Metropolitan Tikhon, the Primate of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), paid a primatial visit to the Diocese of Mexico, as reported by oca.org. This visit traditionally follows the celebration of Theophany and includes liturgical services, meetings with clergy, and discussions on the current life of the diocese.
The highlight of Saturday was the diocesan assembly held at the Antiochian Monastery of Saint Anthony the Great. The meeting began with a prayer, followed by an address from Metropolitan Tikhon on the conciliar life of the Church. Archbishop Alejo of Mexico then spoke, and reports from diocesan departments and parishes were presented.
On Sunday, a hierarchical liturgy was celebrated at the Holy Ascension Cathedral in Mexico City, presided over by Metropolitan Tikhon, joined by metropolitans and archbishops of the Mexican Diocese, as well as representatives from the Antiochian Church and the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
After the service, Metropolitan Tikhon performed the Great Blessing of the Waters and expressed gratitude to Archbishop Alejo for his invitation, highlighting the significant achievements of the Mexican Diocese. The attending bishops emphasized the importance of such gatherings for strengthening spiritual and administrative ties. A formal reception followed the service, and on January 13, Metropolitan Tikhon concluded his visit and returned to Washington, D.C.
The Mexican Diocese of the Orthodox Church in America was established in 1972. Its first leader was Bishop José (Cortes y Olmos), who began his ministry in the Catholic Church before converting to Orthodoxy. On February 16, 1972, the OCA Synod created the Mexican Exarchate, initially consisting of five parishes under Bishop José’s leadership. Clergy who transitioned from the Catholic Church were accepted at the rank they held prior to conversion; Bishop José himself was received as a presbyter and later consecrated as Auxiliary Bishop of Mexico City on April 22, 1972. Byzantine Rite services in Spanish were introduced in the newly affiliated parishes, and iconostases were installed in the churches.
According to the OCA website, recent years have seen increased missionary efforts in the Diocese of Mexico, particularly through short-term missions to remote areas such as San Esteban and Pisaflores. These activities have been actively supported by Archbishop Alejo of Mexico and Archbishop Benjamin of San Francisco, who accompanied Metropolitan Tikhon during his recent visit.