His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon Visits St. Matthew Church, Columbia, MD
On Sunday, November 12, His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon made an archpastoral visit to St. Matthew Church in Columbia, MD, where he presided at the celebration of the hierarchical Divine Liturgy, celebrating the 35th anniversary of the founding of the parish and the 15th anniversary of the consecration of the church building. Concelebrating with His Beatitude were Archpriest Constantine White, Rector, and Priest Chterion Zaprianov, Rector of St. John of Rila Bulgarian Church.
In his homily, His Beatitude reflected on the Gospel passage of the Good Samaritan, encouraging the faithful to a renewed generosity toward both God and neighbor. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, following words of welcome from Fr. Constantine White, His Beatitude greeted the community, noting recent decisions of the Holy Synod and the need to continue fostering vocations.
Finally, His Beatitude spoke of the many accomplishments of Archpriest Vladimir Borichevsky, the first Orthodox priest to serve as a chaplain in the United States Armed Forces. In honor of the 80th anniversary of his appointment as a military chaplain in the United States Army to be celebrated in December 2023, His Beatitude posthumously awarded the Order of Saint Innocent, Silver Class, presenting the award to Fr. Vladimir’s daughter, Anastasia, and members of her family.
A festive lunch followed in the church hall.