B Y-L A W S
Saint Gregory the Theologian Greek Orthodox Church
Mansfield, Massachusetts

Article I

Preamble

The Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Gregory the Theologian ("the church") is a parish of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and within the Greek Orthodox Diocese of Boston. The church is the center of worship and activities for the Greek Orthodox Parish of Route 95/495, who find the participatory, warm and accepting style of the parish congenial and supportive to spiritual and religious growth. The church's governing rules are THESE BYLAWS and the UNIFORM PARISH REGULATIONS ("the UPR") of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. In any instance not provided by THESE BYLAWS, or where THESE BYLAWS may conflict with the UPR, it is intended that the UPR shall govern - See UPR, CHAPTER II, PART ONE, ARTICLE I.

Article II

Name

The church is incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the name of the corporation is the "Greek Orthodox Parish of Route 95/495, Inc.," also known as "Saint Gregory the Theologian Greek Orthodox Church." Its principal and registered office is presently located at 1007 West Street, Mansfield, Massachusetts 02048 - See UPR, CHAPTER II, PART ONE, ARTICLE I.

Article III

Seal

The church shall have a Corporate Seal with the name of the corporation around the periphery and in the center the name of the parish as follows: DBA St. Gregory the Theologian 1993 Massachusetts. This Seal shall be kept in the office of the church - See UPR, CHAPTER II, PART ONE, ARTICLE I.

Article IV

Aims and Purpose (Mission Statement)

The mission of Saint Gregory the Theologian is, by emphasis on liturgical participation, to serve the religious and spiritual needs of Greek Orthodox Christians, converts, those of interchurch marriages, and the unchurched in the 95/495 area, especially, but not exclusively, those whose mother tongue is English - See UPR, CHAPTER II, PART ONE, ARTICLE II.

Article V

Stewardship

Section 1.
Any person eighteen (18) years of age or over, who qualifies under the description of "PARISHIONERS" in the Archdiocese UPR, CHAPTER II, PART ONE, ARTICLE V, is eligible and encouraged to become a member of the parish.

Section 2.
All financial obligations, as referenced in the UPR, shall be deemed to mean any financial support program instituted by the parish and from this time forward to be known as the "Stewardship Pledge Program." Parishioners of the parish who participate in the Stewardship Pledge Program shall be known as "Stewards.

Section 3.
To be considered a "Steward," parishioners fill out, sign and submit a "Stewardship Pledge Form," designating a dollar amount to be pledged to the church for the current calendar year. There is no minimum nor maximum dollar amount required in pledging. However, parishioners are encouraged to contribute to the church as generously as possible in order for the parish to meet the financial obligations.

Section 4.
A Stewardship may consist of a family or an individual. A family shall be deemed to mean a husband and/or wife, and any children under eighteen (18) years of age.

Section 5.
A family or individual shall be considered a "Steward in Good Standing" when a filled out and signed Stewardship Pledge Form has been submitted for the current year, the prior year's Stewardship commitment has been fulfilled, and is either a Baptized or Confirmed Orthodox Christian. The absence of any one (1) of the three (3) above criteria nullifies the parishioner's right to vote at General Assembly Meetings - See UPR, CHAPTER II, PART ONE, ARTICLE V, Section 8

Section 6.
A family or individual, transferring in from another parish, shall be accepted as a Steward in Good Standing when a filled out and signed Stewardship Pledge Form and a Certificate of Transfer, both of which shall be signed by the former Priest, have been received by the current Priest - See UPR, CHAPTER II, PART ONE, ARTICLE V, Section 8

Section 7.
A family or individual shall be considered a "New Member" if the criteria set forth in THESE BYLAWS, Article V, Stewardship, Sections 5 & 6, are not met. In the instances where this may occur, a New Member shall not be considered a Steward in Good Standing until ninety (90) days have transpired from the time a filled out and signed Stewardship Pledge Form for the current year has been received, and are a Baptized or Confirmed Orthodox Christian.

Section 8.
Any family or individual may participate in the worship and in the totality of all other activities provided by the parish. However, only Baptized or Confirmed Orthodox Christians are entitled to the Sacraments of the Church. And, the following shall also apply:

a. Only Stewards in Good Standing may vote at General Assembly Meetings.
b. Only Stewards in Good Standing may serve on any Committee of the parish that decides policy, either administrative or religious, or has any financial responsibility.
c. Any family or individual who wishes to use the church facility for religious or other activities, and has not submitted a Stewardship Pledge Form for the current year, will be asked by the parish Priest to contribute a "Fair Share Amount" to the church. (See UPR, CHAPTER II, PART ONE, ARTICLE V, Section 8).

Article VI

Parish Assembly

Section 1.
Twenty-five (25) Stewards in Good Standing shall comprise a quorum for the transacting of business at a General Assembly Meeting

Section 2.
Every Steward in Good Standing must vote in person. There shall be no balloting by mail and no voting by a proxy or by an absentee ballot - See UPR, CHAPTER II, PART ONE, ARTICLE VI."

Article VII

Parish Council

Section 1.
The Parish Council shall consist of the Priest and either eleven (11), nine (9), or seven (7) elected Stewards in Good Standing. The Priest shall not have a vote.

Section 2.
The term of election for a position on the Parish Council will be two (2) years. Six (6) and five (5) Stewards in Good Standing will be elected on alternating years."

Section 3.
Any vacancy to the Parish Council shall be filled by the next highest vote recipient from the previous Parish Council election. In the event that it is not possible to fill a vacancy, a Steward in Good Standing will be selected by a majority vote of the current Parish Council.

Section 4.
Situations which are not covered by THESE BYLAWS shall be referred to the Parish Council for resolution.

Section 5.
It shall be the general duty of the Parish Council to regulate and supervise compliance with the UPR and THESE BYLAWS - See UPR, CHAPTER II, PART ONE, ARTICLE VII.

Article VIII

Election of the Parish Council

Section 1.
Any Steward in Good Standing of the parish who desires to serve on the Parish Council shall declare candidacy by submitting in writing their name to the Board of Elections.

Section 2.
All parishioners must be notified by mail with the names of the candidates running for the Parish Council a minimum of fifteen (15) days prior to the election. The names of the candidates must also be posted in a prominent place within the church.

Section 3.
All voting shall be by a secret ballot. No names will be accepted on a ballot other than those candidates who have qualified under THESE BYLAWS. No titles will be used in conjunction with a candidate's name on a ballot - See UPR, CHAPTER II, PART ONE, ARTICLE VIII.

Article IX

Meetings of the Parish Council

- See UPR, CHAPTER II, PART ONE, ARICLE XI."

Article X

Officers and their Duties

Section 1.
No officer shall serve more than two (2) consecutive terms in the same office. The duties of the Parish Council will begin after each council member has taken the oath of office as prescribed in the UPR, CHAPTER II, PART ONE, ARTICLE IX, Section 3, but not before the first day of the new fiscal year. Without written ratification of the election by the Archdiocese and the taking of the oath of office, the newly elected Parish Council cannot assume their duties of office. Any council member who refuses to take the oath of office will be replaced - See UPR, CHAPTER II, PART ONE, ARTICLE IX, Section 4.

Powers and Duties of the President

The powers and duties of the Parish Council President shall be as follows:
1. To call all meetings of the Parish Council and of Parish Assemblies after the consultation with the Parish Council and Priest.
2. To call all meetings of the Parish Council to proper order by requesting the Priest to open the meeting with prayer.
3. To present the agenda at all meetings.
4. To lead and oversee the proper conduct of the transacting of business during all meetings.
5. To sign all minutes of meetings, all correspondence emulating from the Parish Council, all documents of concern to the corporation, and all checks.
6. To supervise the operations of the office personnel along with the Priest.
7. To supervise the condition of the Treasury.

Powers and Duties of the Vice President

The Vice President shall possess all the powers and duties of the President as specified in Article X of THESE BYLAWS whenever the Vice President acts on behalf of the President.

Powers and Duties of the Secretary and Assistant Secretary

Section 1.
The powers and duties of the Secretary and Assistant Secretary shall be as follows:
1. To have access at all times to the Corporate Seal of the parish.
2. To attend all meetings of the Parish Council and of Parish Assemblies in order to record the minutes of the meetings.
3. To keep the official correspondence and records of the parish.
4. To co-sign along with the President all minutes of meetings, all correspondence emulating from the Parish Council, all documents of concern to the corporation, and all checks.
5. To turn all parish records of minutes, correspondence, and documentation over to the successor to the Office of Secretary in good order at the conclusion of the Secretary's term of office. And by receipt, a copy of which shall be forwarded to the Archdiocese.
6. The Assistant Secretary, under the direction of the Secretary, shall help in the performance of the above duties.

Section 2.
If necessary, a salaried clerical secretary may be hired by the Parish Council. The salaried clerical secretary shall not have a vote or a voice in the meetings of the Parish Council or Parish Assemblies."

Powers and Duties of the Treasurer and the Assistant Treasurer

Section 1.
The powers and duties of the Treasurer and the Assistant Treasurer shall be as follows:
1. To collect all parish funds and to deposit those funds in the name of the parish in a timely fashion.
2. To keep a separate record for the parish: one (1) record concerning the "Revenue" and one (1) record concerning the "Expenses."
3. To sign checks.
4. To turn all financial records in regards to the Treasury over to the successor of the Office of the Treasurer in good order and with proper receipt at the conclusion of the Treasurer's term of office.
5. The Assistant Treasurer, under the direction of the Treasurer, shall help in the performance of the above duties.

Section 2.
The financial institution for which all parish funds will be deposited in a timely fashion shall be selected by the Parish Council.

Article XI

Financial

Section 1.

The primary method of raising revenue for the church shall be through the Stewardship Pledge Program - See Article V, Section 3 of THESE BYLAWS. The Stewardship Pledge Program shall be administered by the Parish Council and the Priest, or by an appointed committee authorized by the Parish Council and the Priest.

Section 2.
The Parish Council shall have the authority to invest available surplus funds in an insured account not longer than one (1) year, or unless otherwise authorized by the Parish Assembly.

Section 3.
The transferring of any designated funds can only occur with the approval of the Parish Assembly.

Section 4.
The raising of revenues for the church other than the primary method defined in THESE BYLAWS, Article XI, Section 1 shall be authorized and approved by the Parish Council and/or the Parish Assembly.

Section 5.
Permanent files labeled by year shall be maintained for all receipts, disbursements, and supporting documents.

Section 6.
A minimum of two (2) financial reports shall be issued during each year by the Treasurer for the Parish Assembly: one (1) report as of 30 June and one (1) report as a year-end statement. Both reports shall be audited by the elected Board of Auditors - See THESE BYLAWS, Article XII.

Section 7.
A Finance Committee shall be appointed by the Parish Council to review and to recommend changes as required concerning the financial matters of the church.

Section 8.
Authorization for all financial accounts of the church will be at the discretion of the Parish Council with the requirement that two (2) signatures be obtained for all transactions. Authorized signatures shall be those of the President and the Treasurer, and, in their absence, two (2) other appointed Parish Council members.

Section 9.
No Parish Council member may serve as Treasurer for more than two (2) consecutive years.

Section 10.
The Parish Council may buy, sell, or mortgage property of the parish only after obtaining the following: two-thirds (2/3) approval from the Stewards in Good Standing present at a Parish Assembly and written permission from the Archdiocesan Council. The Parish Council shall handle all financial matters of the parish in accordance with THESE BYLAWS. The Parish Council has authorization to assume obligations beyond those specified within the budget to the extent of two thousand-five hundred ($2,500.00) dollars for each occasion. For larger amounts, the Parish Council must obtain the approval of the Parish Assembly.

Section 11.
All collections of the church shall be gathered, counted, and reported in a timely fashion to the Treasurer, or to the Treasurer's appointed designee, by a team of volunteers assigned by the Parish Council. All instructions and reporting forms will be issued by the Treasurer.

Section 12.
The Treasurer and all other authorized signatures shall be bonded. The amount of the bond shall be determined by the Parish Council.

Article XII

Board of Auditors

Section 1.
The Board of Auditors shall be comprised of three (3) Stewards in Good Standing elected by the Parish Assembly.

Section 2.
The Board of Auditors shall perform at minimum a yearly audit of all financial records of the parish, including any affiliated organizations of the parish that pertain.

Section 3.
The Parish Council may request additional audits - See UPR, CHAPTER II, PART ONE, ARTICLE XIV.

Article XIII

Board of Elections

The Board of Elections shall supervise the election process to the Parish Council - See UPR, CHAPTER II, PART ONE, ARTICLE XIII.

Article XIV

Standing and Special Committees

The President, with the advice and approval of the Parish Council and the Priest, shall appoint Standing and Special Committees such as the following: Education, Finance, Membership/Stewardship, Real Estate, Welcome/Hospitality, Youth. As the above list is not meant to be exhaustive, other Standing and Special Committees shall be appointed as deemed necessary to meet the spiritual and cultural needs of the parish - See UPR, CHAPTER II, PART ONE, ARTICLE XVI.

Article XV

Revision and Interpretation of Parish Bylaws

Section 1.
THESE BYLAWS may be altered or amended to by a two-thirds (2/3) approval from the Stewards in Good Standing present at a Parish Assembly. Prior to this two-thirds (2/3) approval, the entire Stewardship of the parish must be notified of any proposed alterations and/or amendments of THESE BYLAWS in writing at minimum thirty (30) days before the Parish Assembly.

Section 2.
The notification as defined in THESE BYLAWS, Article XV, Section 1 must specify in writing the consideration of all alterations and/or amendments to be presented for approval, and a copy of the complete BYLAWS conveying the alterations and/or amendments be enclosed.

Section 3.
All matters not dealt with in THESE BYLAWS shall be ruled upon, provided that there is no conflict with the Uniform Parish Regulations of the Archdiocese, at the following: regular or special Parish Assemblies and regular or special Parish Council Meetings - See UPR, CHAPTER II, PART THREE, ARTICLE I.

Article XVI

Parliamentary Rules

All meetings of the Parish Council and of the Parish Assembly, unless THESE BYLAWS specify other procedures for the conducting of the business of meetings, shall be conducted according to the "Robert's Rules of Order.