Wednesday, August 13, is the Feastday of St. TIkhon of Zadonsk.
How blessed they must be. If Christ is with Christians, then who can prevail against them? The whole world and hades cannot do anything to a Christian, for Christ is his refuge and strength.
St. Tikhon of Zadonsk
By naming a church or monastery after a member of the Trinity, the Theotokos or a saint, a patron is given to holy place. A patron is a 'protector' or 'guardian' and watches over the building and those gathered therein. The 18th Century Russian hierarch and saint Tikhon of Zadonsk was chosen patron of the first Orthodox monastery in America...
"Early in August 1905, a clergy conference was convened in Old Forge, Pennsylvania for the primary purpose of formulating an agenda for a proposed future Church Sobor (Council) which would include both clergy and laity. During the conference on August 2, a motion was proposed and subsequently passed by the assembly requesting that the new monastery in South Canaan be named in honor of St. Tikhon of Zadonsk, the patron saint of Archbishop Tikhon, the ruling hierarch of North American diocese." (From Archival Records)
'Tikon' is from the Greek 'Tychon' which means 'hitting the mark'. The earliest saint with that name was the 5th century son of a baker in Cyrus who opposed the pagan cult of Aphrodite. The name Tikhon has a long association with the monastery from the patron to St. Tikhon of Moscow who was present at the monastery founding to the current Metropolitan of the OCA, His Beatitude Tikhon who will be present for the Feast this year. The icon above shows St. Tikhon of Moscow (left) with the Patron.
Patronal Feast: St. Tikhon's Day Wednesday, August 13
Hierarchial Divine Liturgy at 9am with Metropolitan Tikhon (Hours start at 8:40am) followed by a festive meal
Excerpt from St. Tikhon's Writings
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175 St. Tikhon's Road
Waymart, PA 18472
Tue
15Oct6:00 Midnight Office, Hours, & Liturgy
4:30 Vespers & MatinsWed
16Oct6:00 Midnight Office, Hours, & Liturgy
4:30 Vespers & MatinsThu
17Oct6:00 Midnight Office, Hours, & Liturgy
4:30 Vigil