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SOUTH CANAAN, PA [STOTS Communications] – Archpriest Steven Voytovich, St. Tikhon’s Seminary dean, was invited to attend the elevation of Bishop Alexander to the see of Dallas and the Diocese of the South, on Saturday, June 11. You can read an account on the OCA Review here.
The celebration began with Vespers and a reception on Friday evening at the rectory next to St. Seraphim Cathedral. Many clergy and visitors alike gathered together at this festive reception.
His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon presided at the Divine Liturgy on Saturday morning. With him were several Holy Synod concelebrants: His Eminence, Archbishop Benjamin, His Emiencen Arcbishop Melchisedek, His Eminence, Archbishop Irénée, and Bishop Daniel. V. Rev. Don Freude, Chancellor, and V. Rev. Matthew-Peter Butrie, Secretary, were also present, representing the Bulgarian Diocese. Archdeacon Joseph Matusiak was accompanied by parish deacons, and Deacon Mikel Hill, currently a seminarian at St. Tikhon’s, from the Bulgarian Diocese.
After Liturgy Metropolitan Tikhon prayerfully presented Bishop Alexander his archpastoral staff. Following services, a wonderful banquet was held for all attending this joyous occasion in the parish hall.
Though Metropolitan Tikhon had to leave, all of the concelebrating bishops were able to remain to concelebrate the Divine Liturgy on Sunday with Bishop Alexander. Archimandrite Gerasim is to be commended for his very careful and comprehensive oversight of all the events occurring through the course of the weekend!
Having been with the diocesan clergy a little more than one year ago, it was truly a blessing to participate in the elevation of Bishop Alexander. May God grant him many years of archpastoral service among the clergy and faithful of the Diocese of the South and the Bulgarian Diocese!
