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On Friday, August 16, 2024, His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon traveled to Unalaska at the invitation of His Grace Bishop Alexei of Sitka and Alaska. His Beatitude presided at the pilgrimage celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of the arrival of Saint Innocent (Father John Veniamivov) and the first Divine Liturgy served in Unalaska in 1824.
Upon arrival at Unalaska on Saturday, August 17, His Beatitude was greeted at the airport by His Grace and his delegation, singing “It is Truly Meet” and presenting them with Alaskan flowers.
His Beatitude then proceeded to the Ascension of our Lord Cathedral where he presided over a molieben for the welcoming of a hierarch to the Diocese.
Later that evening, His Beatitude presided at the All Night Vigil followed by dinner hosted by His Grace and the Diocese of Alaska.
On the morning of August 18, His Beatitude then presided at the celebration of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at Ascension of our Lord Cathedral. Concelebrating with His Beatitude were His Grace Bishop Alexei and Priest Timothy Kolb. At the conclusion of the Liturgy, a synodal grammota was presented to the Ascension Cathedral in recognition of the 200th anniversary of Saint Innocent’s first Liturgy there.
In the afternoon, a banquet was at the Grand Aleutian Hotel in Unalaska. The program began with traditional Alaskan Dances presented by the local Native Community. Following the meal, presentations were made by the Mayor of Unalaska, Vincent Tutiakoff and members of the local community.
His Beatitude returned to the cathedral to preside at the All Night Vigil for the Feast of the Transfiguration. After a festive luncheon with the local community, His Beatitude returned to Washington, DC.
