Prior to the consecration of an Orthodox hierarch, he offers a public confession of the ancient faith he will both teach and defend. This is a special moment in the early stage of a man’s episcopacy, as is the first sermon given in his new Cathedral. Through both, the faithful get a sense of the bishop’s personality. They hear about principles set to characterize his ministry.
The man commemorated on October 9 – St. Tikhon, Enlightener of North America – entered his San Francisco cathedral for the first time on December 23, 1898. In his sermon that day, Tikhon’s love and humility were obvious. He offered, as well, a sense of direction for the young North American Church.
Orthodox Christians in the 21st century remember Tikhon as a man of vision. He was pastorally sensitive to the diverse makeup and challenges of the Church in this land. From the beginning he understood the necessity for all Church members – clergy and laymen alike – to utilize their gifts for the glory of God. In our time, there are those who take as a given, this comprehensive vision of the Christian life. Many, however, need reminding. St. Tikhon and others laid a strong foundation upon which we and our children continue to build.
In his homily on December 23, 1898, Tikhon stated, “I ask brethren, for assistance and cooperation with me (as your new bishop) not only from the pastors, but also from all of my beloved flock. The holy Apostle Paul wisely compares the Church of Christ with a body, and a body has not one member but many…each member is necessary and cannot do without the other. They all care for one another, and there is no discord in the body.”
He went on to say that believers should look after their fellow man, use their God-given gifts for the building up of the American Church. “Edify each other (he said), warn those who are unruly, comfort the feeble-minded, support the weak, be patient toward all. See that no one renders evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves and to all men…”
In this first sermon – only a few pages long – the new Bishop Tikhon sets a tone, paints a broad picture of the Church he envisions, one that both Tikhon and his flock can build together. A Church in which everyone will realize their responsibilities toward fellow members, and toward the non-Christians yet to be evangelized.
While conveying this message, Tikhon’s love and humility are apparent. He refers to leaving his beloved homeland, his family and friends, to adopt as his people strangers he was meeting for the first time. He requests help from those who have lived and worked on this continent for years, and admits a certain ignorance, the need for advice.
“I enter this country for the 1st time; I know it little. But you have labored here for a long time, long before me; many of you have become intimately linked with it, and some were even born here. I hope in my forthcoming (episcopal ministry) that you will do a great service to me, with your knowledge of this land and its people, and that with your experience, you will become for me, true coworkers, men of advice and reason.”
Remembering our blessed father Tikhon, may we also be prepared to offer Godly counsel and tangible assistance to others, as opportunities present themselves. And, may we learn from his vision, his love and humility, utilizing our gifts for the glory of God, and for the building up of Christ’s Holy Church.