In Greek, Axios literally means “worthy” (or more rightly “[he is] worthy”) and is always chanted/sung during the ordinations of a deacon, priest, bishop, and/or whenever clerical awards are bestowed. Historically, since it was the congregations’ role, and not the bishops, to elect worthy men to Holy Orders, this term was shouted by the people
as a unanimous affirmation and assent to the candidate’s character (i.e. “He is worthy to be a priest,” etc.).
When our new Metropolitan was elected this past Tuesday at the special All-American Council held in Parma, Ohio, Bishop Tikhon was presented to the body of delegates who immediately confirmed his election by responding boldly with, “Axios! Axios! Axios!”
