​TOLEDO, OH [BDOCA] – 8 JUNE 2026 - His Eminence Archbishop Alexander has sent a communique to V. Rev. Stephen Duesenberry, rector of St. Nikolai parish in Alliance, Ohio. 

The letter reads, “Given that Saint Nikolai Mission is fully self-supporting, sustaining a full cycle of services, and having a resident priest, by this letter Saint Nikolai Mission is now Saint Nikolai Church, a full parish of the Bulgarian Diocese.”

May God continue to bless Fr. Stephen, Popadia Sharon and all of the faithful of Saint Nikolai Church! Many Years!

TOLEDO, OH [BDOCA] – 2 JUNE 2026 - His Eminence Archbishop Alexander has appointed Rebekah Humphreys the new communications coordinator of the Bulgarian Diocese of Toledo, OCA. 

In a communique to Diocesan Clergy the Archbishop highlights the need for effective two-way communication and highlights the efforts of the Diocean Leadership in moving forward with new strategies. “Communication is perhaps the most important component of any organization - Churches and Dioceses are no exception”

Among the new communication strategies His Eminence announces the launch of a new periodic newsletter as well as the use of the digital communication platform “Our Diocese” an app for parishes, laity and clergy alike. He anticipates that Clergy, Monastics and the Faithful will come together to be a part of the process and work together in developing our Diocesan community.

The Archbishop finishes by saying, “If you were at our most recent Diocesan Conference, you saw some of the work Rebekah has already done for us, and the work she will be doing reflects an effort by Diocesan leadership to enhance the life of each parish as well as the ministry of each parish priest.”

​May your 78th year be blessed Vladyka!

​Our Archbishop and Father Alexander was in Athens to speak at the International Theological Symposium dedicated to Elder Aimilianos. Geronda Aimilianos (1934-2019) who served as abbot of Simonos Petras Monastery on Mount Athos from 1973 to 2000. He tonsured our Archbishop Alexander into the lesser schema. Achbishop Alexander refers to the Elder as his father in God. Geronda Aimilianos stands as a figure of considerable significance in twentieth- and early twenty-first-century Orthodox Christianity. His life was marked by sustained ascetic discipline, a profound commitment to prayer, and devoted spiritual fatherhood. His theological discourse—deeply rooted in doxology and oriented toward the life of the Triune God—offers a vision of hope and transformation that remains formative for both monastics and the laity. The current abbot of Simonopetra, Elder Elisaios, and the abbot of Vatopedi Monastery, Elder Ephraim, invited Archbishop Alexander to speak at this three-day symposium which began on May 8 and concluded on May 10. May 9 marks the 6th anniversary of the falling asleep in the Lord of Elder Aimilianos. You may see details of the symposium at the website. The talks have been archived. https://geronaimilianos.org/en/

​CHRIST IS RISEN!
​
On St. Thomas Sunday 19 April 2026, His Eminence Archbishop Alexander visited the parish of Saint Nikolai Orthodox Mission of Alliance, Ohio. Together with V. Rev.  Fr. Stephen Duesenberry Divine Liturgy was celebrated. This weekend also marked the occasion of breaking ground for the establishment of a new church building as well as burning the mortgage on the existing building. The parish also experienced the tonsuring of the new Reader Augustine. May it be blessed!