In the past century, as Orthodox communities travelled into non-Orthodox lands, their priests came with them to serve them.  As more communities and more priests came into a new country, there arose the problem of overlapping jurisdictions: it has become commonplace for two parishes, geographically next to each other, to be under the care of two different Bishops.  This situation is uncanonical, contrary to all tradition and practice, and hinders the local Orthodox Churches in their mission of witness to the Living God who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

At the Fourth Pre-Conciliar Pan-Orthodox Conference held in Chambésy, Geneva, in June 2009, the Primates and representatives of Local Orthodox Churches agreed to resolve this uncanonical situation.  It was agreed that a number of Regional Assemblies should be set up, to co-ordinate the work and witness of the Orthodox Church in these places, and as a precusor to the establishment of fully-canonical local Orthodox Churches.

Between 26th and 28th May, the Regional Assembly in the USA met and established the structures necessary to begin work.

The Regional Assembly for the Region of Great Britain and Ireland will meet, in London, on 21st June 2010.