Sitka, Alaska, October 8, 2020
His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon of Washington of the Orthodox Church in America is requesting prayers, as His Eminence Archbishop David of Sitka and Alaska of the Orthodox Church in America has been diagnosed with cancer.
On October 5, Abp. David informed his diocese: “I have been diagnosed with renal cancer and will be receiving care in Indiana in the coming weeks. I want to assure you of my love and arch-pastoral prayers on your behalf even as I have to leave Alaska. I ask for you to remember me in your daily prayers.”
The OCA website notes that he will undergo further testing in Indiana and will then receive treatment at the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis. He will live with his son and his family during his time in Indiana.
He continues: “As I face this diagnosis I’m inspired by the admonishment of our heavenly intercessor and protector Saint Herman of Alaska: ‘From this day, from this hour, from this moment; let us love God and do His Holy Will.’ My dearly beloved, pray for me, that I live these words as I fight the good fight and keep the faith!”
Regular updates on His Eminence’s health will be posted on the site of the Diocese of Alaska.
Met. Tikhon “requests prayers from the faithful of the Orthodox Church in America to the Almighty God, the Physician of our souls and bodies, for His Eminence, his family, and the medical workers who will treat him.”
In 2015, OrthoChristian interviewed Abp. David about his ministry in Alaska. See: “For the Love of the People. A Conversation With Bishop David Mahaffey on Serving in Alaska.”
