DEDICATION

On October 13, 1966, in St. Nicholas Cathedral in Brooklyn, New York, His Eminence, Metropolitan PHILIP (Saliba), was enthroned as Primate of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America.

For these past 40 years Sayidna Philip has demonstrated great faith, yeoman service and visionary leadership in overseeing the flock that was entrusted to his care. He has guided the growth of the Archdiocese, through missionary labors and the reception of thousands of Evangelical Christians into Orthodoxy that has resulted in the quadrupling of the parishes under his omophorion.

His Eminence was instrumental in uniting the Antiochian Orthodox into one jurisdiction, achieving the status of a self-ruling archdiocese from the Holy Synod of Antioch, and establishing the structure of diocesan bishops governing local churches.

He has been a shining beacon and championing voice of Orthodox unity in America, as vice chairman of the Standing Conference of Orthodox Canonical Bishops in the Americas, and as host of the first-ever national gathering of Orthodox hierarchs in the U.S. at Ligonier.

He has promoted theological education, serving as St. Vladimir's Seminary vice president, and establishing the Antiochian House of Studies, its Doctor of Ministry Program, St. Stephen's Course in Orthodox Theology and the St. Athanasius Academy.

Sayidna's humanitarian and philanthropic work are legendary throughout the world; he has labored for peace in the Middle East and a balanced U. S. foreign policy in that area, and has raised millions of dollars to aid refugees, victims of war, and survivors of disasters.

This year St. Tikhon's Seminary proudly confers the academic degree Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa, upon His Eminence, Metropolitan PHILIP. And to this eminent philanthropist and inspired administrator., dedicated builder and loving father, distinguished churchman and courageous archpastor ... this issue of The Tikhonaire is proudly dedicated .

Eis polla eti, Despota!