Metropolitan Tikhon visits St John the Theologian, Fairfax Station VA

The day after the Archdiocesan Assembly and the commemoration of the repose of the Holy, Glorious, and All-laudable Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon visited St John the Theologian Mission in Fairfax Station, VA on Sunday, September 27, 2026, and presided over the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. His Beatitude was met by Jane Cessna, Mission Council President, and greeted with all solemn rites. Prior to the Divine Liturgy, His Beatitude tonsured Kenneth Herman, Mission Council Treasurer, as a reader for the mission.
Serving with His Beatitude were Priest Nicholas Roth, Acting Rector, Dn Matthew Prentice, newly tonsured Reader Kenneth, and altar servers Gavin Middleton, Jack McKernan, Eddie Roth, and Dylan Roth. Also assisting were Subdeacons Victor Lutes of St Mark in Bethesda, MD and Larry Basalyga of St Nicholas Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Matushka Ann Prentice led the mission choir in singing the responses. Reflecting on the call of Peter, James, and John in St Luke’s Gospel, His Beatitude reminded the faithful of the importance of remaining steadfast in the faith no matter the circumstances of our lives.
After the Divine Liturgy, His Beatitude and the mission gathered at Burke Lake Park for the celebration of their fall patronal feast and the 8th anniversary of the mission’s founding. Although the weather was less than ideal, it did not diminish the fellowship, sense of community, or enjoyment of the gathering. His Beatitude spent time with the faithful, generously sharing his wisdom and humor.
St. John the Theologian Orthodox Mission (Station) was founded in October 2018. Presently, St. John the Theologian Orthodox Mission (www.stjohnfairfax.org) holds services in the historical chapel located at 5612 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, VA 22039, in space graciously leased to the mission by St. Mary of Sorrows Catholic Church. During the Civil War, following the Second Battle of Manassas (August 1862), Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, used the newly built St. Mary of Sorrows Church as a field hospital and supply depot during the Civil War, where she provided aid to thousands of wounded soldiers.

Archdiocese of Washington Holds 2026 Annual Assembly

McLean, Virginia — September 26, 2026

The Archdiocese of Washington held its Annual Assembly on Saturday, September 26, at Saint Luke Orthodox Church in McLean, Virginia. His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon, presided with participation from clergy and lay delegates from the parishes and missions of the Archdiocese.

The day began with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in Saint Luke's recently consecrated temple. The Archdiocesan Choir sang the responses, and the departed of our parishes from the past year were commemorated. Brunch followed in the parish hall. His Beatitude thanked Archpriest John Vitko, the parish leadership and the Saint Luke community for their generous hospitality.

After the opening prayer, the Assembly elected Archpriest Alessandro Margheritino and Jane Cessna as clergy and lay vice-chairs. Metropolitan Tikhon then gave his annual address. He spoke about the continuing integration of the Archdiocese's three-deanery structure, the revision of the Archdiocesan bylaws, the work of the chancery, and the 2027 budget. His address ended with a brief reflection on how Orthodox Christians might approach the growing debate about artificial intelligence, including a reminder of the "ancient technologies" of prayer, reading and song.

The Assembly then received reports from:

the Chancellor, Archpriest Alessandro Margheritino
the Dean, Archpriest Gregory Safchuk
the Treasurer, Fr. Nicholas Roth
the Auditing Committee
the Distinguished Diocesan Benefactors
the Archdiocese's representatives to the Metropolitan Council
Delegates elected Matushka Ann Prentice, Dee Young and Deacon John Jubinski as auditors for a three-year term.

The Assembly unanimously approved the 2027 budget, which includes new support for the Archdiocese's first seminarian in many years, for clergy health through the Office of Pastoral Life, and for Archdiocesan clergy retreats. Delegates amended the budget to add a $500 contribution to FOCUS DMV, after Archpriest John Vitko reported on its work. FOCUS DMV is a new local ministry of the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians United to Serve (FOCUS North America) looking to serve individuals and families in the Washington metropolitan area who face food and housing insecurity. It is now working to open a community center offering breakfast, food and clothing distribution, and a place of welcome and connection.

The Assembly also set dates for next year's meetings. The 2027 Assembly will be held on Saturday, September 25, 2027, at a location to be announced. The Assembly closed with prayer at 1:00 pm.

Assembly documents and parish reports

Metropolitan Tikhon's address, all officer and committee reports, and the 2027 budget are now available below. That section also has the annual reports of each parish and mission. They describe the ministries, outreach, challenges and upcoming celebrations of our communities, and everyone in the Archdiocese is encouraged to read them to learn more about the life of our sister parishes.

Metropolitan Tikhon celebrates Patronal Feast at Christ the Savior in Berlin, MD

His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon traveled to Christ the Savior Orthodox Church in Berlin, MD, for an archpastoral visit and celebration of their Patronal Feast, August 15–16, 2026.

The weekend included the Dormition Divine Services, a festive lamb roast, Great Vespers, and the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. His Beatitude also recognized clergy ordination anniversaries and joined the faithful for a parish procession, group photograph, and festive luncheon.

The celebration brought together parishioners and visitors for a joyful weekend of worship and fellowship. The Archdiocese extends its gratitude to all who served, traveled, and contributed to this grace-filled celebration.