An Orthodox Church in America?

I spoke with a long-time friend last night about the meeting that is going to take place soon in Cyprus. It is a meeting of Orthodox hierarchs, called by the Patriarch of Constantinople, to discuss the administration of the churches in the "diaspora." Apparently, none of the hierarchs who are dwelling in the USA at present are going to be in attendance. Among other things, this means that a decision may very well be made about our future by a group of men who do not know us, without any input from us.

Now, I'll be the first to concede that the paragraph above is about 100% of what I know about what's going on at the present time. In other words, quoting the immortal Sgt. Schultz, "I know nothing!" There's plenty enough to do here at the parish level; and there seems to be little point to expending much time or energy about something over which I have no influence or control. Oh, and before someone else mentions it, with regard to the topic: The OCA may be in America, but it is not the Church "of" America, despite what the name says. No disrespect of the OCA, by the way, is intended in my comment here. For a number of reasons, not the least of which is the person (and personality) of Met. JONAH, the OCA will be a "player" at some point in what happens here, should the meeting in Cyprus actually set anything in motion.

So what do you think? Is there anything to be afraid of? Anything to prepare for? Is the prospect of coming under the direction and authority of the Ecumenical Patriarch a good thing, or a bad thing – and why?