His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon Makes Archpastoral Visit to the Diocese of Mexico
On Friday, January 16, 2026, His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon travelled to Mexico City at the invitation of His Eminence Archbishop Alejo for an archpastoral visit to the Diocese of Mexico. Travelling with His Beatitude was Archpriest Alessandro Margheritino, Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America, and Protodeacon Peter Ilchuk.
Upon arrival at the Benito Juarez International Airport, His Beatitude was greeted by His Eminence Archbishop Alejo, Archbishop of Mexico City and the Diocese of Mexico, along with diocesan clergy and faithful.
On Saturday, January 17, His Beatitude travelled to Hidalgo, where the St. Basil Academy Pastoral College is located, for the 16th Annual Diocesan Assembly, attended by the diocesan clergy and lay representatives from parishes across the Diocese. In addition to diocesan and department reports, His Beatitude offered a presentation on the “Liturgical Life of a Christian.”
During the visit, His Beatitude and all those in attendance witnessed substantial progress in the construction of the new church, which has been partially funded by donations from many parishes and faithful across the Orthodox Church in America. His Eminence Alejo hopes to invite His Beatitude for the consecration of the Church within the next year.
Following the assembly, a festive meal was prepared, which was then followed by Great Vespers served by Archpriest John Parker, Dean of St. Tikhon’s Theological Seminary, and Protodeacon Peter. His Beatitude, His Eminence, and all the clergy and faithful then returned to Mexico City.
On Sunday, His Beatitude presided at the celebration of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at Holy Ascension Cathedral in Mexico City. Concelebrating with His Beatitude was Archbishop Alejo, Fr. Alessandro, Priest Demetrio Azocar Martinez, Chancellor of the Diocese of Mexico, Fr. John, Priest David Wooten, Rector of St. Anthony Orthodox Church in San Antonio, TX, and other Diocesan Clergy.
Following the Liturgy, His Beatitude presided at the Great Blessing of Water, blessing the Cathedral and the faithful, and then led a procession to the local park.
At the end of the service, His Eminence welcomed His Beatitude and his delegation, and presented him with a new wooden primatial staff, hand-carved in Mexico by one of the Cathedral’s parishioners.
In the afternoon, the commencement ceremony for the pastoral school’s graduating class of 2025 took place, with diplomas conferred to the students. His Beatitude addressed the graduates and encouraged them to place love at the center of their ministry.
His Beatitude returned to Washington, DC, on Monday.