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From August 14-16, 2026, His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon presided at services in Washington, DC, Bethesda, MD, and Berlin, MD, to celebrate services for the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos.
On Friday evening, August 14, His Beatitude presided at the Festal Vigil at St. Nicholas Cathedral. Concelebrating with His Beatitude were Archpriest Alessandro Margheritino, Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America and Dean of St. Nicholas Cathedral, Archpriest David Bozeman, Secretary of the Orthodox Church in America and Associate Priest of the Cathedral, and Archpriest Valery Shemchuk, Associate Priest. Also serving was Protodeacon Peter Ilchuk.
On Saturday morning, August 15, His Beatitude presided at the celebration of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at St. Mark Orthodox Church in Bethesda, MD. Concelebrating with His Beatitude were Archpriest Gregory Safchuk, Rector of St. Mark Church and Dean of the Washington Deanery, and Priest Nicholas Roth. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, His Beatitude blessed flowers and herbs in honor of the feast.
Later that day, His Beatitude traveled to Berlin, MD, for the patronal feast of Christ the Savior Orthodox Church. Before Great Vespers on Saturday evening, the parish community gathered for a picnic and lamb roast in honor of the parish feast day and His Beatitude’s archpastoral visit.
On Sunday, August 16, His Beatitude presided at the celebration of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy for the parish’s patronal feast of the Icon of Christ Not-Made-By-Hands. Concelebrating with His Beatitude were Archpriest Alessandro Margheritino, Archpriest John Parsells, Rector of Christ the Savior Church, Archpriest Joseph Oleynik, Archpriest Gary Breton, and Protodeacon Gregory Moser.
His Beatitude gave the homily where he reflected on the parable of the talents (Matt. 18:23-35) and how we too can easily become like the unforgiving servant. He said, “When someone offends or hurts us by his words or actions, we must not condemn him or become angry, but we must use this as an opportunity to show him the same love and compassion that God has shown us … In this way, we see the humanity of our neighbor, we show compassion and love for him, while humbling ourselves at the same time.”
Read the full text of His Beatitude’s homily
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, His Beatitude congratulated Fr. John on the 20th anniversary of his ordination to the holy priesthood and his 20 years of service at Christ the Savior Church. His Beatitude also congratulated Protodeacon Gregory on the 39th anniversary of his ordination to the holy diaconate.
Christ the Savior Church is currently marking its 26th year. During the visit, His Beatitude saw the growth of the parish community, which is planning to build a larger church on its property.
Following the Divine Liturgy, His Beatitude, the clergy, and the faithful gathered for the annual parish photograph. The celebration concluded with a festal meal in honor of the parish feast and His Beatitude’s visit.
