Metr. Tikhon Presides at Canadian Archdiocesan Assembly

CALGARY, ALBERTA — Metr. Tikhon presided over the 2026 Assembly of the Archdiocese of Canada July 15-17, bringing clergy, monastics, and faithful together in Calgary for worship, fellowship, and discussions about the future of Orthodox life in Canada.

The primate of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) opened the gathering by celebrating Vespers and delivering an address centered on the Assembly's theme, "From generation to generation." Reflecting on the legacy of St. Vladimir, he encouraged participants to remain faithful in passing on the Orthodox faith, saying, "It is not the confidence of a people that are untested but rather the resolve of a people who have known loss, and who choose, still, to hand on what they have received." Throughout the Assembly, delegates discussed pastoral priorities, including a proposed clergy pension plan, stewardship initiatives, and nominations for the Archdiocesan and Metropolitan councils.

At the Assembly banquet, Metr. Tikhon reflected on the significance of sharing a common meal in the Church's life, reminding those gathered that "God feeds His people first, and only afterward asks them to tell the story of having been fed." During the evening, the Canadian Bible Society presented Metr. Tikhon and Abp. Irénée with copies of a newly translated Gospel of John in the Blackfoot language.

The Assembly concluded with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at Holy Martyr Peter the Aleut Church, where Metr. Tikhon awarded ecclesiastical honors to Igumen Vladimir Lysak and Fr. Aleksey Isakov. In his homily, he urged the faithful to unite truth with charity, quoting St. Paul: "Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies." Following the service, Abp. Irénée thanked the Metropolitan for his leadership, while Metr. Tikhon expressed gratitude for the hospitality of the Archdiocese and praised the continued growth of Orthodoxy in Canada before the Assembly concluded with a closing brunch and Moleben.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Metr. Tikhon led the 50th anniversary celebration in Cincinnati.