St. Tikhon’s Pilgrimage Honors Faith, Sacrifice, and Legacy
CREDIT: Alexander Hubiak and Andrew Bohush
SOUTH CANAAN, PA—From May 23–26, 2025, St. Tikhon’s Monastery welcomed hundreds of pilgrims for its 121st annual Memorial Day Pilgrimage, presided over by His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon. The gathering commemorated the enduring legacy of Orthodox faith in North America and marked the 100th anniversary of the repose of St. Tikhon of Moscow.
The pilgrimage opened with the arrival of the miraculous Hawaiian Iveron Icon and a molieben on Friday evening. On Saturday, Metropolitan Tikhon celebrated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy alongside Archbishop Michael of New York. Seminarian John Jovel was ordained to the diaconate, while clergy received honors, including the elevation of Fr. Ignatius Gauvain to archpriest.
Sunday continued with another Hierarchical Liturgy and the ordination of Tikhon Krueger. A concert later that day honored St. Tikhon, and Anna Arnold was recognized for completing the monastery’s music residency.
Memorial Day itself featured a final Hierarchical Liturgy with Bishop Matthew of Sourozh—Interim Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA. Metropolitan Tikhon delivered a homily emphasizing the inseparable unity of the Cross and Resurrection: “The joy of Pascha can never be separated from the reality of the Cross,” he said.
To read Met. Tikhon's full homily, click here.
In honor of the St. Tikhon's legacy and the centenary of his repose, Metropolitan Tikhon wore refurbished vestments once belonging to St. Tikhon himself. Antiphonal choirs enriched the services, and pilgrims concluded the weekend with a healing service before the Hawaiian Icon, and evening prayers, united in faith and remembrance.
Read also
Relics of St. Tikhon Venerated by 620,000 in Russia and Belarus During Centennial Pilgrimage
Shrine traveled nearly 35,000 miles through 100 cities in major spiritual event marking 100 years since St. Tikhon’s repose, uniting Orthodox faithful across the Russian world.
Antiochian Village to Host St. Raphael Pilgrimage Weekend Oct. 31–Nov. 1
All Antiochian Orthodox faithful are invited to a weekend of prayer and fellowship honoring St. Raphael of Brooklyn, with services, relic veneration, and a Saturday brunch.
African Bishops Declare Hostile Takeover of Anglican Communion
GAFCON represents about 50% of the Anglican Communion. Over 95% of GAFCON's membership is located in Africa.
Abp. Elpidophoros Installed as Head of National Council of Churches
Abp. Elpidophoros was officially installed as the new chairman of the NCC during a solemn ceremony in the Holy Cross Chapel, attended by ecumenical leaders, clergy, and representatives from member denominations.
New Abp. of Sinai Arrives in Jerusalem for Consecration
Patriarchate of Jerusalem prepares for historic ceremony marking new chapter for St. Catherine's Monastery.
OSI Warns of potential crisis in American Orthodoxy in 2040
In a recent appearance on the “Orthodox Engagement” Podcast, Matthew Namee and Dcn. Seraphim Rohlin of the Orthodox Studies Institute (OSI) reveal what the latest data shows about the convert surge in America — it's not all good news.