Commemoration of St. Tikhon of Moscow

Yesterday, March 24, the Holy Orthodox Church commemorates of the great Saints of the Church, St. Tikhon of Moscow, Patriarch of Russia, and Enlightener of America.  

One of the first Orthodox bishops to do major work in North America, St. Tikhon went on to establish the "Diocese of the Aleutians and North America" after converting many people on the continent. Deemed an honorary citizen of the United States, he consecrated Orthodox Churches in America during the early 20th Century. The saint was also the primary founder of St. Tikhon's Orthodox Monastery (South Canaan, Pennsylvania), naming it for his heavenly patron, St. Tikhon of Zadonsk.

After returning to Russia in 1907, he continued to win the affection of thousands with his humble piety and loving affection. During World War I, he charitably aided displaced citizens, who flocked to him. He was also honored on November 5, 1917 by being elected Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. St. Tikhon had to overcome much disunity within the Church.

When the ungodly Bolshevik regime took control of the country, Church property was confiscated and the Russian Orthodox Church had to endure much repression. St. Tikhon openly condemned the killings of Czar's family in 1918 and protested against violent attacks by the Bolsheviks on the Church. At this time, he called Russian Orthodox Christians to unite and strengthen their practices. To avoid further persecution, he issued a message that clergy were not to make any political statements.

From 1922 to 1923, Patriarch Tikhon was imprisoned in Donskoy Monastery after he openly opposed the government's decree of being able to confiscate Church property. Thousands of Russian believers were shot. Upon being released, he assured the regime of his loyalty in an apparent attempt to relieve the harsh pressures on the Church. Despite his declaration of loyalty, he continued to enjoy the trust of the Orthodox community in Russia.

As persecution continued, he began to feel overwhelmed, and his strength and health declined. On SundayApril 5, 1925 he served his last Liturgy. He died giving the Sign of the Cross, saying, "Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee." He only crossed himself two times, dying before he could complete the third. After his death, he was considered a martyr for the faith.

In 1989, Patriarch Tikhon was glorified by the Church of Russia. This process is generally considered an example of the thaw in Church-Soviet relations in the Glasnost era.

Troparion:

Let us praise Tikhon, the patriarch of all Russia,

And enlightener of North America

An ardent follower of the Apostolic traditions,

And good pastor of the Church of Christ.

Who was elected by divine providence,

And laid down his life for his sheep.

Let us sing to him with faith and hope,

And ask for his hierarchical intercessions:

Keep the church in Russia in tranquility,

And the church in North America in peace.

Gather her scattered children into one flock,

Bring to repentance those who have renounced the True Faith,

Preserve our lands from civil strife,

And entreat God's peace for all people!

Kontakion:

Today the assembly of New Martyrs

Stands together with us in the Church

And together we raise a festive song

Celebrating the uncovering of the relics of our Hierarch Father Tikhon

Who defeated the enemy and preserved the Faith

While protecting the flock entrusted to him.

For he ever prays for us all

That we may never be deprived of the Love of God.