Congratulations to the Vicar of the Slavic Vicariate, Archimandrite Alexander, bishop elect of Nicopolis, on the 15th Anniversary of His Monastic Tonsure and Ordination
February 12, 2026Dear beloved in the Lord Archimandrite Alexander!
In these bright days of your spiritual joy, we heartily congratulate you on the 15th anniversary of your monastic tonsure, as well as your diaconal and priestly ordinations — the great Sacraments that have defined your further path of service to God, to people, and to His Holy Church.
Fifteen years ago, on the feast day commemorating the Three Great Ecumenical Teachers and Hierarchs — Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom — you responded to Christ’s call: “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me” (Lk. 9:23). You received the grace of diaconal ordination, and the following day, the grace of priestly ordination.
This is no mere coincidence, but a providential sign. The Hierarchs Basil, Gregory, and John are united by their theological wisdom and depth, their zeal for the purity of the faith, and their pastoral love for the Church. Throughout all these years, similar gifts have been evident in your ministry: profound theological knowledge, love for prayer and the celebration of divine services, zeal for the adornment and beautification of churches, fatherly care for the souls of the faithful entrusted to you, and concern for the unity of Orthodox Slavs of different generations and cultures.
On this momentous day, accept our sincere congratulations and wishes for abundant divine blessings, for the grace of the Holy Spirit that enlightened the Three Hierarchs, in all your endeavors for the glory of God and the benefit of our Church, and for unfailing joy in the Lord — unto many and blessed years!
With brotherly love,
The Clergy of the Slavic Vicariate