His Eminence The Most Rev. Tikhon, archbishop of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, was elected Primate of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) during the 17th All-American Council of the OCA at Holy Trinity Church, Parma, OH, on Tuesday, November 13, 2012. According to the statutes of St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary (SVOTS), and under the laws of the State of New York, by virtue of his election Metropolitan Tikhon also becomes the president of the Seminary and chair of the Board of Trustees.
As reported by Oca.org; "Six hundred and sixty–three hierarchs, clergy and lay delegates, and observers representing OCA parishes across the U.S., Canada, and Alaska participated in the Council. Five hundred and ninety were eligible to vote. No single candidate received the required two-thirds margin on the first ballot. On the second ballot [which by OCA statute allows for two votes per delegate for candidates] His Eminence Tikhon, archbishop of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, and His Grace Michael, bishop of New York and New York and New Jersey, received 317 and 355 votes, respectively. The members of the Holy Synod retired into the altar where they elected Archbishop Tikhon."
Ancient Faith Radio posted timely podcasts of the events of the Council, beginning with Vespers on November 12, and including all the key addresses and proceedings of the gathering the next day.
His Beatitude The Most Blessed Tikhon will preside over the next meeting of the Board of Trustees at St. Vladimir's Seminary. "With deep and sincere prayers for many years," noted The Very Rev. Dr. Chad Hatfield, chancellor/CEO, "I look forward to working closely with Metropolitan Tikhon as he assumes his role as the president of St. Vladimir's Seminary's Board."
Added The Very Rev. Dr. John Behr, dean of the Seminary, "We are delighted with the election of His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, and we look forward to serving him in any way we can."
