two meetings per year i.e. February and August. This would definitely improve communications and would enable more members to participate in some of the decisions that have a great impact on our church, like the Father Michael’s salary, the choir master, introducing new members. Its our Church and if we want to see it continue to prosper and grow than maybe our more than 80 members should have more of a say on some of these and other issues. Our financial statement should be posted monthly or quarterly so parishioners see how we are doing. I’m for any such communications that wilt help bring peace and harmony to our parish.
Before I return my keys I will ensure that the Charity Forms and GST rebate forms are submitted for the year 2002 and as promised set up files subject files.
I thank you for your attention and your help throughout the year and next years council good luck.
Yours in Christ
Sophia Weremchuk