His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon visited Saint Tikhon’s Monastery, South Canaan, PA, to lead the celebration of the Feast of St. Alexis of Wilkes-Barre on Bright Saturday, May 7th.  During the hierarchical Divine Liturgy His Beatitude tonsured Matthew Fuhrman, St. Tikhon’s Seminarian, Rassophore Monk Maxim and Hesychios Webb from the Monastery brotherhood, readers.  Rassaphore Monk Maxim was subsequently ordained to the Subdiaconate, as was Matthew, who was then ordained to the Diaconate!

Priests concelebranting at the Liturgy included: Archimandrite Sergius, Abbot of Saint Tikhon's Monastery; Igumen Gabriel; Archpriest Steven Kopestonsky; Seminarian Priest Theodore Gregory; deacons included: Archdeacon Joseph Matusiak; Deacon Alexander Cadman from State College where Matthew previously studied; and Seminarian Deacons Matthew Joyner, John Kennerk and Basil Ferguson.

At the conclusion of the Liturgy a Molieben was celebrated before St. Alexis’ relics.   St. Alexis is remembered for leading many Eastern Rite Catholics to the Orthodox Church, beginning with congregations in Minneapolis MN, and Wilkes-Barre, PA, and many others who followed.  You can read more about St. Alexis at our OCA Website by clicking here. 

Axios to Deacon Matthew and Mat. Jessica, who continues to serve as part of the website team for our Orthodox Church in America!