Washington, DC, September 3, 2025
Bishops Met. Tikhon (OCA) and Abp. Stefan (MOC-OA) were joined by a host of brother hierarchs. Photo: Fr. Jonathan Ivanoff
The Orthodox Church in America (OCA) formally recognized the autocephaly of the Macedonian Orthodox Church-Ohrid Archbishopric during a joint Divine Liturgy at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Washington, DC, yesterday.
His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon of Washington of Washington and All America and Canada concelebrated with His Beatitude Archbishop Stefan of Ohrid and Macedonia in what marked the first joint service between the two primates, reports Sts. Kiril and Metodij Macedonian Orthodox Church.
The historic Liturgy saw Met. Tikhon commemorate Abp. Stefan in the diptychs of the primates of Orthodox Churches for the first time, liturgically confirming the OCA’s recognition of Macedonian Church autocephaly.
The service was concelebrated by numerous hierarchs, priests, and deacons from various Orthodox jurisdictions. His Eminence Metropolitan Metodij of the Macedonian Church’s American-Canadian Diocese was also present. Large numbers of Macedonian clergy and faithful from across the United States and Canada attended the historic celebration.
The myrrh-streaming Hawaiian Iveron Icon. Photo: Alla Lowe
The celebration was also blessed with the presence of the myrrh-streaming and wonderworking Hawaiian Iveron Icon of the Mother of God and relics of the newly canonized St. Olga of Alaska.
Following the Divine Liturgy, a reception was held at the Embassy of Macedonia in Washington, where attendees met with Macedonia’s Ambassador to the United States.
Olga Relics of St. Olga of Alaska. Photo: Alla Lowe
The liturgical recognition follows the OCA’s announcement at its All-American Council in July 2025 that it would recognize the autocephaly of the Macedonian Orthodox Church.
Abp. Stefan has been conducting an extended pastoral visit to North America since arriving in Columbus, Ohio on August 21. During the Dormition feast, he celebrated the 60th anniversary and patronal feast of the Columbus parish. His visit will continue with participation in the 51st Diocesan Church-National Assembly of the American-Canadian Diocese in New Jersey and the 60th anniversary celebration of St. Clement of Ohrid Church in Toronto.
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