Saint Vladimir’s Seminary Alumnus Archpriest Alessandro Margheritino has been appointed chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA). On May 21, the Holy Synod of Bishops confirmed His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon’s nomination of Fr. Alessandro for the position.
Upon receiving the Chancellor’s Cross from the hand of His Beatitude at the temporary Chancery office in Springfield, VA, Fr. Alessandro offered remarks of thanksgiving.
“I am deeply aware that this role is not a position of prominence, but of service—service to the entire Church…. No one who steps into this office brings with them all the skills, experience, and insight it demands—and I certainly do not. But in humility, and with faith in our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ, I commit myself to working faithfully, diligently, and lovingly, always seeking what is in the best interests of the life of the Church, even when this may be uncomfortable and inconvenient. In its own peculiar but essential way, the ministry of church administration exists to enable and support the building up of the House of God—to clear the path, so to speak, for the Gospel to be proclaimed, the sacraments to be celebrated, and the faithful to receive care.” (Read Fr. Alessandro’s full remarks at OCA.org.)
Father Alessandro succeeds another St. Vladimir’s Seminary alumnus as OCA chancellor, Archpriest Alexander Rentel. Father Alexander served as chancellor from 2019 to 2024 and has since returned to the Seminary as full-time faculty, rector of the Three Hierarchs Chapel, and chief operations officer.
Father Alessandro brings both pastoral and administrative experience to the role, having served as secretary of the OCA for several years and as acting chancellor since January 1, 2025. Prior to taking on a full-time position at the OCA Chancery, he served as rector of St. Innocent Orthodox Church in Olmsted Falls, OH. Since relocating to Northern Virginia, he has served as rector of All Saints of America Orthodox Church in Alexandria, VA.
The Very Rev. Dr. Alessandro Margheritino earned both his Master of Divinity (’14) and Doctor of Ministry (’24) degrees at St. Vladimir’s Seminary. He is married to Matushka Anna Margheritino, who works as a graphic designer at the Seminary. They have two children.
May God grant them many years!
The photo and information for this article were adapted from OCA.org.
