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On January 13, 2022, His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon traveled to Mexico City for his annual primatial visit to the Diocese of Mexico. Because of the world health crisis, His Beatitude had not been able to visit the Diocese since the beginning of the pandemic.
Traveling with His Beatitude was Priest Alessandro Margheritino, Secretary of the Orthodox Church in America, and Deacon Peter Ilchuk, Executive Secretary to the Metropolitan.
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 welcoming His Beatitude was His Eminence Archbishop Benjamin, who traveled to Mexico the day before with a delegation from the Diocese of the West.
On Saturday, Metropolitan Tikhon and the rest of the delegation traveled to Mixquiahuala in the state of Hidalgo, in central-eastern Mexico, to visit the St. Basil Orthodox Pastoral Academy. The bishops and their delegations were warmly welcomed by clergy, students, faithful and their families. His Beatitude presided at an Akathist to the Mother of God in the new Church that is currently being built with the donations received following Archbishop Alejo’s appeal at the recent All-American Council in Baltimore. Following the Akathist, His Beatitude blessed the new construction.
After the service, a convocation of the Academy was held in the Church, recognizing the labors of the many students and their teachers. Great Vespers was served later in the evening.
On Sunday, His Beatitude presided at the Hierarchical Liturgy at Holy Ascension Cathedral in Mexico City. Concelebrating with Metropolitan Tikhon were Archbishops Alejo and Benjamin, and several priests and deacons of the Diocese and the delegations. During the Liturgy, Archbishop Alejo tonsured two readers, and Metropolitan Tikhon elevated Priest Jesús Ruiz Munilla to the rank of Archpriest.
As it has become customary during these primatial visits, His Beatitude presided at the Great Blessing of Water following the Divine Liturgy.
Helping with the translation during the primatial visit was Priest David Wooten from Diocese of the South, who was visiting with Matushka Natalia.
Your support for the Diocese of Mexico and the ongoing construction project of the Saint Basil Orthodox Pastoral Academy can be offered through wire transfer at your local bank or through a third party such as Wise. The Diocese asks that you please oca.dmex@gmail.com for any donations more than $1,500 in a single installment.
Wire Transfer Information:
Beneficiary: IGLESIA ORTODOXA CATOLICA EN MEXICO EXARCADO DE LA IGLESIA ORTODOXA EN AMERICA
Bank Account: 072180002163152550
Swift Code: MENOMXMTXXX
Street: Irapuato
Number: 53
Neighborhood: Penon de los Banos
City: Mexico City
Zip Code: 15520
