Metr. Tikhon Presides at Liturgy for Feast of St. Herman

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Metr. Tikhon presided over the Divine Liturgy at St. Nicholas Cathedral on Aug. 9, commemorating the Feast of the Glorification of Venerable Herman of Alaska, Wonderworker of All America.

The service was concelebrated by Archpriest Alessandro Margheritino, Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) and dean of St. Nicholas Cathedral; Archpriest David Bozeman, OCA secretary and associate priest of the cathedral; and Archpriest Valery Shemchuk, associate priest. Deacon Igor Panyutin also served.

Following the Liturgy, Metr. Tikhon led a Moleben of Thanksgiving marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, following a directive from the OCA Holy Synod of Bishops. Before the service, he reflected on St. Herman’s life and the meaning of Christian thanksgiving.

Metr. Tikhon observed that St. Herman lived during the same period in which the United States was emerging, while cautioning against drawing a direct connection between the two histories. He emphasized instead the contrast between the visible construction of a nation and the quiet spiritual work embodied by St. Herman.

He encouraged the faithful to follow St. Herman’s example of humility and love while giving thanks to God.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the OCA urged clergy to register soon for the 2026 pastoral retreat.