Metropolitan Tikhon makes Pastoral Visit to the Diocese of Mexico
On January 10, 2024, His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon traveled to Mexico City for a primatial visit to the Diocese of Mexico. Over many years, it has become customary for His Beatitude to travel to Mexico on the weekend following the feast of the Theophany of our Lord.
Upon his arrival at the Benito Juarez International Airport, His Beatitude was welcomed by His Eminence Archbishop Alejo and numerous clergy and faithful of the Diocese of Mexico.
Also present during His Beatitude’s visit to the Diocese was His Eminence Archbishop Benjamin, who traveled to Mexico on the same day. His Eminence has been a fervent supporter of the Diocese for many years.
Traveling with His Beatitude was Archpriest Alessandro Margheritino, Acting Chancellor and Secretary of the Orthodox Church in America. Also present were Archpriest John Parker, Dean of St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, and Priest David Wooten, rector of St. Anthony the Great Orthodox Church in San Antonio, TX. Both Fr. John and Fr. David are well known to the Diocese of Mexico, having traveled there many times and supported the Diocese in many ways.
On Saturday, Metropolitan Tikhon, the rest of the delegation, and diocesan clergy and laity from across the Diocese traveled to the Monasterio Orthodoxo San Antonio El Grande for the Diocesan Assembly. The monastery is part of the Antiochian Metropolis of Mexico and was graciously made available to the Diocese for the event.
His Beatitude opened the Assembly with prayer and, at the invitation of Archbishop Alejo, offered a talk on the conciliar life of the Church. His Eminence Alejo then offered his address to the assembly, which was then followed by various reports from the diocesan officers, heads of departments, and parish reports. Following the meeting, the Assembly was concluded with Great Vespers.
On Sunday, His Beatitude presided at the Hierarchical Liturgy at Holy Ascension Cathedral in Mexico City. Concelebrating with Metropolitan Tikhon were His Eminence Iakovos, Metropolitan of Mexico and Exarch of Central America and the Caribbean Islands (Ecumenical Patriarchate), His Eminence Metropolitan Ignatius, Archbishop of Mexico, Venezuela, Central America and the Islands of the Caribbean Sea (Patriarchate of Antioch), Archbishop Alejo, Archbishop Benjamin, His Grace Isichios, Bishop of Markiani and Auxiliary Bishop of Mexico (Ecumenical Patriarchate), Fr. Alessandro, Priest Demetrio Azocar Martínez, Diocesan Chancellor, and several priests and deacons of the Diocese and the delegations.
As it has become customary during these primatial visits, His Beatitude presided at the Great Blessing of Water following the Divine Liturgy.
At the conclusion of the divine services, His Beatitude offered his gratitude to Archbishop Alejo for the invitation and for the great work of the Diocese of Mexico that continues to grow on many fronts. His Beatitude also offered his greetings to the concelebrating bishops who, on their part, greeted His Beatitude remarking their gratitude for being able to be present as such a joyous celebration which is a testimony to the brotherly relationship among the three dioceses in Mexico and their continual work together. Archbishop Alejo also offered his greetings to His Beatitude thanking him for presiding at the services and his ongoing support to him and the Diocese. His Eminence also greeted and offered his gratitude to the concelebrating bishops and clergy.
A festive luncheon followed the celebration.
His Beatitude returned to Washington, DC, on Monday, January 13.