Abp. Stefan Welcomes St. Tikhon’s Pilgrims to Historic Macedonian Monastery

Photo: oca.org

GORNO NEREZI, MACEDONIA — A group of Orthodox clergy and pilgrims from the United States was warmly received by Abp. Stefan during a visit to the historic Monastery of St. Panteleimon in Gorno Nerezi on June 10, as part of a pilgrimage marking the 70th anniversary of the repose of St. Nikolai Velimirovich.

Leading the delegation was Abp. Michael of New York, rector of St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary. He was joined by seminary leaders, clergy, and more than two dozen pilgrims traveling through sites associated with the life and legacy of St. Nikolai. The visit took place at the 12th-century monastery overlooking Skopje, one of the region’s best-known Orthodox landmarks.

During the gathering, Abp. Stefan reflected on the history of the Macedonian Orthodox Church and the early Christian roots of the region. The hierarchs discussed seminary education, clergy formation, and the challenges and opportunities facing Orthodox communities today. Abp. Michael conveyed greetings from Metr. Tikhon of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) and expressed hope for continued cooperation between the churches.

Abp. Stefan also recalled his previous concelebration with Metr. Tikhon in Washington, emphasizing the importance of strengthening relationships through shared worship and personal encounters. Gifts were exchanged, hospitality was offered to the visitors, and the meeting concluded with a group photograph inside the monastery church. At Abp. Stefan’s request, prayers of “Many Years” were offered for Metr. Tikhon.

The pilgrimage, organized by St. Tikhon’s Seminary, runs from June 2–13 and traces the ministry of St. Nikolai, who spent his final years serving at the seminary in Pennsylvania.

Previously, the UOJ reported that OCA Abp. Michael concelebrated with Patr. Porfirije before the Belt of the Theotokos.

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