2024 Archdiocesan Assembly held in Columbia, MD
On Saturday, September 21, the leave-taking of the feast of the Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross, clergy and faithful from throughout the Archdiocese of Washington gathered at Saint Matthew Church in Columbia, MD, for the annual Archdiocesan Assembly.
The day opened with the celebration of the hierarchical Divine Liturgy, celebrated by His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon. Concelebrating with His Beatitude were Archpriest John Vitko, Archdiocesan Chancellor, Archpriest Alessandro Margheritino, OCA Secretary and Rector of All Saints of America Church, Archpriest Constantine White, Rector of St. Matthew’s, and priests and deacons of the archdiocese. The liturgical responses were sung by members of the Archdiocesan Choir of Washington, DC, under the direction of Matushka Juliana Woodill. In his homily, His Beatitude spoke of Christ enthroned on the Cross, and the need to encounter him crucified.
“…to see him crucified is to confront the consequence of our sin. Christ died for the sins of the world, for the sins of all of us, for the sins of each of us. As the Akathist “Glory to God for All Things” declares: “I see thy Cross—I was the cause of it. I cast my spirit down in the dust before it.” Therefore, to encounter Christ is to know ourselves as sinners.
But there is yet more to this spiritual truth. True encounter with Christ is not about factual knowledge, or passive observation: to encounter Christ is to see the face of the living God, to live true life. And to live this true life, we too must take up our cross.”
Following the Divine Liturgy, a luncheon was held in the church hall. The assembly opened soon after with prayers and the Metropolitan’s report. His Beatitude encouraged a continued focus on his “Four Modest Pillars” as priorities in the archdiocese: 1) liturgical excellence, 2) musical excellence, 3) vocations and clergy health, and 4) outreach to others. His Beatitude also offered congratulations to Archpriest Gregory Safchuk, who celebrated the 40th anniversary of his ordination to the holy priesthood earlier in the year, and to Priest John Mikitish and the faithful of St. John the Theologian Mission in Fairfax, VA, on the elevation of St. John’s from mission station to mission status.
Throughout the remainder of the day, clergy and delegates heard reports from the archdiocesan officers and various committees. Representatives of the Distinguished Diocesan Benefactors, Archdiocesan Choir, and FOCA also gave reports. Before final discussions and closing prayers, Fr. John Mikitish, Priest-in-Charge of St. John the Theologian Mission, gave a presentation on the community, speaking briefly about its progress, growth, and challenges.
The Archdiocese of Washington is grateful to Archpriest Constantine White and the clergy and faithful of St. Matthew’s for their hospitality and generosity in hosting this year’s assembly.
PC: Fr. Gregory Safchuk and Victor Lutes
PhotosShare This:
|  |
| ||||||||||
