BATH, PA [DOEPA COMMUNICATIONS]
On Saturday, February 14, 2026, the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania extend their warmest congratulations to His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, Archbishop of Washington, Metropolitan of All America and Canada, the Primate of the Orthodox Church in America, on the occasion of his 22nd anniversary of consecration to the episcopacy.
His Beatitude was consecrated to the episcopacy on Saturday, February 14, 2004, at the St. Tikhon's Monastery in South Canaan, PA. His Beatitude Metropolitan Herman (+9/6/22) presided at the consecration of Archimandrite Tikhon (Mollard), who had been canonically elected by the Holy Synod of Bishops at its October 2003 session.
On the eve of the consecration, the canonical election of Archimandrite Tikhon as Bishop of South Canaan and Auxiliary to Metropolitan Herman was formally proclaimed in the monastery church of St. Tikhon of Zadonsk. Prior to the Divine Liturgy, Bishop-elect Tikhon made his profession of faith before the hierarchs of the Church. Following his consecration, Bishop Tikhon ordained Deacon Justin Hewlett to the Holy Priesthood and Subdeacon David Mezynski to the Holy Diaconate. A celebratory banquet followed at St. Tikhon’s Seminary, where clergy and faithful offered gifts and congratulations.
His Beatitude’s monastic and clerical formation began in 1995, when he was tonsured to the Lesser Schema by Archbishop Herman and given the name Tikhon, in honor of Saint Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow, Enlightener of North America. Later that same year, he was ordained to the Holy Diaconate and Holy Priesthood at St. Tikhon's Monastery. In 1998, he was elevated to the rank of Igumen, and in 2000 to the rank of Archimandrite. In December 2002, he was appointed Deputy Abbot of St. Tikhon’s Monastery.
Following his nomination as ruling hierarch by a diocesan assembly and subsequent canonical election by the Holy Synod on May 27, 2005, Bishop Tikhon was installed as Bishop of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania on October 29, 2005. He also served as Rector of St. Tikhon’s Seminary from 2005 to 2012. On May 9, 2012, he was elevated to the dignity of Archbishop.
On November 13, 2012, Archbishop Tikhon was elected Primate of the Orthodox Church in America by the Holy Synod of Bishops at the 17th All-American Council. His enthronement took place on January 27, 2013, at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Washington, DC.
On behalf of His Eminence Archbishop Mark, the clergy, matushki, and faithful of the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, the Diocesan Media Office offers its congratulations and gives thanks to Almighty God for His Beatitude’s faithful primatial leadership and pastoral love for the flock entrusted to his care.
May God grant His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, Archbishop of Washington, Metropolitan of All America and Canada, many years!
Eis polla eti despota!
Issued by the Diocesan Media Office
