On Sunday, December 20, 2020, the hierarchs of North America gathered together at the Metropolitan Residence Church of the Icon of Our Lady of the Sign for the celebration of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, during which Bishop-elect Nicholas (Wytish) was ordained to the episcopacy as Bishop of Edenborn, Vicar for the Archdiocese of North America & the Diaspora.
The consecration rites began on Friday, December 18, 2020, with the tonsure of Protopresbyter Michael Wytish into monastic vows receiving the name Nicholas. This was followed by the elevation to Archimandrite and the Rite of Nomination of a Bishop.
Prior to the Divine Liturgy, Bishop-elect Nicholas declared his professions of faith, which were then signed in the presence of the hierarchs and given to the Metropolitan.
At the time of the Trisagion, the open Gospel book was placed upon the head of the Bishop-elect as a reminder that he should rule his flock in the manner of Christ, bending lightly under the yoke of Christ and doing nothing contrary to his will. It is a sign that he has taken upon his shoulders the Church of Christ.
Joining Metropolitan Alexy in the consecration of the bishop was Archbishop Haralampos of Dallas and Texas. This was done in accordance with Canon 1 of the Canons of the Holy Apostles, “Let a bishop be ordained by two or three bishops.”
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Metropolitan Alexy presented the pastoral staff to Bishop Nicholas and offered heartfelt words of encouragement, and support to the new bishop.