SPRINGFIELD, VA [OCA]

His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, Primate of the Orthodox Church in America, today announced several significant leadership appointments that will take effect January 1, 2025.

Archpriest Alexander Rentel, who has served as Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America since January 2019, has been appointed as rector of Three Hierarchs Chapel in Yonkers, NY. In his appointment, Fr. Alexander will simultaneously resume his teaching position at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, where he has been a distinguished faculty member since 2004. In his expanded role at the Seminary, Fr. Alexander has also accepted the position of Chief Operating Officer, working in close collaboration with Dr. IonuÅ£-Alexandru Tudorie, who currently serves as both Dean and interim President of the institution.

This transition will conclude Fr. Alexander’s tenure as Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America, a position in which he has served with distinction for the past six years. During his chancellorship, Fr. Alexander has overseen numerous important initiatives and helped guide the Church through significant challenges, including the global pandemic period and the initial steps of the relocation of the Chancery to the territory of the Archdiocese of Washington. He also worked to maintain and strengthen relationships between the Orthodox Church in America and the other local Orthodox Churches.

“Fr. Alexander’s dedication and unwavering commitment to the Orthodox Church in America has been exemplary,” stated Metropolitan Tikhon. “His careful stewardship as Chancellor has strengthened our church administration, and I am deeply grateful that he will continue to serve the Church through his new responsibilities at Three Hierarchs Chapel and St. Vladimir’s Seminary, both of which are stavropegial institutions under my direct oversight.”

Metropolitan Tikhon has appointed Archpriest Alessandro Margheritino to serve as Chancellor, effective January 1, 2025. Fr. Alessandro, who will maintain his current role as Secretary of the Orthodox Church in America, will serve in this capacity during this interim period until a permanent Chancellor can be selected following the 21st All-American Council. “I am confident that while the next few months will be particularly busy with the upcoming canonization of Matushka Olga and the 21st All-American Council, the Chancery will continue to function professionally and effectively under the leadership of Fr. Alessandro,” stated Metropolitan Tikhon.

Issued by the Diocesan Media Office