On Friday, January 16, 2026, His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon traveled to Mexico City at the invitation of His Eminence Archbishop Alejo for an archpastoral visit to the Diocese of Mexico, accompanied by Archpriest Alessandro Margheritino, Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America, and Protodeacon Peter Ilchuk. Upon arrival at Benito Juárez International Airport, His Beatitude was warmly received by Archbishop Alejo, along with diocesan clergy and faithful. On Saturday, January 17, His Beatitude journeyed to Hidalgo to attend the 16th Annual Diocesan Assembly at St. Basil Academy Pastoral College. The assembly included reports from diocesan departments and a presentation by His Beatitude on “The Liturgical Life of a Christian.” Those present also observed significant progress on the construction of the new church, supported in part by donations from parishes and faithful throughout the Orthodox Church in America, with hopes for its consecration within the coming year. The day concluded with a festive meal and the service of Great Vespers, after which the delegation returned to Mexico City.

On Sunday, His Beatitude presided at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at Holy Ascension Cathedral in Mexico City, concelebrated by Archbishop Alejo, Archpriest Alessandro, diocesan clergy, and visiting clergy. Following the Liturgy, His Beatitude led the Great Blessing of Water, blessing the cathedral and faithful, and a procession to a nearby park. At the conclusion of the services, Archbishop Alejo formally welcomed His Beatitude and presented him with a hand-carved wooden primatial staff crafted by a parishioner of the cathedral. Later that afternoon, His Beatitude attended the commencement ceremony for the pastoral school’s graduating class of 2025, where he addressed the graduates and encouraged them to place love at the heart of their ministry. His Beatitude returned to Washington, DC, on Monday.