Rafaela Prifti/
The Orthodox Church in America, the Albanian Archdiocese, and the community commemorate the seventh anniversary of the passing of Archbishop Nikon (Liolin). His Eminence passed away on Sunday, September 1, 2019, leaving behind a profound legacy of spiritual leadership and service.
Born to a pious Orthodox family in New York in October 1945, he graduated from Saint Vladimir’s Seminary in 1966 and dedicated over 50 years to the priesthood.
Archbishop Nikon (Liolin) was ordained to the Diaconate on July 5, 1969, and to the Priesthood the following day, July 6. He served faithfully at Saint Nicholas Church in Southbridge, MA, and Saint Thomas Church in Farmington Hills, MI. On May 24 and 25, 2002, he was consecrated Bishop of Baltimore and Auxiliary to His Beatitude, Metropolitan Theodosius. By October 2003, he was elected Bishop of Boston, and in October 2005, he became the ruling bishop of the Diocese of New England. He was formally installed as Bishop of Boston, New England, and the Albanian Archdiocese on December 17, 2005, and was later elevated to the rank of Archbishop on May 9, 2012.
In reflecting on his life, the then Father Nikodhim emphasized the Archbishop’s deep, lifelong ties to the parish where he was born and raised. Father Nikodhim noted that every visit that His Eminence made at St. Nicholas in New York was a “homecoming,” as he was regarded not as a visiting functionary, but as family. Having served as a pastor for thirty years before his elevation, Archbishop Nikon possessed a personal understanding of the needs and joys of the Orthodox faithful.
Though seven years have passed since his physical absence began, the guidance and blessings of Archbishop Nikon remain entrusted to the community. We continue to hold close the tools of faith he utilized to bind and support the archdiocese. May the memory of His Eminence, our Archbishop Nikon, be eternal! I përjetshëm kujtimi!