Metropolitan Onufry reflected on the ministry of Saint Tikhon, who had served as bishop and later archbishop in North America from 1897 through 1907. He observed how, upon Saint Tikhon’s return to his homeland, it was clear that he had been influenced by his tenure in North America, especially with regard to his commitment to mission and outreach as well as collegiality within the life of the Church. This, in turn, influenced his ministry during his last years—years of certain turmoil and persecution.
Metropolitan Onufry attended the AAC at the invitation of His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon and the Holy Synod of Bishops. He was accompanied by His Grace, Bishop Evsevy of Khotinsk. Also present was His Grace, Bishop John, Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA.
Metropolitan Onufry also addressed AAC delegates during the Plenary Session held earlier in the day. He observed that in the Council he sees the result of the mission to North America “because, in the eyes of all who are present at this Council, I see Christ. This is evidence of the good fruit brought fourth as a result of the mission of Saint Herman of Alaska as the Church faces current issues of missionary service in the world and, in particular, in North America and Ukraine.”
In his greetings to the assembly, Metropolitan Tikhon expressed his gratitude to all who participated in the AAC and contributed to the “wonderful events” that had taken place during the week. He emphasized, that “we are each called to be apostles, to love God above all and our neighbor as our selves.”
Greetings were read from His Eminence, Archbishop Leo of Karelia and All Finland, who had been invited to the AAC but was unable to attend. Archbishop Leo extended an invitation to Metropolitan Tikhon to visit the Church of Finland at a future date.
