100th Anniversary of Repose of Saint Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow, Enlightener of North America

BATH, PA [DOEPA COMMUNICATIONS]

On Monday, April 7, 2025, the Orthodox Church commemorates the 100th Anniversary of the Repose of Saint Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow, Enlightener of North America.

Saint Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow and Apostle to America, was born Vasily Ivanovich Belavin on January 19, 1865, in the Pskov region of Russia. He was raised in a pious family, and from an early age, he demonstrated a deep love for the Church and a gentle, humble nature. His father, a rural priest, had a prophetic vision about his sons, foretelling that Vasily would become a great man, which later proved true. He studied at the Pskov Theological Seminary and the Saint Petersburg Theological Academy, where he excelled in his studies and was known for his kindness and humility. He was fair-haired and tall of stature, and his fellow students liked and respected him for his piety, brilliant progress in studies, and constant readiness to help comrades. They often turned to him for explanations of lessons, especially for help in drawing up and correcting compositions. Vasily was affectionately called “bishop” and “patriarch” by his classmates.

After taking monastic vows at the age of 26, Vasily adopted the name Tikhon in honor of Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk. He served as a teacher at the Pskov Seminary and later as the Bishop of Lublin, gaining the affection of both Russians and local ethnic groups like Lithuanians and Poles. In 1898, he became the Bishop of the Aleutians and Alaska, where he worked tirelessly to promote Orthodoxy in America, reorganizing his diocese and establishing churches, including the Saint Nicholas Cathedral in New York. He was widely respected and was made an honorary U.S. citizen.

In 1907, Patriarch Tikhon returned to Russia, where he continued his ministry, eventually being appointed the Metropolitan of Moscow in 1917. In the same year, he was elected as Patriarch of Moscow, a position he accepted with great humility, foreseeing his ministry would be filled with suffering. He led the Russian Orthodox Church during a time of immense turmoil, including the Russian Revolution, civil war, and persecution by the Bolsheviks. Despite this, he remained a beacon of hope for the faithful, showing strength in defending the Church while maintaining his gentleness and accessibility.

During his leadership, Patriarch Tikhon faced significant challenges, such as the forced confiscation of church valuables and the upheaval caused by the Renovationist schism. He steadfastly defended the purity of Orthodoxy, urging the clergy to focus on preaching the word of God and resisting the growing forces of unbelief and atheism. His compassionate leadership, even towards those who repented, earned him the loyalty of many, but his health deteriorated due to the immense stress he endured. He was imprisoned in 1922 for his refusal to accept the confiscation of church property, but he continued to support his flock despite his suffering.

Patriarch Tikhon reposed on April 7, 1925, after serving as Patriarch for seven and a half years. His death was deeply mourned by the Russian Orthodox Church and its faithful, with nearly a million people attending his funeral. His life was marked by unwavering dedication to the Church and his role as a shepherd to his people during some of the darkest years in Russian history. He is commemorated on several dates, including September 26 (his glorification) and February 9 (the discovery of his relics). His legacy lives on as a model of humility, faith, and sacrifice.

In honor of the 100th anniversary of the repose, the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America has called for a churchwide celebration of St. Tikhon on October 9, 2025, the day traditionally observed as his feast. Dioceses are urged to hold All-night Vigil, Liturgy, and other festive services, with the participation of clergy and the faithful. These services will provide an opportunity for common prayer to St. Tikhon, the tireless archpastor, architect of the Church in North America, and powerful intercessor before the Lord.

Through the prayers of Saint Tikhon, may the faithful continue to find guidance and inspiration in his profound legacy and example.

O Holy Patriarch Tikhon, pray unto God for us!