On Sunday, February 15, 2015 Archpriest. Steven Voytovich, Dean of St. Tikhon’s Seminary, accompanied the St. Tikhon’s Mission Choir to Christ the Savior Cathedral, Miami, Florida, for a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy with His Eminence, Archbishop Nikon. His Eminence ordained Subdeacon Carlos Miranda (deacon program participant in Miami) to the Holy Diaconate, with local clergy gathered in advance of the Special Diocesan Assembly for the Diocese of the South. With Fr. Sergius’ blessing they also brought with them the wonderworking Icon of the Righteous Anna from St. Tikhon’s Monastery to be venerated by the clergy and the faithful.

The mission choir remained to offer the responses for services related to the assembly to nominate a new diocesan bishop candidate. They led the responses for a Hierarchical Liturgy beginning the Special Assembly, and witnessed the nomination process, singing hymns while the ballots were counted. Later that day an Akathist was celebrated to the Righteous Anna. On Monday evening, Archpriest Philip Reese, Regional Alumni Coordinator, brought together diocesan clergy who are also St. Tikhon’s Alumni to gather together with Fr. Steven for an evening of fellowship.  

Following the assembly, Fr. Steven also led a retreat for the diocesan clergy that included sessions on Monday evening and Tuesday afternoon. It was wonderful to spend these several days with the clergy and faithful of the Diocese of the South. May God continue to guide the nomination process for a new diocesan bishop.