Metr. Tikhon Presides at 9/11 Memorial Panikhida
The OCA primate commemorated nearly 3,000 people killed in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, including many Orthodox Christians.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Friday, Metr. Tikhon of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) presided at a Panikhida at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Washington, D.C., marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
He was joined by OCA Chancellor Archpriest Alessandro Margheritino, OCA Secretary Archpriest David Bozeman, Interim Dean of the Washington Deanery Archpriest Gregory Safchuk, Archpriest Ted Boback, and Priest John Stiff.
During the memorial service, the clergy read the names of nearly 3,000 people who died in the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon and aboard Flight 93.
Following the service, Metr. Tikhon addressed those gathered and read his statement commemorating the 25th anniversary. He emphasized the significance of Christian remembrance, saying that through prayer the Church brings the departed before God and entrusts them to His mercy.
“Throughout our nation and throughout the world, the names of those who perished have been solemnly read in public gatherings,” Metr. Tikhon said. “This evening, we also have lifted up those more than 3,000 names, including many Orthodox Christians, in the memorial service that we have just offered.”
He added that in the Church, remembrance “is more than recalling the past,” as the faithful pray that those who have fallen asleep “be forever known and remembered by Him.”
Previously, the UOJ reported that Metr. Sevastianos of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta had issued a statement on the 25th anniversary of 9/11.