On Sunday, December 13, 2020, the Sunday of the Forefathers of Christ, and the feast of Saint Herman of Alaska, His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon presided at the celebration of the Divine Liturgy a St. Sergius Chapel. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, His Beatitude offered a Panikhida for the ever-memorable Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann. After the liturgy, in his sermon, His Beatitude called attention to the ascetical efforts of St. Herman as something that all faithful should emulate. In this way, above all, we show honor to this great saint. His Beatitude also noted that the Orthodox Church in America was to have marked this year with numerous celebrations for the the fiftieth anniversary of the reception of the Tomos of autocephaly, and the Glorification of St. Herman. Although not all the celebrations happened, His Beatitude said, it is fitting that what celebrations did occur came from humble places reminiscent of the humility and patience shown by St. Herman in his life. Concelebrating the Divine Liturgy with His Beatitude were Hiermonk Herman (Majkrzak), who was celebrating his Name Day, as well Deacon John Thetford, Secretary and Deacon to the Metropolitan, and Dr. Vitaly Permiakov, Assistant Professor of Liturgical Theology, St. Vladimir’s Seminary.
