His Holiness Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, has congratulated His Beatitude Tikhon, Metropolitan of All America and Canada, on the 15th anniversary of his episcopal consecration.
His Beatitude Tikhon
Archbishop of Washington
Metropolitan of All America and Canada
Your Beatitude,
Beloved in the Lord Brother and Concelebrant at God’s altar:
I cordially congratulate you upon the 15th anniversary of your episcopal consecration.
Many years ago you were elevated to the high episcopal dignity. Years later, the Most Wise Creator called you to serve as Primate of the American land, which you seek to do in the spirit of meekness and sincere love, admonishing the God-saved flock entrusted to your care to live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world (cf. Tit. 2:12).
From my heart I wish you good health and peace, generous help from the Lord and success in your further Primatial task. Wishing you many years of life.
With brotherly love in Christ,
+ Kirill
Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia
***
The Episcopal Consecration of His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon, took place at the Monastery Church of Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk, South Canaan, PA 15 years ago, on February 14, 2004. He had been elected to the episcopacy by the members of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America at their Fall Session in October 2003.
After his consecration to the episcopacy, he served as Auxiliary to the Metropolitan. He was nominated to fill the vacant See of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania at a special diocesan assembly on May 25, 2005. Two days later, he was elected to that ministry by the members of the Holy Synod of Bishops. He was installed as ruling hierarch of the diocese at Saint Stephen Cathedral, Philadelphia, PA on October 29, 2005. He served as Bishop and later Archbishop of the diocese until his election as Primate of the Orthodox Church in America at the 17th All-American Council, held in Parma, OH on November 13, 2012.
