Archbishop Tikhon - new Metropolitan of Orthodox Church in America

Archbishop Tikhon, Archbishop of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, was elected Primate of the Orthodox Church in America during the 17th All-American Council of the Orthodox Church in America, OCA press service informs.

Six hundred and sixty three hierarchs, clergy and lay delegates and observers representing OCA parishes across the US, Canada, Mexico, 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, His Eminence, Archbishop Tikhon of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania and His Grace, Bishop Michael of 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.