OCA Formally Recognizes Macedonian Orthodox Church in Historic Concelebration
OCA
OCP News Service – 03/09/2024
WASHINGTON, DC: His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) concelebrated the Divine Liturgy with His Beatitude Archbishop Stefan of the Macedonian Orthodox Church – Ohrid Archbishopric, marking the OCA’s formal recognition of the world’s newest autocephalous Church. The historic service took place at St. Nicholas Cathedral on Tuesday, September 2.
The event was the culmination of efforts following Metropolitan Tikhon’s initial public recognition of the Macedonian Orthodox Church at the 21st All-American Council in July. The concelebration was attended by numerous hierarchs, clergy, and faithful from both Churches. Notably, His Grace Bishop Seraphim of Kostajnica was present, representing His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije of the Serbian Orthodox Church. Also in attendance was Mr. Zoran Popov, the Macedonian Ambassador to the United States.
In his homily, Metropolitan Tikhon spoke about the collaboration of the holy apostles and expressed his prayer that the concelebration would be “only the beginning of a good and bright relationship” between the two Churches. Archbishop Stefan echoed this sentiment, wishing for “fruitful cooperation” that would provide a “living witness of unity and love.”
During the service, the Hawaiian Myrrh-Streaming Iveron Icon of the Mother of God and the relics of the newly canonized St. Olga of Kwethluk were present for veneration. Following the liturgy, Metropolitan Tikhon presented Archbishop Stefan with an icon of St. Olga and her relics. A private reception was later held at the Macedonian Embassy.
Source:
OCP News Service
