TIKHVIN, RUSSIA [DOM] – On August 27 through 29, representing His Eminence Archbishop Daniel of Chicago and the Midwest, Priest Alexander Koranda, Cathedral Dean, celebrated the great feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God at the Dormition of the Mother of God Monastery, Tikhvin, Russia. The Tikhvin Monastery is the home of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God. Fr. Alexander was accompanied by the Orthodox Church in America’s representative to the Moscow Patriarch, Mitered Archpriest Daniel Andreyuk.
This trip was held at the invitation of His Grace Bishop Mstislav of Tikhvin and Lodeynopol. Upon arrival at the monastery on Sunday, August 27, Fr. Alexander was greeted by representatives and venerated the Tikhvin Icon. An All Night Vigil was served that evening for the feast of Holy Dormition. After the service, a meal was held in honor of the feast and the representative of the Diocese of the Midwest. On the following morning, Divine Liturgy was held. Fr. Alexander presented a gift to Bishop Mstislav from Archbishop Daneil in gratitude for the invitation. A Cross Process was held following the Divine Liturgy. His Grace greeted Fr. Alexander and Fr. Daniel and a festive meal was held for dignitaries and guests of the monastery.
Fr. Alexander also received a tour of a museum dedicated to Fr. Sergei Garklavs and the Garklavs family. This museum shares with visitors the life of Fr. Sergei and his family, the guardians of the Tikhvin Icon.
One of the primary reasons for the invitation was to discuss the upcoming 20th anniversary of the return of the Tikhvin Icon from Chicago to Russia. His Grace and Fr. Alexander had several opportunities to discuss plans for events that will be held in Tikhvin and Chicago in 2024.
The Diocese of the Midwest and its Diocesan Cathedral maintain close and fraternal relations with the Diocese of Tikhvin and the monastery. The original Tikhvin Icon was protected and cared for by Archbishop John (Garklavs), and upon his repose, Mitered Archpriest Sergei Garklavs, who kept the holy image at the Cathedral. This was a period of five decades that she was protected and venerated in Chicago. In 2004, the icon was returned to the monastery, and in 2016, a replica icon was given in gratitude to the Cathedral from the monastery.
This relationship that was brought about by the Mother of God continues to be important to both the Diocese of the Midwest and Tikhvin, enjoying this sacred relationship bring forth love for the good of the Church.
