On Monday, January 13, 2014, the St. Tikhon's community was honored to welcome His Eminence, Archbishop Joseph of the Antiochian Diocese of Los Angeles and the West.  The previous day Archbishop Joseph and Bishop Nicholas of Brooklyn and Resident Assistant to the Metropolitan ordained third-year student, Dn. Joseph Landino, to the Holy Priesthood in Allentown, PA.  Please click here to read more about the ordination.

In accordance with the tradition of blessing homes during the celebration of Holy Theophany, Archbishop Joseph and the Rector of St. Tikhon's, His Grace Bishop Michael lead the Administration, Faculty, Staff, and Students in a service and procession in which the entire seminary building was blessed.  This service was even more meaningful in that the leavetaking of the Theophany Feast coincided with the beginning of the new semester.

Later at lunch, Bishop Michael introduced Archbishop Joseph and they shared their mutual respect for one another. His Eminence addressed the student body and offered words of wisdom about pastoral care and the responsibilities of leadership in the Church.  His Eminence began by thanking the community for welcoming him and stating, "When I come to St. Tikhon's, I do not feel like a visitor.  I feel like I am at home."  

During his talk, he referenced his time of studies at the seminary in Balamand, Lebanon.  As he was quite young when he began his studies, he shared his parents’ loving encouragement toward his continuing his studies despite very real hardships. This was a very inspiring message for our seminarians as they began the new semester.

Many thanks to His Eminence Archbishop Joseph and His Grace Bishop Michael for making this event so special.  Eis polla eti despota!