Within the boundaries of the Western American Diocese, there are several parishes and missions that worship according to the "Western Rite." See the full list with contact details HERE.

On Saturday, August 5th, 2023, on the Feast Day of Old Holy Virgin Cathedral in honor of the Icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” at 864 Fulton Street in San Francisco, CA, His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America ordained his longtime assistant Archdeacon Peter (Karakozoff) to the priesthood.

Peter Karakozoff was born in West Sacramento, CA, in 1976. From his youth Peter spent all his spare time in church and around clergy. He was tonsured a Reader at the Holy Myrrh-bearing Women Church in West Sacramento (OCA) as a teenager. And served as the choir conductor at Holy Ascension Church (Western American Diocese, ROCOR) in Sacramento from 1998-2003. It was during these years that Peter earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of California, Davis. In 2003 Reader Peter relocated to San Francisco, CA, and became the cell-attendant for His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill. Among his many responsibilities, Reader Peter was placed in charge of the operations of the Diocesan Chancellery, and assigned as a chanter on kliros during the daily Divine Services at Holy Virgin Cathedral on Geary Boulevard.

On Wednesday, July 12, 2023, the clergy and parishioners of Saint Peter and Paul Church in Santa Rosa, CA, celebrated their Patronal Feast Day.

His Grace THEODOSY Bishop of Seattle presided. Concelebrating with him were Father Rector, Archpriest Alexander Krassovsky, Archpriest Lawrence Margitich (Saint Seraphim of Sarov Church, Santa Rosa, CA, OCA), Protodeacon Anton Koval (Holy Virgin Cathedral, San Francisco) and Deacon Athanasius Ferguson.

On May 28, 2023,  the 7th Sunday after Pascha -  the Sunday of the 318 Holy Fathers of the 1st Ecumenical Council, Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary held commencement exercises at the conclusion of its 75th academic year. The day began with a Hierarchal Divine Liturgy celebrated by His Eminence, Metropolitan NICHOLAS of Eastern America and New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. His Grace Bishop Luke, seminary rector, was traveling abroad.

After the noon meal, a Moleben of Thanksgiving was served at 2pm, preceded by a procession led by Metropolitan Nicholas, Dean Nicolas Schidlovsky, Archpriest Peter Perekrestov (commencement speaker), members of the administration, the board of trustees,  faculty in residence, and the entire student body. The academic procession moved from the monastery building to the Cathedral. Metropolitan Nicholas and participating clergy offered a Moleben of Thanksgiving for the Seminary's successes, and in supplication for divine blessings on all those who help to perpetuate the institution. The responses during the Molebien were sung by the Holy Trinity Seminary choir, and at the conclusion, We Praise Thee, O Lord (Tebe Boga Xvhalim) composed by D. Bortniansky was sung by a mixed quintet.

On Sunday, February 19, 2023, His Eminence KIRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America elevated Priest Christopher Horsley to the dignity of Archpriest at Holy Virgin Cathedral in San Francisco, California.

Father Christopher was ordained to the diaconate in 1996 and to the priesthood in 2004. He served as a deacon and assistant priest at Holy Transfiguration Cathedral in Los Angeles, CA, from 1996 to 2015. From 2015 until 2020 Father served at Holy Protection Church in Holywood, CA. On September 18, 2020, Father Christopher opened a mission in Youngtown, AZ, named Christ the Savior Orthodox Church. The mission is very active with two Divine Liturgies served every Sunday.

Protodeacon Anton Koval has been assigned to Holy Virgin Cathedral in San Francisco, CA. He has come to the Western American Diocese from the Ukraine with his wife, Oksana, and daughter, Tatiana as refugees. Infant Mark was born here in mid-July.

First, Father Anton sent his family out of the Ukraine to safety. Then he himself braved hostile fire, and minefields, along the war's front to escape.

Please visit SFSobor.com/donate/Charity to help this new clergy family with housing and various items.

Source: Starosta’s Blog, Holy Virgin Cathedral

On Wednesday, August 2, 2023, His Eminence Kyrill Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America paid a pastoral visit to the Saint Elias Church in Diamond Springs, CA, on the parish Feast Day.

Concelebrating with His Eminence were the Father Rector, Archpriest James Steele, Archpriest Paul Volmensky (Holy Ascension Church, Sacramento, CA), Priest Philip Plowman (St. Elias Church), Priest Elijah Drake-Wu (All Saints of America Church of Lodi, California), and Deacon Steven Kennedy.

In his sermon, Archbishop Kyrill spoke of the Patron Saint of the community, the Holy Prophet of God Elias quoting from the General Epistle of Saint James: “Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months” (5:17) “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins” (19-20).

On Tuesday, August 1, 2023, the clergy and faithful of Saint Seraphim of Sarov Church in Seaside, CA, celebrated their Patronal Feast Day. Joining them were His Grace JAMES Bishop of Sonora, who presided over the festivities, and several pilgrims from local parishes.

See the photo album of the Divine Liturgy and cross procession.

On July 22, 2023, His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America presided over the patronal feast of the Kazan Church in Guerneville, CA.

Concelebrating with His Eminence were His Grace THEODOSY Bishop of Seattle, Archpriest Paul Volmensky (Holy Ascension Church, Sacramento, CA), Archpriest Mikhail Vladimirov (Kazan Church, San Francisco, CA), and Priest Andrew Gliga (St. Herman of Alaska Church, Sunnyvale, CA), Deacons Nicholas Sharkov and Paul Kozachenko.

The church was filled to overflowing. After the cross procession, an al fresco meal was prepared and shared by several parish communities of the Diocese.

On Sunday, July 16, His Grace THEODOSY Bishop of Seattle presided over the celebration of the Patronal Feast of the Church of the Holy Royal Martyrs of Russia in Sparks, Nevada.

Concelebrating with His Grace were the rector of the church, Archpriest Andrei Kudryavtsev, Preist Aurelius Zmeu (Holy Resurrection Church, North Highlands, California, Romanian OCA), and Priest John Logero (Church of St. Andrew the First-Called, Western American Diocese, Carson City).

On Saturday July 1st, 2023, faithful of all jurisdictions of the Orthodox Church in North America, and even from abroad, gathered to celebrate the memory of a great Saint of our time, Holy Hierarch John of Shanghai and San Francisco the Wonderworker. The annual commemoration took place at Holy Virgin Cathedral where the honorable and wonderworking relics of Saint John repose.

His Grace THEODOSY Bishop of Seattle, the first auxiliary bishop of the Western American Diocese, presided over the celebration. His Grace JAMES Bishop of Sonora, the second auxiliary bishop, and a multitude of priests and deacons concelebrated with him.

Nikita Buick, Church Warden of Holy Virgin Cathedral, reported several informative details...

On Sunday, June 18, 2023, His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America paid a pastoral visit to All Saints of Russia Orthodox Church in Denver, CO.

During the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence ordained Oleg Varavko to the diaconate. See the photo gallery below.

The first Arizona Icon Writing Workshop, sponsored by All Saints Of North America and Christ the Savior Churches is complete. Running from June 12-17, 2023, the week-long Iconology Workshop was led by Tatiania and Dimitry Berestova of the Prosopon School of Iconology, and featured 12 students, lay and clergy, including two advanced students who have studied under the Prosopon School previously.

On Saturday, May 27, 2023, His Grace THEODOSY Bishop of Seattle ordained to the diaconate monk Nicodemus, a member of the Monastery of the All-Merciful Saviour, on Vashon Island, Washington.

Then on Sunday, May 28, His Eminence KIRILL, Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America, ordained Hierodeacon Nicodemus to the priesthood. Both ordinations took place at Holy Virgin Cathedral in San Francisco, CA.

Hieromonk Nicodemus is assigned to serve at All-Merciful Saviour Monastery. Axios!

On May 29, 2023, members of the Western American Diocese, both clergy and laity, undertook the annual pilgrimage to Fort Ross. Today it is a wonderful park under the auspices of the State of California, yet two hundred years ago, life there was in full swing with several hundred people from soldiers, to artisans, to farmers, to indigenous people both from Alaska and locals (Kashaya-Pomo Indians). The park also preserves an Orthodox cemetery. In the 1990s, archaeologists carried out excavations and identified the graves of the departed who labored at the fort in bygone years.

Now for about a hundred years (circa 1922 or 1923), Russian Orthodox Christians have been coming to Fort Ross annually, remembering their roots and praying at this holy place consecrated by the presence of Saints such as Holy Hierarch Innocent of Moscow, Holy Martyr Peter the Aleut, Hieromartyr Tikhon Patriarch of Moscow and Holy Hierarch John of Shanghai and San Francisco the Wonderworker.

Archpriest Peter Perekrestov, Dean of Holy Virgin Cathedral in San Francisco and Secretary of the Diocesan Council of the Western American Diocese made a spring pilgrimage to Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY. He participated in the celebrations of the great feast of Mid-Pentecost, May 10th of this year. Below is a photo report of the Feast.

On the occasion of its 90th Anniversary the youth of Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Seattle, Washington, created the following film.

On Tuesday, 16 May 2023, the feast day of St Theodosius of the Kievan Caves, and the anniversary of the repose of Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral), His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, having prayed at the monastic midnight office at Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY, officiated at early Divine Liturgy in the monastery’s Cathedral. A special commemoration was made for Metropolitan Hilarion during the service.

After a memorial trapeza luncheon held at noon, His Eminence performed a pannikhida service at the grave of the sixth Primate of the Russian Church Abroad at the monastic cemetery.

On the Feast of the Annunciation, George Fokin was ordained to the diaconate, and shortly thereafter on the Feast of the Entry of Our Lord into Jerusalem, he was ordained to the holy priesthood.

Priest George is attached to the Holy Virgin Cathedral. 

With the blessing of His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America and under the Protection of the Wonderworking Myrrh-streaming “Iveron-Hawaiian” Icon of the Mother of God the clergy of the Western American Diocese held a pastors’ retreat at Saint Paisius Monastery in Safford, Arizona, from March 13-15, 2023.

The registrants of bishops, priests, and deacons numbered a record 43 indicating that the retreat had been met with great enthusiasm by the clergy of our Diocese — in part because such a gathering had not been held since the fall of 2019, and partially due to the fact that the venue was being held at Saint Paisius Monastery situated in the high Sonoran Desert at the base of Mount Graham. Of course, the presence of our Lady the Most Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary through Her miraculous myrrh-streaming “Iveron-Hawaiian” Icon was seen as an immeasurable consolation as well...

A leaflet on the Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian was prepared by Andre Kusubov, a parishioner of the Holy Virgin Cathedral in San Francisco..

At the beginning of Great Lent, the head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufry of Kiev & All Ukraine, called upon and blessed the faithful to fulfill a special rule of prayer for peace. The rule is as follows: throughout the fast read the 45th and 90th Psalms, do 12 full prostrations, and read the Lord’s Prayer daily, for peace in the Ukrainian Land. With the blessing of Archbishop Kyrill we are posting the text of this “Rule for Peace” for the members of the Western American Diocese and website visitors.

to the Archpastors, Pastors, Deacons,
Monastics and All the Faithful Children
of the Russian Orthodox Church

Beloved in the Lord archpastors, all-honourable
presbyters and deacons, God-loving monks
and nuns, dear brothers and sisters,

Today, as the Heavenly and earthly Church in conciliar unity glorifies God Incarnate, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all of you on the great and radiant feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

The XVI Annual Saint Herman’s West Youth Conference was held from December 26-30, 2022. Being supported by several diocesan clergymen and many youth counselors, the conference hosted just under 50 youth of the Western American Diocese at Christ the Savior Orthodox Church in Youngtown, Arizona.

The conference met its aims by providing educational and social opportunities for our diocesan youth. Lectures, panel discussions, workshops, and exposure to a broader range of clergy and peers heighten an Orthodox formation in our youth and provide them with a much-needed authentic, spiritual context, as their young and fresh minds are forming opinions, coming to conclusions, and establishing convictions about the path they will take in life.

With the blessing of His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America, diocesan clergy gathered around His Grace JAMES Bishop of Sonora, who presided over the conference.

Two holy icons graced the occasion:

Eminent Fellow Archpastors, Honorable Fathers, Beloved Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

Greetings with the Nativity of Christ!

In these days of great joy, the thoughts of the archpastors, pastors, monastics, parishioners, and faithful of the churches and monasteries of our dioceses, scattered like God’s wheat over the vast earth, meet in the meek Bethlehem cave, in the semi-darkness in which was lit the unquenchable Light of the world — our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God! Spiritually gathering with all of you in the modest cave near Bethlehem, and kneeling down before the poor manger of the Divine Infant and His Most Pure Mother, I join my prayers to yours and implore God the Word incarnate to grant His Church grace-filled mercies and blessed success in Her ministry, and to all Orthodox peoples speedy deliverance from fratricidal war, restoration of justice and peace, that peace of which the angelic choir sang over the city of David on that holy night of the Nativity!

As the Biblical book, “The Wisdom of Sirach” narrates:

On Monday December 19th, 2022, on its Patronal Feast Day of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, the northernmost parish of the Western American Diocese, Saint Nicholas Cathedral, celebrated its 90th anniversary. The parish members which built the seven-domed cathedral in the Capital Hill area of Seattle, Washington, received the blessing for its founding in 1932 from Archbishop Tikhon, who was at that time the ruling bishop of the San Francisco and Western American Diocese.  The founding fathers of the parish, many of whom were former officers in the Royal Imperial Navy of the Russian Empire, had a profound reverence for the last Tsar, the Holy Passion-bearer Tsar-Martyr Nicholas II, and they chose to dedicate the parish to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker – the Patron Saint of the Tsar-Martyr.  The cathedral is one of the first churches in history to be designated as a memorial to Tsar Nicholas and his family.

The festal services were exceptional due to the presence of the ruling hierarch of the Diocese, His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America, and his auxiliary bishop of the Northern Deanery, His Grace Bishop THEODOSY of Seattle, who were accompanied by...

On Tuesday, 13 September, 2022, the members of the Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, led by His Eminence Metropolitan Mark of Berlin and Germany, celebrated Divine Liturgy at the Synodal Cathedral of Our Lady “of the Sign” in New York City. At the end of divine services, the archpastors performed a moleben for the opening of the Council, invoking the Holy Spirit to help in their work.

Attending the Council of Bishops were Metropolitan Mark; His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill of Western America and New York; His Eminence Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal and Canada; His Eminence Archbishop Peter of Chicago and Mid-America; His Grace Bishop John of Caracas and South America; His Grace Bishop Irenei of London and Western Europe; His Grace Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan; His Grace Bishop Theodosius of Seattle; His Grace Bishop Luke of Syracuse; His Grace Bishop Alexander of Vevey and His Grace Bishop Job of Stuttgart. His Grace Bishop George of Canberra participated electronically.

To the Pastors, Monastics and the Pious Children of the Church Abroad

Beloved brethren and sisters!

We, the Hierarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, having assembled together in Sacred Council on the eve of the Ecclesiastical New Year in the Synodal Residence in the God-protected city of New York, in the presence of our Hodegetria and guide, the wonderworking Kursk-root icon of the Mother of God, greet you with the words of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, which He spoke unto His disciples after His Resurrection: ‘Be of good cheer: I have overcome the world!’ (John 16.33).

We are of good cheer, because we are witnesses to the Lord’s great mercy unto His children and the continuity of His headship of the Church. Having seen fit to call unto Himself our pious and humble First Hierarch, the blessedly-reposed and much-beloved Metropolitan Hilarion, He has not left us bereft of order and care. We began our Council with the election of Metropolitan Hilarion’s successor, the seventh Primate of the Russian Church Abroad, following the order of election approved and sanctified by St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco. By the Will of God, His Grace Nicholas, Bishop of Manhattan, was elected to bear this yoke of service - he who for many years has borne the obedience lain upon him by our Synod of accompanying the miraculous Kursk-root icon in its travels throughout the Russian Orthodox Diaspora, and over the last one and a half decades, all across Russia.

On Tuesday, 13 September, 2022, the member hierarchs of the Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Mark of Berlin and Germany, celebrated Divine Liturgy at the Synodal Cathedral of Our Lady “of the Sign” in New York City. Afterwards, the bishops performed a moleben for the opening of a Council of Bishops, invoking the aid of the Holy Spirit for their work.

After a luncheon in the main hall of the Synodal residence, the Council began. Vladyka Mark delivered the keynote address, after which His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco and Western America was elected Vice President, and elected as Council Secretaries were His Grace Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan, His Grace Bishop Theodosius of Seattle and His Grace Bishop Job of Stuttgart. Appointed as members of the election Counting Committee were His Grace Bishop Irenei of London and Western Europe and His Grace Bishop Luke of Syracuse.

The hierarchs then proceeded to the Synodal Cathedral for the election of a new First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia...

On Tuesday, 13 September, 2022, the election of the new Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia by its Council of Bishops took place. In accordance with the Act of Canonical Communion, signed on 17 May, 2007, the Council will send the Act of the election, drafted by the counting committee to His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia with a request to bless the electee to assume the duties of the First Hierarch entrusted to him by his brethren archpastors, and for confirmation of the election by the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church.

The rite of enthronement of His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York, newly-elected First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, will take place on Sunday, 18 September.

The schedule of divine services associated with the enthronement is as follows:

The miraculous myrrh-streaming Iveron-Hawaiian Icon of the Mother of God visited parishes in the San Francisco Bay Area from the 9th to the 12th of July, 2022.

On Saturday, July 9th, the holy Icon, in the company of its guardian Deacon Nectarios Yangson, visited the Saint John of Kronstadt Health Care Center in Castro Valley at 3:00 pm. They were met by Archpriest Stefan Pavlenko who led them to all the rooms of patients who are Orthodox and they were anointed. Soon after that, the holy Icon visited the Old Holy Virgin Cathedral in San Francisco, CA. His Grace Bishop James of Sonora greeted at the icon at 5:00 pm and the All-night Vigil to the Resurrection of Christ was celebrated.

On Sunday, July 10th the myrrh-streaming Icon visited the Holy Resurrection Church (Romanian Episcopate, OCA) in Hayward, CA, for the Divine Liturgy. The Rector of the church, Father Octavian Mahler, presided over the Divine Liturgy. Later that day the Iveron-Hawaiian Icon traveled to Sacramento, CA, and was present at an Unction service held at the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel Church (Romanian Episcopate, OCA) on Raley Boulevard, CA. The parish offered hospitality to the clergy and parishioners in the parish hall after the Divine Service.

On the Feast of the Holy, Glorious All-praised and Foremost Apostles Peter and Paul, Monday, July 11, and on Tuesday, July 12,...

On July 2, 2022, the funeral service for Archpriest Alexei Poliakov took place at the Holy Transfiguration Cathedral in Los Angeles, CA. The parishioners of two parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia – where Fr. Alexei served on a permanent basis in the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Savior since 1999, and also in the Church of the Protection of the Mother of God on a temporary basis for a year –– merged into a single prayer and love for their good shepherd, whose sudden departure was echoed by deep sorrow in the hearts of the parishioners of both parishes.

On Sunday, July 3, 2022, Father Deacon Sebastian Craffey was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America at the Holy Virgin Cathedral in San Francisco, CA. Father Sebastian will be assigned to Holy Archangels Orthodox Church in Phoenix, AZ, which is under the rectorship of Priest John McCuen. Father Sebastian was ordained to the diaconate at Holy Virgin Cathedral on November 6th, 2021, and has served at Holy Archangels in Phoenix since that time, and joins a growing number of clergy serving the Orthodox churches in Arizona.

On Friday, June 24, on the day of the celebration Icon of the Mother of God "It is Truly Meet,” at the age of 63, Archpriest Alexei Poliakov, a cleric of the Holy Transfiguration Cathedral in Los Angeles, CA, reposed in the Lord. Father Alexei reposed unexpectedly in the presence of his beloved family,  Matushka Marina, and their children.

Father Alexei Petrovich Polyakov was born on February 5, 1959, in a priest's family. His father, Archpriest Peter Poliakov, served for more than 50 years in the Moscow Diocese and served as a Rector of several consecutive parishes in both the rural and suburban regions around Moscow.

On July 2, 2022, the great feast of Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco the Wonderworker, His Grace Nicholai Bishop of Manhattan and Deputy Secretary of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, on behalf of the Synod of Bishops, awarded His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America with the Order of the Kursk-Root Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, First Degree. This highest award of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia was bestowed upon His Eminence for his thirty years of service in the office of the Episcopacy (June 7th, 1992) and for his forty years in the office of the priesthood.

On Saturday, July 2, 2022, a multitude of clergy and laity gathered together at Holy Virgin Cathedral in San Francisco, CA, to celebrate the memory of our Father among the Saints John Archbishop of Shanghai and San Francisco the Wonderworker.

“Love never fails” (I Cor. 13:8), nor does Saint John the Wonderworker who incarnated love, who converted the self-love of our fallen nature into Divine love for God and man. Following in the footsteps of all the Saints, he crucified his “flesh with the passions and the lusts thereof” (Gal. 5:24), denying himself, taking up his cross, and following Christ. The great number of people who joyously came to the Feast Day to venerate Saint John’s honorable relics in the cathedral and glorify his holy memory are filled with grace, as the Saints never die. What they give in Christ to their neighbors while alive on earth, they continue to share in abundance from beyond the grave. All who were present sensed this, experience Saint John’s love, and are not left bereft of consolation. How many problems are resolved, and how many sorrows are forgotten through the intercessions of Saint John and his love for all people.

This year, after two difficult years of abiding by quarantine restrictions,...

On Thursday, 30 June 2022, a remote meeting of the Synod of Bishops of the Russia Orthodox Church Outside of Russia was held, presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Mark of Berlin and Germany. Participating in the meeting were His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco and Western America, Secretary of the Synod of Bishops; His Eminence Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal and Canada; His Eminence Archbishop Peter of Chicago and Mid-America; His Grace Bishop Irenei of London and Western Europe and His Grace Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan, Deputy Secretary of the Synod of Bishops.

The bishops heard a report by Bishop Irenei, Secretary of the Synodal Inter-Orthodox Relations Department, on recent developments; Archimandrite Roman (Krassovsky), Chief of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem on affairs in the Holy Land.

Dear in the Lord Matushka Marina Alexandrovna!

Accept our deep condolences for the sudden repose of your spouse, Father Alexei. As the Holy Fathers say, with the repose of those close to us, we together with them, bury a part of our soul. For the widow and children, it is a tremendous loss. In such sorrowful moments, we are always looking for consolation in the words of the Holy Scriptures: “I am the Resurrection and the Life; He who believes in Me, if he dies, will live” (John 11:25). And in another place: “Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. For He is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him” (Luke 36-38).

On Friday July 1, 2022, clergy and faithful honored the memory of Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco the Wonderworker at Holy Virgin Cathedral in San Francisco, CA, by participating the vigil before his honorable and miraculous relics.

His Eminence Kyrill Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America was formally greeted at 6:00 pm before the start of the vigil. Concelebrating with him were His Grace Theodosy Bishop of Seattle and His Grace Nicholai Bishop of Manhattan along with many priests and deacons.

On Thursday, June 30th, 2022, on the eve of St. John’s Day, the annual Akathist to Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco the Wonderworker was sung before his honorable and miraculous relics in the Diocesan Cathedral dedicated to the Icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow.”

Immediately following the daily vespers and matins Services Saint John’s relics were translated from his shrine to the center of the cathedral. This year Archpriest Peter Perekrestov, the Dean of the Cathedral, Hieromonk Sofronie of the Dervent Monastery in Romania, and Priest George Kaplanov served the Akathist.

On June 29th, 2022, His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America received at Holy Virgin Cathedral His Eminence JOSEPH Metropolitan of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America along with a group of pilgrims, both clergy and laity, that came to honor the memory of the Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco the Wonderworker, venerate his honorable relics and ask for his intercessions.

Vespers was held by a guest archpriest and two choirs chanted, one consisting of clergy on kliros and another of the laity from the body of the church.

At the end of vespers, Archbishop Kyrill welcomed Metropolitan Joseph to the cathedral...

On Friday, June 24th, 2022, the monastic communities and parishes of the Western American Diocese served a panykhida for newly-departed Metropolitan Hilarion who governed the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia from 2008-2022. Memory Eternal to our beloved Frist-Hierarch.

On Sunday June 26th, 2022, on the Day of Commemoration of All the Saints that have shown forth in the Russian Land, All Russian Saints Church, it’s clergy and faithful, in Burlingame, CA, celebrated their Patronal Feast Day.

The Divine Liturgy was presided over by His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America. Substituting for the Father Rector, Archpriest Stefan Pavlenko, was Archpriest Peter Perekrestov, Dean of Holy Virgin Cathedral in San Francisco, CA. Also, concelebrating were Archdeacon Peter (Karakozoff) and Deacon Alexei Baranoff.

A Long-time cleric of the Holy Transfiguration Cathedral on Los Angeles, Archpriest Alexei Poliakov, reposed in the Lord in the early hours of the morning yesterday the 11/24 of June, 2022.

Yesterday evening a panykhida was performed in Father Alexei’s name...

On Memorial Day, May 30th, 2022, clergy and faithful of the Western American Diocese took the annual trek to Fort Ross Historic Park to participate in the Divine Liturgy, procession to the cemetery and a litya for those departed who are buried at Fort Ross, who lived, labored and reposed at there about 200 years ago.

His Grace Theodosy Bishop of Seattle presided over the festivities. Concelebrating with him were Archpriests Peter Perekrestov, George Kurtow, Paul Volmensky, Alexander Krassovsky, Priest George Kaplanov and Deacons Nicholas Stoltz, Paul Kozachenko and Alex Baranoff. The choir was conducted by Konstantine Pavlov and its members consisted of the pilgrims of the diocese.

His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill greeted...

His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia congratulated His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco and Western America of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia on the 30th anniversary of his episcopal consecration:

To His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill
of San Francisco and Western America

Your Eminence:

I send heartfelt greetings on this important day, the 30th anniversary of your episcopal consecration...

On May 22, the 5th Sunday of Holy Pascha, the commemoration of the meeting of the Lord with the Samaritan Woman, and then the Holy Church honors the memory of the Holy Hierarch and Wonderworker Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, the burial of the newly departed First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America & New York, was held at Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY.

The evening prior, the coffin containing the Metropolitan’s body was brought to Holy Trinity Monastery, where on May 22 Metropolitan Mark of Berlin & Germany celebrated Divine Liturgy. Concelebrated with His Eminence were: Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada, Archbishop Peter of Chicago & Mid-America, Archbishop Irenee of Ottawa (OCA), Bishop Irenei of London & Western Europe, Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan, Bishop Luke of Syracuse, Bishop Gedeon of Makarovka (vicar of the Kiev Metropolitanate UOC), and Bishop Jerome (Shaw), as well as a multitude of clergy from various dioceses of the Russian Church Abroad...

On Monday, 23 May, 2022, a meeting of the Synod of Bishops of the Russia Orthodox Church Outside of Russia was held, presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Mark of Berlin and Germany. Participating in the meeting were His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco and Western America, Secretary of the Synod of Bishops; His Eminence Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal and Canada; His Eminence Archbishop Peter of Chicago and Mid-America; His Grace Bishop Irenei of London and Western Europe and His Grace Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan, Deputy Secretary of the Synod of Bishops.

A series of decisions were taken during the meeting:

On Saturday, May 21, the feast of the Holy Apostle & Evangelist John the Theologian, the monastic funeral of the newly reposed First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad ‒ His Eminence Hilarion, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York ‒ was held in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

Metropolitan Mark of Berlin & Germany officiated the service, co-served by members of the Synod of Bishops: Archbishops Kyrill of San Francisco & Western America, Gabriel of Montreal & Canada, and Peter of Chicago & Mid-America; and Bishops Nicholas of Manhattan and Irenei of London & Western Europe. Also taking part in the funeral rite were hierarchs of other Local Churches: Metropolitan Joseph of New York (Antiochian Archdiocese of North America; funeral only), Archbishop Michel of New York & New Jersey (Orthodox Church in America; Liturgy only), and Bishop Gedeon of Makarovka (vicar of the Kievan Metropolitanate, with the blessing of Metropolitan Onufry), as well as a multitude of clergy of the Russian Church Abroad and guests.

On Tuesday, 4/17 May, 2022, the 15th anniversary of the restoration of the fullness of Church unity within the Russian Orthodox Church, and the eve of the anniversary of the enthronement of His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, a session of the Synod of Bishops of ROCOR was held, presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Mark of Berlin and Germany.

The members of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Church Abroad announced with great sorrow that on 3/16 May, the feast day of St Theodosius, Abbot of the Kiev Caves, Metropolitan Hilarion reposed in the Lord.

In connection with this, it was DECREED:

Today, May 16, 2022, the feast day of St Theodosius of the Kievan Caves, at two o’clock New York time, following a lengthy illness, His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, reposed in the Lord, in a NYC hospital.

His Grace Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan, Vicar of the Eastern American Diocese, performed the “Canon of Supplication at the Parting of the Soul.” His Grace was joined by Archpriest Serafim Gan and Hierodeacon Panteleimon (Jigalin). A pannikhida will be performed at the Synodal Cathedral of Our Lady “of the Sign” in New York at 7:30 pm tonight.

Further information will be provided shortly.

May God grant the Kingdom of Heaven to our Master and Father, the Eminent Metropolitan Hilarion!

SOURCE

On the Feast of the Entry of the Lord into the Temple, Sunday 3/16, 2022, His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America made a pastoral visit to the New Russian Martyrs Church in Mulino, Oregon.

During the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence ordained Deacon Boris Levashev to the dignity of the priesthood. Father Boris has already been a parishioner of the parish for 10 years, and has been preparing for the priesthood...

PASCHAL EPISTLE

of His Eminence HILARION
Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York,
First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

Eminent Brother Archpastors, Honorable Fathers, Dear Brothers and Sisters:

CHRIST IS RISEN!

With a sense of jubilation in the Lord, the Victor over evil, hell and death, I greet you all on this luminous night of the Matins and Liturgy of the Pascha of Christ, this “feast of faith” which the great Chrysostom exhorts us to relish! Congratulations with the Bright Resurrection of Christ!

The Reverend Father Deacon George Kalousek reposed in the Lord on the great feast of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos, March 25/April 7, 2022. 

George Kalousek was born on July 11, 1937, in Shanghai China where as a child he attended the Shanghai British School.  At the age of 12, he moved to Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, where he later earned his medical degree at the University of Brasil. 

In 1962 he came to the United States to complete his medical training at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago.

On the major feast of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos, March 25/April 7, 2022, His Eminence Kyrill, Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America made a pastoral visit to All Russian Saints Church of Burlingame, CA. Presiding over the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence was assisted by Archpriest Stefan Pavlenko (Rector), the Archpriests Andrei Sommer and Alex Kotar, Archdeacon Peter (Karakozoff) and several acolytes. 

On the Fourth Sunday of Great Lent, March 21/April 3, 2022, His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America made a pastoral visit to Holy Ascension Russian Orthodox Church of Sacramento, CA. 

On the Third Sunday of Great Lent, the Sunday of the Precious Cross, March 14/27, 2022, Archpriest George Kurtow, Rector of Saint Seraphim of Sarov Church in Seaside, CA, was elevated to the dignity of mitered archpriest in recognition of 41 years of service to Mother Church as a presbyter...

Dear in the Lord Fathers, Brothers and Sisters:

During these terrifying days when streams of blood merge with the flow of deceit and wickedness, we Christians cannot allow ourselves to submit to the spirit of war. The spirit of war is demanding. It requires us to divide into parties. It forces us to hate.

We Christians must understand: the wrath with which war burns is the wrath of hell. The enemy of God drinks in not so much human blood as human bitterness and division. The devil wants nothing more than to separate man from his neighbor, from the Church and from Christ...

With the start of Great Lent, the divine services with the reading of the Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete were held in the Church of the Iveron Icon in Kailua, Hawaii (Western American Diocese). From Monday the 7th, until Thursday the 10th of March, the divine services were served in English and Slavonic by the parish Rector Priest Athanasius Kone and Archpriest Anatole V. Lyovin (Pastor Emeritus).

Rumors surfaced this week of the discontinuance of commemoration of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia in some parishes of the Russian Church Abroad, allegedly blessed by the Synod of Bishops. This report absolutely does not correspond to reality: the Synod of Bishops did not convene to discuss this matter and has made no such decision. In accordance with the Act of Canonical Communion signed by His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II and His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus in 2007, the name of the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church is commemorated in all parishes and monasteries of the Russian Church Abroad. These parishes and monasteries minister to a multitude of Orthodox Christian believers from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Georgia, Kazakhstan and other countries...

On the First Sunday of Great Lent, March 13, 2022, the Sunday of the Triumph of Orthodoxy, His Eminence KYRILL, Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America, presided over the Divine Liturgy and the “Rite of Orthodoxy” at the Diocesan Cathedral in honor of the Icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” in San Francisco.

Concelebrating with His Eminence were Their Graces THEODOSY, Bishop of Seattle and JAMES, Bishop of Sonora,...

Today the eyes of many of us are affixed to varying sources of information, and our hearts, numb and in bitter distress, behold the events presently unfolding in the God-preserved land of Ukraine. Seeing everything that is taking place, we instinctively call to mind the words of our Saviour, “of wars and rumors of wars,” and His warning: “see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet” (Matthew 24:6). These words of the Son of God before His suffering on the Cross have resounded in our churches for many years, but it seemed to us that they were describing events from the distant past or some future beyond our reach. Today, however, we see that they are bearing their witness to each of us.

In these sorrowful days, it is impossible to disregard a mother’s tears, the wives and children that have lost their homes, or our family and friends who are caught up in this fratricidal war...

Dear in the Lord Brothers and Sisters:

As we approach Great Lent, this salvific time of profound prayer and self-correction, and in connection with the events in the Ukrainian land, I turn to all with a heartfelt plea: to refrain from excessive watching television, following newspapers and the internet, to close our hearts to the passions ignited by mass media, while doubling our fervent prayers for peace throughout the world, for overcoming enmity and discord, for help for the suffering, for the repose of those who have departed into the eternal life and the consolation of their friends and relatives, so that we all first and foremost remain humane and Orthodox Christians in these difficult times...

His Eminence Kyrill Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America marked his Names Day on Sunday February 27, 2022, having been tonsured into monasticism in honor of Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Kyrill Teacher of the Slavs (celebrated February 14/27), at the Protection of the Holy Virgin Church in Hollywood, CA. Archbishop Kyrill was tonsured a monk at the Judgement Gates in the Holy City of Jerusalem in 1981.

His Eminence spent his Names Day presiding over the Divine Liturgy, ...

Homily Given at the Funeral of Fr. Ioan Comanescu
By the Right Rev. Bishop James of Sonora
At the Holy Virgin Cathedral  -  San Francisco, California
January 22, 2022

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

“My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.” (Ps. 119: 139). These words of the Prophet and King David in Psalm 119 capture the essence of...

On the 40th Day from the Repose of Archpriest Ioan Comanescu a biography written by one of his children is published here:

His Eminence KIRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America has published Decree No. 4/2022E throughout the Diocese for the end to conflict in Ukraine. The original may be found here.

In addition to the “Prayer for Ukraine,” which is inserted by the Priests of the Diocese into the appointed place in the Divine Liturgy, we urge all the faithful to pray for peace amongst those in conflict. The following are prayers blessed for this purpose.

His Eminence KIRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America has published Decree No. 4/2022E throughout the Diocese for the end to conflict in Ukraine. The original may be found here.

In addition to the “Prayer for Ukraine,” which is inserted by the Priests of the Diocese into the appointed place in the Divine Liturgy, we urge all the faithful to pray for peace amongst those in conflict. The following are prayers blessed for this purpose.

At approximately 3:00 am on the Great Feast of Theophany, a longtime member of the Western American Diocese and cleric, Archpriest Ioan Comanescu, reposed in the Lord.

Father Ioan is survived by his widow, Matushka Efthemia, and their four sons.

He was ordained to the deaconate for the Western American Diocese at Holy Virgin Cathedral in 2001...

Christmas Message by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia to the archpastors, pastors, deacons, monastics and all the faithful children of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Beloved in the Lord archpastors, all-honourable presbyters and deacons, God-loving monks and nuns, dear brothers and sisters, 

I extend my cordial greetings to all of you on the great Feast of the Nativity of Christ.

On this radiant night the whole creation rejoices,...

Nativity Epistle of His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America may be read HERE. 

With profound gladness I greet my fellow archpastors, honourable fathers, monastics, parishioners and the worshipers of our churches, scattered throughout the world, with the Nativity of Christ, the Baptism of the Lord and the New Year! May the Lord send us all the joy of the coming of the Son of God into the world. Both the struggle of our faith, and its fruits in our days, must be grounded in this joy: the joy that comes from hearing the angelic doxology and the triumph of the Incarnation of God the Word!

This past year was difficult and sorrowful for many of us, but it was also filled with divers blessings and gifts for which we must offer up our gratitude to our Benefactor. We have reached this festal season because Divine Providence did not abandon us. If we have been able to carry forth to this time the duties lain upon us, it is solely because the Lord Himself has granted us health, power, nourishment and clothing, and has poured out upon us His help, and the gift of patience for the unfolding of our life’s path. In addition to this, how many blessed gifts have been communicated to us in the holy sacraments, in the fast, and in the prayer and mystical life of the Church!

Christmastide always evokes feelings of love and gratitude in the believing heart. Let us also raise up in these days our own gratitude to God, let us bring our love to Him and to our neighbours, and let us convey our own Nativity gift to the temple, in which we are honoured with the wondrous, personal encounter with Christ and saving communion with Him. Let us open our hearts, dear fathers, brothers and sisters; let us receive the Son of God Who has come to earth; and let us worship Him together with the magi, rejoicing in His love and mercy towards us. Amen.

With love in the New-Born Christ,

+HILARION
Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York
First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad

The Nativity of Christ, 2021/2022

Source

On December 7, 2021 in the city of Kiev, the mother of Russian cities, a new church was consecrated in the Holy Dormition Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, The church is dedicated to the Venerable Monk Agapite of Pechersk, who is considered the first doctor of Kievan Rus.

Not arbitrarily does the Orthodox Church pray for deliverance from deadly pandemics (epidemics) and fatal ulcers in each Divine Liturgy, calling on the holy healers, including the Venerable Agapite. Through his prayers the sick were healed.  He also gave them herbs to take that he cooked as food for himself and because of the herbs they began to call him doctor. He treated the brethren of the monastery, ordinary laymen and even Prince Vladimir Monomakh himself expecting nothing in return. The venerable one was an image of humility, of unshakable  faith, and he turned many to Christ. And now we, too, have the audacity to ask that through the prayers of the Venerable Agapite, “the Lord heal us in body and spirit and help us live our lives so that we will be the children of eternal salvation” (in the words of His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphrius).

In preparation for the 70th anniversary of the Church of All Russian Saints founding next year, the Burlingame CA parish successfully completed the renovation of church cupolas. The painting and gilding of five church cupolas were performed in less than 2 months. This was an expensive project encompassing scaffolding, painting the four blue cupolas, the cost of the double-weight 24k gold leaf, and the laborious work of applying 36,000 sheets of gold leaf to the cupolas and to the 132 stars on the blue cupolas.

The XV Annual Saint Herman’s West Youth Conference of the Western American Diocese was held at St. George Russian Orthodox Church in West Jordan, Utah, from December 27 to 31, 2021.

The Chairman of the Youth Department of the Western American Diocese, Archpriest Michael van Opstall, along with a committee of youth counselors and the parishioners (particularly the Sisterhood) of Saint George Orthodox Church, of which Father Michael is the Rector, organized the first in-person youth conference of the Diocese since the Covid quarantine restrictions of March 2020.

Over 50 youth participated in the conference representing a broad area of our Diocese. His Grace JAMES Bishop of Sonora presided over...

On Sunday, December 19, 2021, the Parish Choir of the Church of All Russian Saints in Burlingame presented a concert of Masterpieces of the Moscow School. Our program featured some of the most famous and beloved works by some of the most famous composers who were teachers and students at the Synodal School in Moscow in the early 1900s.  Although not originally planned, the conclusion of our concert included a brief service of the blessing of newly re-gilded crosses on the four lesser domes (cupola) of our church. 

It’s always better to be prepared to handle unexpected situations rather than being caught off guard.  We should all have daily supplies of needed amounts of food and medication to cover us for extended periods of time in case it becomes impossible to go to stores or pharmacies. This is not to recommend hoarding, but to be conscious of our surroundings and developing trends.

We have all suffered the effects of COVID restrictions and related complications, so I won't go into details since we are all sadly aware of them.  Along with material concerns, we also have spiritual and religious responsibilities to ourselves, our immediate families, our loved ones, and neighbors. 

During the long period of time when our church and other parish communities were closed down or severely restricted, many people got used to watching LIVESTREAM SERVICES. 

On Saturday September 18th  the miraculous myrrh-streaming Icon of the Mother of God “Softener of Stony Hearts” arrived from Moscow, Russia, with its guardian, Sergei Fomin, for the purpose of making a brief visit to the Western American Diocese. Upon arrival the wonderworking image was...

The greeting of the miraculous Icon, which is coming from Moscow, will be at 5:00pm on Saturday, September 18th, at the Holy Virgin Cathedral in San Francisco. This Icon began myrrh streaming in 1999.  The Icon was present when Patriarch Kyrill of Russia was selected in 2009.  There are several churches built to honor this Icon in Russia. Use this link to find more information about this icon.

JUBILEE EPISTLE of His Eminence HILARION, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, on the Occasion of the 800th Anniversary of the Birth of the Holy Right-Believing Great Prince Alexander Nevsky and the Centennial of the I All-Diaspora Council

Greeting my beloved in the Lord brother-archpastors, reverend fathers, and our dear brothers and sisters with love and a feeling of rejoicing in the Mother of God, I sincerely congratulate all of the archpastors, clergy, and laity with both the approaching celebrations of the 800th anniversary of the birth of the Great Prince Alexander Nevsky and the centennial of the I All-Diaspora Council!

On the 21st of July, the Orthodox Church celebrates the appearance of the Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the city of Kazan (1579). The Kazan Icon of the Mother of God is the most famous and especially revered icon of the Virgin in Russia. The shrine is truly the guardian of Russia: the Blessed Holy Mother of God has repeatedly saved the country from catastrophe by prayers before Her Kazan image.

In anticipation of impending Feast Day of the “Kazan” of the Mother of God on July 21 of this year, His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America arranged for the gilding of the cupola that crowns the Kazan Church along the Russian River in Guerneville, CA.

Artisan Valeriy Kagounkin of Sacramento, CA, labored for several days...

This talk was given at the Symposium entitled “St. John and His Legacy” held from June 30 to July 1, 2016, which was dedicated to Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco the Wonderworker. It was organized by the Saints Athanasius and Cyril of Alexandria Institute of San Francisco on the eve of the day of memory Holy Hierarch John in the 50th year from the latter's repose.

Although he did not know Saint John personally during his lifetime, Father Victor relates his close relationship with the Saint from his youth up to this day. SEE VIDEO...

His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America welcomes clergy, parishioners and pilgrims to Holy Virgin Cathedral for the Feast of our beloved Holy Hierarch John of Shanghai and San Francisco the Wonderworker being held on July 2nd  and 3rd, 2021.

This year the number of clergy permitted to serve in the Holy Altar during the Divine Services of the Feast will be limited to a select few.

 NOTE: Only those clergy who have received a personal summons will be permitted to concelebrate...

On Monday June 28th, 2012, at the parish of Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco Orthodox Church in Kennewick, WA, clergy and faithful reach a milestone in their parish life with the crowning of their holy temple with at beautiful gold dome.

A CONVERSATION WITH THE DEAN OF JORDANVILLE’S SEMINARY 

Nicolas G. Schidlovsky speaks with the HTS Alumni Association

Professor Schidlovsky, you have held the Dean’s position at HTOS for well over a year now. This has obviously been a lot of hard work, and we now feel that it is a great time for many of us who are not regularly on campus to get to know you better. It seems that under your guidance the Seminary is energetically moving ahead with interesting projects. May we ask you a few questions?  Please start by telling us about your family background, education, and professional experience...

Paschal Message of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia to the Archpastors, Pastors, Deacons, Monastics and All the Faithful Children of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Your Graces the archpastors, reverend pastors and deacons, all-honourable monks and nuns, dear brothers and sisters: 

On this chosen and holy day, full of Paschal joy and glorious light, the life-affirming glad tidings are being passed on from mouth to mouth, from heart to heart: 

CHRIST IS RISEN! 

PASCHAL ADDRESS
of His Eminence
Hilarion
Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York
First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad

CHRIST IS RISEN!

Reverend Fathers, Venerable Monastics, and Pious Faithful
of the Western American Diocese ROCOR:
Precious Children of the Church, my beloved flock:

CHRIST IS RISEN!

On Monday, March 15, 2021, the first day of Great Lent, Archpriest Viktor Tseshkovsky, cleric of the Western American Diocese and Rector of Protection of the Holy Virgin Russian Orthodox Church in Hollywood, CA, died at the age of 62.

Two of the three churches of the Russian tradition in Los Angeles are located in Hollywood. Of them, Protection of the Holy Virgin Church is closest to Hollywood's landmarks. Fr Viktor was from the Kamenko-Dneprovsk region of the USSR, and during the decade between 1982-1992 he served as Rector of St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Melitopol.

Fr Viktor was drawn to the Church from an early age, loving the church temple and divine services. All five sons of his parents became priests, and his sister is married to a priest. They all served in the Crimean and Dnepropetrovsk Dioceses....

As we approach Great Lent, at the request of several clergy our Diocese and with the blessing of His Eminence Kyrill Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America, the following DVD Tutorial on serving the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is being made broadly available through our Diocesan media.

This presentation by Archpriest Alexis Kotar of St. Nicholas Cathedral in Seattle, Washington, was originally given at the 2006 Lenten pastoral retreat of the Western American Diocese (ROCOR). It is presented here, enhanced with additional footage of the service, for the instruction and edification of clergy and those wishing to learn about the structure of the Divine Service.

Fr. Alexis begins with the historical roots and development of this unique Lenten Service. His lecture helps us understand why we...

During the week of January 25th, 2021, Saint Silouan's Monastery in Sonora, CA, enjoyed snowfall. The welcome precipitation to be soaked into the parched land of California was recorded by a monastery laborer, Geoff Brim.

Your Graces, brother-archpastors, reverend fathers, beloved brothers and sisters in the Lord!

GREETINGS ON THE NATIVITY OF CHRIST!

By God’s ineffable goodness, we enter once more into the joyous days of the great feasts of Christ’s Nativity and Theophany. I sincerely greet you all with this world-saving joy! The feat of faith and its fruit in life must be this joy: from the triumph of the Theophany - God’s manifestation and incarnation - and the sound of the Heavenly doxology and otherworldly peace being sung over Bethlehem.

Everything that transpired in that simple cave in Bethlehem and in the holy River Jordan, both especially revered by the entire Christian world, bore the deep hallmarks of modesty and humility. In His Nativity, the Creator of the universe, Who holds all things in His right hand,...

Christmas Message

by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia

to the Archpastors, Pastors, Deacons, Monastics

 and All the Faithful Children of the Russian Orthodox Church

Beloved in the Lord archpastors, all-honourable presbyters and deacons, God-loving monks and nuns, dear brothers and sisters,

From the depths of my heart I congratulate you all on the radiant feast of the Nativity of Christ.

Today the Church in heaven and on earth is triumphant as she rejoices at the coming into the world of our Lord and Saviour and lifts up praises and thanksgiving to God for His mercy and love for the human race. It is with spiritual trembling that we listen to the words of the hymn: “Christ is born; glorify Him! Christ comes from heaven; go out to meet Him” (Hirmos for the Canon of the Nativity of Christ). With reverence and hope we set our gaze upon the cave of Bethlehem where the Divine Infant lies wrapped in swaddling clothes in a lowly manger.

NATIVITY EPISTLE
of the Ruling Archbishop
of the Western American Diocese ROCOR

Reverend Fathers, Vernerable Monastics, Pious Faithful,

Text may be read here.

Your Graces Brother-Archpastors, Honorable Fathers,
Beloved Brothers and Sisters in the Lord!

I sincerely greet you with the 725th Anniversary of the appearance of the miraculous Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God of the “Sign,” and with the Centennial of the founding of the Higher Church Administration Abroad, which later was transformed into the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Church Abroad. We are not marking the events that destroyed all the foundations of Pre-Revolutionary Russia, and which hit extremely hard on our dear Mother – the Local Russian Orthodox Church – having pushed Her, together with the whole country, onto a path of great suffering, repression, martyrdom and confession. Rather, we raise up gratitude to God, Who has preserved us under the shelter of our precious Orthodox Faith, in the traditions of the glorious Russian Church. We bow down before the memory of those ascetics,...

Oregon Governor Kate Brown has invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act as wildfires continue to spread throughout the state.

There are at least 35 active fires, with more than 368,029 acres burning in the state, according to the Oregon Office of Emergency Management.

Parishes in the Northern Deanery of the Western American Diocese in Oregon are at risk of succumbing to the fires...

It is with pain of heart that I am following the events unfolding in California, which is engulfed in flames, making this the second worst fire season in the history of the state. And I hasten to express my profoundest sympathy to everyone. I prayerfully empathize with His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill, the auxiliary bishops His Grace Bishop Theodosy and His Grace Bishop James, the clergy, monastics and flock of the Western American Diocese, the citizens of California, all who have suffered from the flames and the tens of thousands of firefighters battling them.

Glory to God, the fire did not touch the Church of Our Lady of Kazan on the Russian River...

On Saturday, August 1, 2020 longtime cathedral Archpriest Fr. Serge Kotar retired from service at Holy Virgin Cathedral and left the Western American Diocese. Fr. Serge is moving out East and will be living with his son’s family, not far from the Holy Trinity Monastery (Jordanville, NY).

The Monastery of the All-Merciful Savior is located in Washington State, which was one of the first epicenters of the coronavirus epidemic, then of the mass protests that have swept throughout most of the country. The head of this monastery, Abbot Tryphon (Parsons), a licensed psychologist before his tonsure, has for many years replaced his clients and patients with spiritual children.  

He not only discussed how to rid ourselves of the pandemic and what consequences we might face. The priest, who in his youth was a radical socialist, shared his thoughts on how faith can help overcome tribulations, and also compared today’s events in the USA with the pre-Revolutionary situation in Russia in 1917.

It is most difficult today for the elderly and youth

- Fr Tryphon, why did you, an American, choose Russian Orthodox Christianity?

- It came from the heart. I love Russian culture, Russian music, the Liturgical music of the Russian Church, her traditions. When I began to seek my path to Orthodox Christianity, it was natural for me to join the Russian Church.

- You live in the State of Washington, which became one of the epicenters of the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. What do you think of this situation?

Right reverend brother-archpastors, reverend fathers,
beloved brothers and sisters in the Lord!

Pushkin’s chronicler Pimen, passing on his life’s work to his student, said:
"…To thee I hand my task. In hours exempt
From the soul’s exercise, do thou record,
Not subtly reasoning, all things whereto
Thou shalt in life be witness; war and peace,
The sway of kings, the holy miracles
Of saints, all prophecies and heavenly signs; -
For me ‘tis time to rest and quench my lamp…"

"Here is that which is most dear to the Russian people: the holy miracles of saints, prophecies, and heavenly signs. And truly, no celebration in Russia ever saw the coming together of such multitudes in Russia as the opening of new holy relics," said Metropolitan Anthony (Khrapovitsky), who 100 years ago led the Russian Church Abroad, in one of his sermons.

As we know, the stages of the glorification of a saint in Christ’s Church take place gradually. We, the archpastors, pastors, and flock, examine ourselves against the dispositions of our forebears in the Faith, and in this way the canonization of God’s saints matures and takes shape...

OPEN LETTER
to the Honourable Gavin Newsom, Governor of California
from His Eminence Kyrill Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America 
in light of the decree issued by the Governor of California 
that forbids choral singing in churches.

Your Excellency,

I hereby express my protest against the recent prohibition of liturgical singing in houses of worship, which is an infringement of the rights and religious freedoms of the clergy and faithful of the Western American Diocese of the Russian Diaspora, the other Local Orthodox Churches, performing their ministry in this state, as well as other religious bodies.

On July 1st, 2016, Archpriest Sergei Kotar, a cleric of Holy Virgin Cathedral and founder of Saint John of San Francisco Orthodox Academy, shares his recollections of Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco the Wonderworker and many of the latter's miracles wrought in the school.

This presentation was one of many given at the Symposium sponsored by the Saints Athanasius and Cyril Institute for Orthodox Studies, which was entitled “Saint John and His Legacy”, and was dedicated to the 50th Anniversary of his repose (1966-2016).

In other words, saying precisely when our lives will return to normal is very difficult. Like, on the other hand, answering the question will that life essentially be normal, i.e. as before. But we might, and I believe we should, take a different approach. That is to say we should try to understand the effect this ordeal has had on our thinking and what we have learned from it. Or otherwise on what should we have reflected and what should we have learned. Or still alternatively what insight can we obtain from it, how can our minds become enriched, disregarding the tragedy and incredible complexity of what has occurred.

I will attempt to share what I have come to understand.

1. It seems to me that it is worth placing first the obvious necessity of being prepared for anything in life. We often feel...

The COVID-19 epidemic is gaining force and spares nothing in its path. In Kiev, some of the brothers of the Kiev Caves Lavra fell sick, as did the vicar archbishop of Obukhov, Jonah [who is now recovered.—OC]. We talked with Archbishop Theodosy (Snigirev), a vicar of Metropolitan Onuphry of Kiev and All Ukraine, about the situation in Kiev, the future of the Orthodox Church, and its liturgical heritage.

I would like to share my thoughts in connection with the discussion that has unfolded around the decoration of the mosaics of the main Church of the Armed Forces of Russia, recently built in Moscow.

Since ancient times, temples and entire monasteries dedicated to various historical events have always been erected on Russian soil. Such churches and monasteries include the following: the Church of the Protection on the Nerl, the Sretensky Monastery, the Kazan Cathedral on Red Square, the Cathedral of Saint Vladimir in Sevastopol, which is called the "Admiral's Cathedral" of the Russian fleet, where Admirals Lazarev, Kornilov, Nakhimov and Istomin are buried. The names of all naval officers who fell during the defense of Sevastopol are engraved on marble slabs in the upper church of this temple. The churches listed above include the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, built in 1883 in honor of the victory over Napoleon in the Patriotic War of 1812, and the St. Nicholas Cathedral, dedicated to the Russian fleet and all reposed sailors, built from 1903-1913 in Kronstadt. Even now those temples that belonged to a particular military regiment in tsarist times have also been preserved.

As a rule, in addition to icon painting, these temples were also decorated with memorable statues depicting certain historical events, and military paraphernalia, and, of course, with the awards that fallen soldiers received during the war. The naves of such temples usually had marble slabs on which the names of the fallen defenders of the fatherland were engraved. Most of these churches and monasteries were built, as a rule, on donations of ordinary Orthodox people. And this was done primarily so that everyone, making his contribution, would feel this temple, erected with his help, would be a house of prayer: “My house will be called a house of prayer” (Matthew 21:13).

All Orthodox Christians, regardless of their country of residence, ...

Today, May 25, 2020, the Governor of the State of California, Gavin Newsome, has declared that churches and all houses of worship are now open.

The monasteries and parishes of the Western American Diocese within the State of California may enter into this new phase of reduced social distancing. However, all are required to observe the guidelines found in...

It is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge the cancellation of our the annual diocesan pilgrimage to Fort Ross on Memorial Day. It is always a joyous day with the concelebration of the Divine Liturgy led by our hieararchs and surrounded by many the faithful. The procession to the cemetery across the canyon is refreshing as prayers are raised up for the departed and the graves are blessed.

On Friday May 22, 2020, the opening of churches within the United States, after  their closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was announced by President Donald Trump; the opening of houses of worship beginning this weekend.

The President’s statement is welcome as the faithful look forward to the possibility of returning to the usual rhythm of Church life through attendance at the Divine Services and participating in other parish activities.

However, for now the practices for the ministry of the faithful that have been worked out successfully and maintained...

Below are listed several thoughts and quotes from the Holy Scriptures:

“Christianity is not a religion of a church-made-by-hands (like the Jews have). We are able to serve all Sacraments outside of a church building. During the first four centuries Christians existed without material temples. We read: “For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people” (II Cor. 6:16).  And again: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies“ (I Cor. 6:19-20).

On April 9th, 2020, Deacon Alexander Gousev, a cleric and founder of Holy Royal Martyrs of Russia Church in Sparks, NV, reposed in the Lord.

Alexander Gousev (Sasha) was born in the former Soviet Union on May 10th, 1962. He came to Holy Ascension Church in Sacramento, CA, in 1989. Sasha lived for some time in San Francisco and eventually settled in Reno, NV.

Reverend Fathers, Venerable Monastics, and Pious Faithful
of the Western American Diocese ROCOR:
Precious Children of the Church, my beloved flock:

CHRIST IS RISEN!

Reverend Fathers, Venerable Monastics, and Pious Faithful
of the Western American Diocese ROCOR:
Precious Children of the Church, my beloved flock:

CHRIST IS RISEN!

The voice of the Angel who proclaimed “He is risen!” has never been more longed-for than today, nor has our joy been deeper in hearing it.

Paschal Message of
Patriarch KIRILL of Moscow and All Russia
to the Archpastors, Pastors, Deacons, Monastics
and All the Faithful Children of the Russian Orthodox Church

Your Graces the archpastors, venerable fathers,
all-honourable monks and nuns, dear brothers and sisters:

CHRIST IS RISEN!

By the grace of the All-Generous God, we have been vouchsafed to come to the radiant Paschal night and once again rejoice in the glorious Resurrection of Christ. From the depths of my heart I greet all of you, my beloved, with this great holiday and “feast of feasts.”

During these holy days of Great Lent and Passion Week throughout the world, churches have been closed. By Divine allowance, government officials of many nations have, from fear of the spread of COVID-19, announced general quarantines, including in the Holy Land. Christians have limited access to holy sites, deprived of spiritual support, common prayer and the partaking of the Holy Gifts of Christ in their churches.

His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia issues a  Personal Directive as the President of the Synod of Bishops concerning the Proposed Visit fo the "Kursk-Root" Icon.

His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion issues an Encyclical about the Coronavirus and the State mandated quarantine.

"Where can I go from Thy Spirit, and where can I escape from Thy presence? If I go up into heaven, Thou art there; if I go down into hades, Thou art present there. If I take up my wings toward the dawn, and make mine abode in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there shall Thy hand guide me, and Thy right hand shall hold me." (Psalm 138: 7-10).

These divinely inspired words of the Psalmist David should be particularly in our thoughts during these days, when the entire world is literally quaking, and from every direction comes news of all kinds of distress, shocks and calamities.

Dear in the Lord fathers, brothers, and sisters!

I sincerely greet you with the very warmest well-wishes for the blessings of God, good health, spiritual calm, and the patience so needed in this trying time! I especially greet the doctors, nurses, and all who work in the hospitals, sincerely wishing them increased strength and Heavenly aid! I wish for those who are sick - and for their friends and relatives - comfort in the hope of God’s will, which always directs man toward the good. Our prayers are with all of you.

His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Franciso and Western America has issued Decree 6E/2020 in which he provides a directive for liturgical practices to be followed at all parishes, monsteries and missions of the Diocese in regions where new government quarantine restrictions relating to the coronavirus have made it impossible / illegal to serve public services for a time. 

Instructional Notice Concering Reception of Post-Communion and other Pracitices during the Spread of the Coronavirus:

On Friday March 6, 2020, His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill gave instruction to all of the clery of the Western American Diocese that zapivka (wine after communion) be served to the communicants from individual disposable cups until the Coronavirus ends. There is to be placed a paper bag for cup disposal next to the zapivka table.

On December 12/25, the St Herman of Alaska Church in Sunnyvale, CA celebrated their parish feast day. This was an especially joyful event for the members of the parish as both our ruling hierarch, His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America and our new diocesan vicar, His Grace JAMES Bishop of Sonora presided together at the Divine Services.

The parish’s joy was multiplied as long time parishioner...

The XIII Annual Saint Herman’s West Youth Conference was held at Holy Transfiguration Cathedral in Los Angeles, CA, from December 26th to 30th, 2019.

Under the grace-filled protection of Most Holy Theotokos through Her miraculous myrrh-streaming “Hawaiian-Iveron” Icon and in the spiritual care of His Grace James Bishop of Sonora and diocesan clergy, approximately 50 youth and counselors, gathered together from the far reaches of the Western American Diocese – Colorado, Idaho, Hawaii, Oregon, Utah, and Washington -- being joined by more centrally located participants from the San Francisco Bay area, Sacramento and Los Angeles itself. Among the attendees participants even came from Vancouver, BC and Russia.

On November 20, 2019, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia celebrated Divine Liturgy at Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow. This day also marked His Holiness' 73rd birthday.

This year is also the 50th anniversary of the monastic tonsure of Patriarch Kirill. On April 3, 1969, Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov) tonsured Vladimir Gundyaev, then a seminary student, and was given the name Kirill. On April 7, he was ordained a hierodeacon, and on June 1, a hieromonk.

Among the many hierarchs and clergymen also serving on this day were His Eminence Archbishop Mark of Berlin and Germany and Vicar Bishop Theodosius of Seattle of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.

On November 17, 2019, the parish choir of the Church of All Russian Saints in Burlingame presented a concert of Sacred works by contemporary composers.  The concert was dedicated to the memory of...

On November 21st, 2019, His Holiness KIRILL Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia congratulated His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill of San Fransciso and Western America with his 65th Birthday. Below is a translation of the Patriarch's letter.

Your Grace, Bishop James!

This day, through the laying on of hands, you have received the Grace of the Holy Episcopacy. You have been summoned to the highest office of Holy Mother Church...

On November 5th, 2019, the eve of the Patronal Feast of Holy Virgin Cathedral in San Francisco (Western American Diocese), the Rite of Nomination was performed for Archimandrite James, Bishop-elect of Sonora. 

Bishop James' Nomination Speech is below.

On November 6, 2019, Bishops, clergy and faithful of various Orthodox jurisdictions gathered in San Francisco, California, to celebrate the Patronal Feast of the Diocesan Cathedral of the Western American Diocese in honor of the Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Joy of All Who Sorrow.”

The solemnity of the Feast was especially auspicious as on this day a new auxiliary bishop of Western American Diocese was consecrated – His Grace Bishop James (Corazza) of Sonora.

In June of this year the parish of St Seraphim began a building project to raise the roof of its church.  This project was expected to take 8-10 weeks. However, after removing the old roof, we found that the walls needed to be replaced as well. This situation resulted in the reconstruction of nearly the entire building.  Finally 5 months later, as we near the completion of our construction, we were able to bless the cross and raise it to the top of the new roof...

What is Holy Rus’? Is it some historical/geographical concept that belongs to past eras or an ideal we are expected to strive for? Does Holy Rus’ exist today? We asked some Russian priests these questions, and what meaning the concept of Holy Rus’ has for them personally.

On Monday November 4th, 2019, the Rector and community of the Church of the Mother of God of Kazan in San Francisco celebrated their Patronal Feast. It was marked by many preparations as the parish was also observing the 70th Anniversary from its foundation.

Presiding at the Divine Liturgy was Archimandrite James Bishop-elect of Sonora. Concelebrating with him were...

On Friday and Saturday, October 25 & 26, 2019, St. Martin the Merciful Church in Corvallis, Oregon celebrated its parish feast day.  His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco and Western America presided.

Over the last month, that parishioners of Saints Peter and Paul Church in Santa Rosa, CA, have been working on the installation of a new, carved iconostasis. Preparation of the new iconostasis, designed by Robert Latsko, a contracted architect of CJK Sacred Space in Novato, CA, was completed by the artisans of the George Loykakis studio in Crete. The initial design idea was taken from the Church of Christ the Savior “On-the-Blood” located in St Petersburg and then, under the direction of the rector, Archpriest Alexander Krassovsky, was adapted to the church building in Santa Rosa.

The first liturgy celebrated in the “new” altar was presided over by the Chief of the Russian Ecclesiastic Mission in Jerusalem, Archimandrite Roman (Krassovsky) who, together with Fr Alexander, carried out the main cross of the new iconostasis into the middle of the church, where it was blessed and given to the people present to reverence, prior to having it installed on the highest point of the iconostasis.

COMMENTARY OF THE SECRETARIAT OF THE SYNODAL BIBLICAL-THEOLOGICAL COMMISSION
on the invalidity of episcopal ordinations of Ukrainian schismatics and non-canonicity of the ‘Orthodox Church of Ukraine’

The unilateral actions of the Patriarchate of Constantinople in Ukraine, which concluded with the signing of the so-called ‘tomos of autocephaly’ in January 2019 in defiance of the will of the episcopate, clergy, monastics and laity of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, have provoked a bitter debate among churches...

The Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church, during a meeting on August 30, 2019, at Danilov Monastery in Moscow, deliberated on the confirmation of a decision of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia on the candidacy of Archimandrite James (Corazza) for Bishop of Sonora, Second Vicar of the Western American Diocese.

On August 28, 2019, the Feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America received in His Cathedral dedicated to the Icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” five bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church, who are presently visiting the Diocese of Western America in conjunction with the celebration of the 800th Anniversary of the Autocephaly of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

Concelebrating the Divine Liturgy with Archbishop Kyrill were the follow guests: His Grace TEODOSIJE Bishop of Kosovo and Metohija, His Grace MAXIM Bishop of Western America, His Grace SERGIJE Bishop of Bihac and Petrovac, His Grace DIMITRIJE Bishop of Herzegovina, and His Grace DAVID Bishop of Stobi (Archdiocese of Ohrid). Bishop Theodosy of Seattle, auxiliary bishop of the Western American Diocese, concelebrated as well, along with clergy of the Serbian Orthodox Church and our diocesan clergy.

On June 27-29, 2019, the Archbishop Anthony (Medvedev) Memorial Library at the headquarters of the Western American Diocese hosted a regular session of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, which coincided with the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the canonization of St John of Shanghai and San Francisco the Miracle-worker. The building was once an orphanage dedicated to St Tikhon of Zadonsk, which houses a chapel to the saint, as well as the humble residence of St John (Maximovich), the great archpastor of the Russian diaspora. Here, St John would bring the Bloodless Sacrifice “on behalf of all and for all.”

A regular meeting of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, which has coincided with the day of celebration of the memory of Holy Hierarch John of Shanghai and San Francisco the Wonderworker and the 25th Anniversary of his canonization, is being convened within the borders of the Western American Diocese.

Most of the senior bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia have arrived San Francisco to discuss and...

On June 27th, 2019, the faithful gathered in the Cathedral of the Mother of God “Joy of all Who Sorrow,” to prayerfully celebrate the Akathist to St. John of Shanghai and San Fransisco the Wonderworker. The congregation was lead in singing the Kontakia of the Akathist by His Grace Bishop Irenei of London and Western Europe and His Grace Bishop Nicholai of Manhattan; their voices were complemented by the other clergy present. Members of the congregation held copies of the service, following the example of the clergy in hymning the memory of St. John. 

Everyone present felt the blessing of being able to stand in the cathedral built through the prayers, determination and inspiration of St. John, and to perform the akathist to his memory...

The Diocesan Youth Workweek at Saint Silouan’s Monastery in Sonora starts in less than two weeks: June 12-22, 2019.

There are still some places left. Register here NOW!

Below is a link to a film that depicts last year’s workweek. As you watch please, note, this year will be a little different. The girls will not be staying at the lake as in the past, which was a ½ hour drive one way. This time the girls will stay up that hill in the large private residence  5 minutes from the monastery. The boys will be staying at the monastery in tents.

The Administrator of the Orthodox School of Bethany Nun Maria will be speaking at Holy Ascension Church on Wednesday, May 15, at 7:00 pm. Come, see, hear and support this school. Further details about the Bethany School here. 

Reverend Fathers, Venerable Monastics, and Pious Faithful
of the Western American Diocese ROCOR:
Precious Children of the Church, my beloved flock:

CHRIST IS RISEN!

Today we bear witness to the Resurrection of Christ and cry out from the depths of our hearts with joy. There is no other response that is possible for man, beholding the defeat of death, except joy, and we will never cease to experience it so long as we are faithful in following Him.

On Sunday, March 24, 2019, the Parish Choir of the Church of All Russian Saints in Burlingame, California, presented its annual “Lenten” choral recital, featuring works heard at Great Lent and Passion Week services. The concert was dedicated to the memory of long-time choirmaster Vladimir Pavlovich Roudenko, who peacefully departed this world on February 8, 2019, after a 7-decade career of conducting youth and adult choirs on three continents.

We, the clergy of the Western American Diocese, committed in humble service to the Gospel of Christ and obedient to the life of His Church, having gathered for three days in the presence of the myrrh-streaming “Hawaiian” Iveron icon of the Theotokos for our Lenten pastoral conference, humbly address ourselves to our faithful flock and all pious Orthodox Christians. Standing, as we have during these days, before the wonderworking icon amidst throngs of faithful from every land — from America, Russia, Ukraine, Greece, Romania, Serbia, Syria and many other places — who came to venerate the Holy Virgin and pray with us in spiritual unity,...

On the First Sunday of Great Lent, March 17, 2019, His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America celebrated the Sunday of Orthodoxy at Holy Trinity Cathedral of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) in San Francisco, California.

The Primate of the OCA the Most Blessed Tikhon Archbishop of Washington, Metropolitan of All America and Canada presided over the Vespers Service for the Sunday of Orthodoxy.

Reverend Fathers, Venerable Monastics, and Pious Faithful

Christ is born! Glorify Him!

Eminent Brother Archpastors, honorable Fathers, 
beloved Brothers, Sisters and Children in Christ:

I offer my words of greeting, which are inspired by Christian love, on this great feast of the Nativity of Christ! With a warm heart I wish you all that profound and inalienable peace, which was heralded by the angels above the town of Bethlehem on the holy night when "the Word was made flesh" (John 1:14).

Youth from throughout the Diocese gathered in Placerville, CA, from December 23-28, 2018.

Excursions included trips to Sutter’s Mill where the 1849 Gold Rush began and a decent into Black Chasm Cavern...

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you”(John 14:27).

Having gathered in an expanded session of the Synod of Bishops as we approach the feast day of the Synodal Cathedral of Our Lady “of the Sign” in New York City, we, the bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, warmly greet the clergymen and God-loving flock with the all-diaspora celebration of the Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God "of the Sign", the “Protectress” of the Russian diaspora.

We are approaching the centennial of the founding of the Russian Church Abroad, which continues to minister to its flock, scattered like Divine kernels of wheat throughout the world. Over the course of that time, the work of its Councils, the sessions of its Synod of Bishops, important ecclesiastical-social gatherings and various Church celebrations have all taken place under the auspices of the Kursk-Root Icon. This miracle-working image has accompanied Russian refugees fleeing cruel persecutors who dared to desecrate or destroy the holy sites of our Fatherland, murder archpastors, pastors and a multitude of believers, including the Royal Passion-bearers. The hundredth anniversary of the martyrdom of the latter was prayerfully marked in all the dioceses of our Church this year.

On Sunday, November 25th, 2018 His Grace Bishop Irenei arrived at the Monastery of St. Paisius with the sounding of the bells for an extended visit in anticipation of its patronal feast day. On the days preceding the feast, His Grace spoke at length in the monastic trapeza to the sisterhood, in company with clergy and guests. 

On the day when the Church commemorates the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God (October 22/November 4, 2018), the parish choir of the Church of All Russian Saints presented a concert of works glorifying the Queen of Heaven, dedicated to the memory of reposed benefactor Nikolai Vasilyevich Misersky, in Burlingame, California.

On Tuesday November 6, 2018, the clergy and faithful gathered together with His Eminence KYRRIL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America in the Diocesan Cathedral to celebrate the Feast of the Icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow.”

The Patronal Feast was concelebrated by His Eminence Peter of Chicago and Mid-America, His Grace Theodosy Bishop of Seattle, the cathedral clergy, and other priests from the Western American Diocese and the Orthodox Church in America (OCA). 

On November 10 and 11, 2018, the miraculous Iveron-Hawaiian Myrrh-streaming Icon of the Mother God visited parishes of Central California.

His Eminence Kyrill Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America issued a Memorandum in which he outlines the duties of His Grace Bishop Irenei of Richmond and Western Europe.

On October 19, 2018, The Most Blessed Tikhon, Archbishop of Washington, Metropolitan of All America and Canada made a private pilgrimage to our Diocesan Cathedral dedicated to the Icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” in San Francisco to venerate the honorable relics of Holy Father John Archbishop of Shanghai and San Francisco the Wonderworker. Metropolitan Tikhon was accompanied by The Most Reverend Benjamin Archbishop of San Francisco and the West, his auxiliary The Right Reverend Daniel Bishop of Santa Rosa and His Eminence Abel Archbishop of Lyublinsk and Kholm (Polish Autocephalous Church).

The Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia communicates to the plenitude of her clergy and faithful, and to her fellow Orthodox Christians throughout the world, her profound sorrow at the uncanonical undertakings perpetrated by the Church of Constantinople over the past days; in particular with regard to its Message of 11th October 2018. Simultaneously we express our complete support of the position taken by the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Moscow, following its meeting of 15th October 2018 and announced in its statement of the same date.

The illicit actions of the Church of Constantinople are able to suffer no canonical defence and constitute a grave and dangerous injustice against the traditions of Orthodoxy, as well as a shocking disregard for the spiritual welfare of the sheep of Christ (cf. John 10.3, 11). Having expressed its intention to establish stravropegia of its Church in the Ukraine, Constantinople thus solidifies its intrusion into another Local Church’s canonical territory, an anti-canonical violation of the highest order which the Synod of Constantinople has no power or right to undertake. We make explicit that under no circumstances will we consider such institutions to have any legal substance, nor will we acknowledge any legitimacy whatsoever to those who, deeming themselves shepherds, submit to these non-Church establishments.

In commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of the Translation of the honorable relics of Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco the Wonderworker, (September 28/October 11, 1993), the Media Department of the Western American Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia has published a lecture by Sergei Kalfov of Seattle, WA, which he presented during the Symposium entitled “St. John and His Legacy.”

This Symposium was sponsored by the Saints Cyril and Athanasius Institute for Orthodox Studies, which was dedicated to the 50th Anniversary of the Repose of Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco the Wonderworker, held from June 30 through July 1, 2016.

On September 24, 2018, His Grace THEODOSY Bishop of Seattle presided over the patronal feast day of Saint Silouan the Athonite Monastery in Sonora, CA. 

Concelebrating with His Grace were...

In September of this year, the Mexican Doctoral Council granted the Right Rev. Schema-Archimandrite Dr. Nektariy (Hajji-Petropoulos) an Honoris Causa Doctorate in Social Sciences and Humanities.  He was elected along with another nine people, who were selected due to "outstanding professional service" within the whole country. Among other chosen were deputies, senators, State Ministers...

Standing before God in prayerful solidarity with our long-suffering brethren of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, headed by His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufry of Kiev and All Ukraine, who, being revered and respected throughout the whole of the Orthodox world, is primate of the only recognised canonical Orthodox Church of Christ in Ukraine, we, the members of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, which carries out its ministry in the lands of North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and other nations of the West, ministering to numerous emigres from the lands of historic Russia and their descendants, express our profound indignation at the blatant violation...

On August 2, 2018, His Grace IRENEI Bishop of Sacramento presided over the Altar Feast of Saint Elias Church in Diamond Springs, CA. 

The friendly mission parish conducts its Divine Services in English, though its membership consists of many ethnicities who share a bond of love for God and His Church. 

For the first time in many years there was a cross procession led by Bishop Irenei, who at that time blessed the parking lot as it was soon to undergo a substatial upgrade, improving its use, safety and logevity. The choir for the day was conducted by Alexandra Volmensky who was joined by several members of her choir at Holy Ascension Church in Sacramento. The Sisterhood of St. Elias Church prepered sumptious, festal meal in the church hall. 

This summer the Lord vouchsafed my daughter and me to spend a striking week at Saint Silouan’s Monastery in Sonora, CA. This wonderful place is difficult to put into words: scenic mountains, forest, a wide stream with clear, cool water, horses ambling on the hills. The monastery is in the process of being built and this is a remarkable particularity. It is a great fortune to see with your own eyes and by the participation of your own hands how, to the beauty of God’s creation, beauty created by man is added...

On Sunday July 22, 2018, we continued our solemnities. That day we greeted our Rector, His Grace Bishop Theodosy. Vladyka flew directly from Yekaterinburg where he had participated from July 16 to 17 in the traditional All-night Vigil and procession that begins at the Memorial Church on the Blood and finishes at Monastery of the Holy Royal Martyrs in the grove of Ganina Yama (Ganina Pit). The march rout of the cross procession is around 20 km. It takes about 5 hours. Vladyka told us that before the cross procession a church choir performed the Hymn of the Russian Empire “God Save the Tsar” in honor of the Holy Royal Family.

Our solemnities began on July 22 at 8:45 am with the...

On July 21, 2018, His Eminece Kyrill, Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America presided over the Altar Feast at the Kazan Church on the Russian River. Concelebrating with him were priests and deacons of our Dicoese as well as of the Moscow Patriarcate.

The choir sing the Divine Liturgy prayerfully and beautifully under the direction of Matushka Ioanna Sharkov. The warm, sunny weather permited the clergy and faith to enjoy a delicous and abundant meal out of doors in the church yard.

Toward the end of the festal meal Archbishop Kyrill present the parish with two new icons to adorn the church yard.

On July 17th, 2018, the community of the Holy Royal Martyrs of Russia in Reno/Sparks, Nevada, celebrated its Patronal Feast Day marking 100 years to the day of the Martyrdom of Holy Martyr Tsar Nicholas and His August Family, and dedicated servants (+July 4/17, 1918).

Priest Andrei Kudryavtzev, Father Deacon Alexander Gousev and the parishioners marked the day with...

To My Eminent Brother Archpastors, Honorable Fathers, Dear Brothers and Sisters:

The 20th century was a difficult time for Orthodox Christians on the territory of the Russian Empire, which became the USSR after the Great War, the October Revolution and Civil War. But the more the Church endured persecution, the brighter the lanterns of faith and piety shone in the Russian land. From the Tsar and the members of the Royal Family close to him in spirit, from archpastors and simple monastics, priests, deacons to laypersons came forth a powerful spiritual army of the Church Militant. By 1918, the Russian Church showed two sorts of podvig—that of martyrdom and that of confession. Thank God, today we see how the blood of many millions of the host of Martyrs and Confessors who turned the Russian land red became the seeds of salvation for the spiritual rebirth of our people, in the Fatherland and in the diaspora.

The Western American Diocese marked the annual memory of Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco on June 30, 2018. Below is a photogallery of the celebration.

On the Day of the Holy Spirit, May 15/28, 2018, clergy and laity of the Western American Diocese gathered around their three hierarchs at Fort Ross for the annual pilgrimage.

His Eminence Kyrill Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America presided over the Divine Liturgy. Concelebrating with him where the two auxiliary Bishops...

In May of this year the clergy of the Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Seattle, WA, performed an "instructive" Divine Liturgy during which young children were taught about the Eucharist at this Divine Service.

On May 17, 2018, the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord, Holy Ascension Russian Orthodox Church of Sacramento celebrated its Patronal Feast Day.

His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America presided over the Divine Liturgy and festivities. Concelebrating with him were Archpriest Paul Volmensky (Rector), Archpriest James Steele (St. Elias Church of Diamond Springs, CA), Archdeacon Peter (Karakozoff), and deacons Nicholai Lenkoff and Nicholas Stoltz.

On Sunday, May 6, 2018, The 5th Sunday of Pascha and the feast day of St George the Victory-Bearer and Great Martyr, His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco and Western America celebrated Divine Liturgy at the Synodal Cathedral of Our Lady “of the Sign” in New York City, along with the Senior Priest of the cathedral, Protopriest Andrei Sommer.

The Head of the Russian Imperial House, Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna and her son, Tsesarevich and Grand Duke Georgy Mikhailovich, who was celebrating his namesday, prayed at the service.

On Saturday the 5th of May, 2018, the 8th Annual Children’s Cossack Games were held at Holy Ascension Russian Orthodox Church of Sacramento under the direction of Stanislav Holokov a Semirechniy Cossack, Ataman of the Cossacks’ National Union and Dean of the Western American Cossack Cadet School in honor of the “Don” Icon of the Mother of God.

On Pascha night, April 8th, 2018, His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America resumed his duties as Ruling Bishop after a brief leave of absence for health reasons, which had been blessed by Metropolitan Hilarion First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.

On Pascha night, divine services were celebrated at the Cathedral of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow" in San Francisco, CA, the home of the uncorrupt relics of St John of Shanghai and San Francisco the Miracle-worker. Leading the services was His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco and Western America of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, who returned from a brief leave of absence. His Eminence was joined by the cathedral's clergymen, as the Cathedral Choir and SS Cyrill and Methodius High School Choir sang antiphonally.

I express my heartfelt greetings to you my brother archpastors, dear in the Lord fathers, brothers and sisters, on this holy, brightest and all-joyous day of the Resurrection of Christ, and in the name of the Three-day Risen God, the Lover of Mankind, extend to you the embrace of Paschal rejoicing and fraternal love! Bowing down to Christ, the Giver of Life, together with the entire Church, I fervently pray for His mercy, that He grant us the unearthly, desired peace that He gave His disciples, and blesses our prayerful and fraternal communion in His name.

On Sunday March 25, Holy Virgin Cathedral, which is dedicated to the honor of the Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Joy of All Who Sorrow,” hosted the Western American Diocese’s Tenth Annual Great-Lenten Retreat: “Bringing the Church to the World.”  This year’s speakers were Bishop Irenei of Sacramento and Hieromonk Alexii (Altschul).  From the beginning connections were found between this retreat and those held previously. Fr. Alexii had been baptized into the Orthodox Faith by last year’s speaker Fr. Moses Berry, while Bishop Irenei had been the speaker of the first ever Great-Lenten retreat back in 2007 (before his monastic tonsure and episcopal consecration) as Oxford University Fellow Dr. Matthew Steenburg.

Dear Fathers, Brothers and Sisters,

With incredible pain we have received the news about the tragic events in the Kemerov Diocese which swept away the lives of a multitude of children. Now, moved by the Christian sense of sympathy and brotherly love, we are praying for the repose of those who have been lost and for the health of those lying in hospitals. And, we call for all possible assistance to all affected families through the Benevolent Memorial Fund of St. Archbishop John (Maximovich).

This great archpastor of the Russian Diaspora always hastened to the aid of the suffering, those in tribulation and those weighed down by the cross of life. He hastened with concrete help, with kind words of love, consolation, hope and prayer.

Let us follow, even if in small measure,...

On Sunday, March 18, 2018, the Parish Choir of the Church of All Russian Saints in Burlingame, California, presented its annual “Lenten” choral recital, featuring works heard at Great Lent and Passion Week services. The concert was dedicated to the memory of Metropolitan Laurus, who reposed ten years ago on March 16, 2008.  Before the first selection, all who were present chanted “Eternal Memory” for +Metropolitan Laurus, Prince Vladimir Galitzine (+ 22-FEB-2018) and Dmitri Hvorostovsky (+ 22-NOV-2017).  Several concert selections are familiar sacred works performed by Hvorostovsky.

On behalf of the Diocesan Council of the Western American Diocese an Appeal for the collection of funds for the renovation of Saint Tikhon's House in San Francico, CA, was read to the diocesan clergy at their Great-Lenten Retreat held from March 12 to 14, 2018. 

As part of the program of the Lenten Pastoral Retreat of the clergy of the Western American Diocese which had been held from March 12 to 14, 2018, our bishops, priests and deacons gathered in Old Holy Virgin Cathedral to perform a panykhida for ever-memorable Metropolitan Laurus who reposed on the Sunday of Orthodoxy 10 years ago (+ 3/16, 2008).

Archpriest Alex Kotar, Dean of the Northern Deanery of the Western American Diocese and Archdeacon Peter (Karakozoff) performed the panykhida. His Grace Bishop Theodosy, His Grace Bishop Irenei and the participanting clergy of the conference chanted and prayed.

Memory Eternal to our beloved and ever-memorable Metropolitan Laurus, a true Teacher of the Faith and father to so many!

With the blessing of Metropolitan Hilarion First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, our Ruling Bishop, His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America has been granted a leave of absence for the purpose of addressing his health.

The Orthodox holy object, myrrh-streaming icon of the Theotokos “Appeasing of Malicious Hearts”, otherwise named “Shot with Seven Arrows” has visited Los Angeles. The icon has arrived from Moscow and stayed in California for two weeks. On February 1, the icon was delivered to the St. John of Kronstadt Retirement Home. Russian Orthodox residents of the Home met the icon with joy and love. It was the first relic of such caliber that had visited their Home chapel.

1st / 14th January 2018: Significant progress is being made on a long-term frescoing project at the Monastery of St. Paisius in Safford, Arizona, a women’s monastery in the Western American Diocese that is operated with the blessing of both our Diocesan Bishop, His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill, as well as the Head of the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Western America, His Grace Bishop Maxim.

Construction of the central temple of the Monastery, known in monastic terminology as the catholicon, was completed some years ago, and the enormous basilica-style edifice dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos (feastday 15th / 28th August) rises high above the desert landscape and is visible for miles in all directions. 

As the parishes of the Western American Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia celebrate the feast of the Sunday of Orthodoxy, in the Diocesan Cathedral in honor of the Icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” His Grace Theodosy Bishop of Seattle and His Grace Irenei Bishop of Sacramento along with the clergy and faithful gathered around our Ruling Bishop His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America to perform the “Rite of Orthodoxy” with the solemn pronouncement of the Anathemas.

The Great Schema Archimandrite Averky (the former Archimandrite AnastassyZagarsky) passed away today, in Russia, at the age of 102. Father Anastassy served many parishes in San Francisco, including the Kazan church, Old Cathedral, St. Tikhon's and St. Sergius. Upon retirement, he was attached to the new Holy Virgin Cathedral for a few years and later moved to a monastery in Tula.

I was invited to attend as a young adult volunteer the Eleventh Annual Saint Herman's West Youth Conference, held in Seattle, Washington, December 26-28, 2017.  It was hosted by the St. Nicholas Cathedral Parish.  I was joined by seventeen other volunteers whose backgrounds ranged from being cradle Orthodox to recent converts.  Our ages spanned from the early twenties to the mid-thirties.  The common denominator for all of us was not only to grow our own spiritual lives, but to help grow the spiritual lives of the Orthodox youth. 

Beloved in the Lord Brethren Archpastors, Honorable Fathers, 
Brothers and Sisters, God-Beloved Flock of the Russian Church Abroad:

It is with a feeling of the greatest joy that I express my heartfelt greetings on the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ and the approaching feast day of the Baptism of the Lord!

As expressed in one of our church prayers celebrating this holy event, when God deemed it good to appear on Earth, the entire world hastened to bring him gifts: “The Angels offer a hymn; the heavens, a star; the Wise Men, gifts; the shepherds, their wonder; the earth, its cave; the wilderness, a manger.”

The Media Department of the Western American Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia has published two lectures from the XXVI Annual Russian Orthodox Church Musicians Conference held at the Holy Transfiguration Cathedral in Los Angeles, CA, from the 4 to the 8 of October, 2017. 

Beloved in the Lord All-Venerable Fathers, God-Loving Monks and Nuns, 
Dear Brothers and Sisters:

The Holy Council of Bishops, which took place in Moscow from the 29th of November to the 2nd of December 2017 in the city of Moscow in the Cathedral Church of Christ the Savior, greets all of you with the words of the apostolic salutation: “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 15:5-6).

In the early hours of the morning of Sunday November 13/26, on the day of commemoration of our Father among the Saints John Chrysostom Archbishop of Constantinople, after an enduring and trying illness the long-standing cleric of the Diocesan Cathedral in honor of Her Icon “Joy of All Who Sorrow,” Schema-Archdeacon Ambrose (Taratuchin) reposed in the Lord.

 Father Ambrose, of aristocratic lineage, was born Alexei Michailovich Taratuchin in England on March 22, 1961...

On Sunday October 29, 2017, the choir of the Church of All Russian Saints in Burlingame, CA, performed a concert of sacred music which was dedicated to the memory of the reposed choir member Konstantin Senchukov.

The program included such hymns as Ave Maria (Optina Hermitage chant), Polyeleos at matins (Kastalsky), It is truly meet (Tchaikovsky), and more.

Proceeds from the concert went towards support of the parish stewardship program.

The Media Department of the Western American Diocese produced a video about the youth workweek organized at Saint Silouan's Monastery in Sonora, California, from July 2nd to 8th, 2017.

This was a pilot program, with the intention of making the workweek an annual event.

On the 8^th of November, 2017, the Autumn Pastoral Conference of the clergy of the Western American Diocese came to its conclusion.

The Eminent Bishops, priests and deacons of the Diocese have issued a Resolution in which are addressed the centennial of the Bolshevik Revolution with its tragic effects, and the joyous celebrations of the 10^th Anniversary of the signing of the “Act of Canonical Communion” between the two parts of the Russian Church and the 25th Anniversary of Archbishop Kyrill’s consecration to the episcopacy.

On Monday November 6, 2017, His Eminence Kyrill Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America presided over Divine Liturgy on the Feast of the Diocesan Cathedral on honor of the Icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” in San Francisco as the clergy and faithful of the Western American Diocese gathered to mark the diocesan-wide celebration of the 10^th Anniversary of the restoration of Canonical Communion between the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia and the Moscow Patriarchate, and the 25^th Anniversary of Archbishop Kyrill’s consecration to the episcopacy.

On Sunday November 5, 2017, His Eminence Kyrill Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America presided over the All-night Vigil for the Feast of the Diocesan Cathedral on honor of the Icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow.”...

On Sunday the October 29^th, 2017, His Grace THEODOSY Bishop of Seattle served Divine Liturgy at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Santa Rosa, CA, which has recently suffered from many wildfires in that region.

14 families (45 people) from the parish of Saints Peter and Paul and the parish of Saint Seraphim of Sarov (OCA) have lost their homes and possessions in the wild fires of Sonoma and Napa Counties.

The Media Department of the Western American Diocese has published a video report on the 26^th Annual Russian Orthodox Church Musician’s Conference held in Los Angeles, CA, from the 4^th to the 8^th of October, 2017.

On Saturday, October 8/21, the occasion of its 15^th anniversary, St. Martin the Merciful Church in Corvallis, Oregon received its Great Consecration. Presiding at this event was His Eminence, Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco and Western American, assisted by Bishop Theodosius of Seattle and Bishop Irenei of Sacramento, eight priests, and four deacons. A great number of parish faithful, and visitors from as far away as Greece, attended this joyful occasion.

 His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America issued new petitions requesting God’s mercy for those who have suffered from recent natural disasters and at the hands of those who have committed violence.

This year marks the 10^th Anniversary from the appearance of the Iveron-Hawaiian Myrrh-streaming Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos (2007-2017), which though was first manifest within the bounds of the Western American Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, is venerated and treasured by the Orthodox throughout entire United States of America and beyond, as she has even been abroad traveling to the land of Georgia. The Most Holy Theotokos through Her fragrant and miraculous myrrh brings peace and healing to all.

The Liturgical Musical Commission of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia conducted its 26^th Annual Musicians’ Conference in Los Angeles, CA, from the 4^th to the 8^th of October, 2017.

This year’s conference, entitled “Prayerful Sound in the Orthodox Church: Vocal Artistry of the Deacon, Reader and Singer at Divine Services,” was attended by 70 participants including the clergy.

Please donate - URGENT
We at Russian American Community Services (RACS) are supporting the humanitarian efforts of Sts. Peter and Paul Church, our sister parish, which is welcoming refugees this very moment.
Five parish families have lost their homes and all belongings.

Letter from Archpriest Alexander Krassovsky, Rector of Sts. Peter & Paul Russian Orthodox Church in Santa Rosa, CA:

On Wenesday the 4^th of October Nicholai (Kolia) Soin (1930-2017) peacefully reposed in the Lord after brief, unexpected illness. Known by his nickname “The Invisible Angel,” he was a tireless laborer, generous with his time, a unseen laborer of the diocesan cathedral of the Icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” in San Francisco, CA. He was always working at the cathedral when no one was around, sometimes late at night.

With horror and pain in my heart I have followed reports of the recent atrocity in Las Vegas, as a result of which so many are dead and many more are injured. Our prayers, deepest feelings and sympathies are with all those affected by this unimaginable cruelty. We offer our prayers at the holy shrine of St John (Maximovich) the Wonderworker of Shanghai and San Francisco, which contain his incorrupt, healing and life-bearing relics; and we fervently plead for his Godly intercessions, to warm and comfort the relatives of the reposed and those undergoing treatment in hospitals and elsewhere, and to appeal to the Lord of All that He would send His heavenly peace into the hearts of all men.

On Sunday the 24^th of September 2017 His Eminence presided over the patronal feast day of Saint Silouan Monastery in Sonora, CA.

On September 21, 2017, His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America instructed his clergy and through them all the faithful of the Diocese to pray for those who have suffered from the recent earthquakes in Mexico City.

On September 19, 2017, the main building of the St Tikhon Humanitarian University in Moscow hosted an evening marking the 10th anniversary of the reestablishment of unity between two parts of the Russian Church—in Russia and in the diaspora—the signing of the Act of Canonical Communion. The event included the presentation of a new Russian-language book compiled by Protopriest Peter Perekrestov: Pastyr. Uchitel’. Drug. Svjatitel’ Ioann Shanghaiskij i San-Fransisskij v vospominanijakh sovremennikov [Pastor. Teacher. Friend. St John of Shanghai and San Francisco as Remembered by Contemporaries]. Attending the event were clergymen and students of the university as well as a multitude of venerators of St John.

Schema Archimandrite Nektariy and brethren of the Holy Trinity Monastery in Mexico City are alive and well after the 8.4 earthquake in Mexico. 

Fr Nektariy wrote to FFA: "You could only hear the cracking of walls and furniture and things falling down; our bells were ringing... it seemed that our time had come... we just kneel down in the confusion and darkness in deep prayer... after an eternity we realized that God was very merciful...  Slava Bogu !!!  We all are fine, scared but no tragedies, nor pain in our communities, so far.

You were born and reared in the Russian diaspora. Tell us about the people who influenced you in your younger years and nurtured in you a love for the Church and your historic homeland.

– I was born in Montreal, Canada. My father’s father was an officer in the White Army born in Yugoslavia (he was killed by the Reds in 1945), and my mother was evacuated by the Germans from the Soviet Union when she was 13 years old—her father was a regular soldier in the Red Army and disappeared without a trace. The Russian language was the only one used in our home, and when I started school, I didn’t speak a word of English. We often had Russian visitors, including, when possible, people from Soviet Russia, which was a rarity in those days. I remember 1967, when Montreal hosted the International Expo, and the Soviet Union had a huge pavilion and accompanying delegation. Over the summer we visited the expo every week, attended concerts, and we always had Russian guests come visit.

The Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia held at the in the Convent of Grand Duchess Elisabeth the New-Martyr in Buchendorf, Germany, from the 27 May/6 June through the 3/16 of June, 2017, resolved that Archpriest Alexander Lebedeff, Rector of Holy Transfiguration Cathedral in Los Angeles, CA, be elevated to the dignity of protopresbyter for his many years of zealous, pastoral service to the Holy Church.

From the 2^nd to the 8^th of July, 2017, over 20 youth of the Western American Diocese participated in a youth workweek at Saint Silouan Monastery in Sonora, CA.

The guest community, which included adult staff and skilled workers, entered into the rhythm of monastery life rising at dawn daily for Divine Liturgy, working throughout the day and finishing with Small Compline. The youth had time for recreation as well cooling off at midday in Lake Turlock, about ½ hour drive from the monastery.

On the 30 of June and the 1 of July, 2017, the Western American Diocese held the annual commemoration of our great local Saint, Holy Hierarch John of Shanghai and San Francisco the Wonderworker.

On the 24^th of June, 2017, Archpriest Mark Gomez, a beloved cleric and spiritual father of the Western American Diocese, peacefully reposed in the Lord.

Below is a video of the presentation given by Matushka Maria Potapova at a symposium on Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco the Wonderworker, which was sponsored by the Saints Cyril and Athanasius Institute for Orthodox Studies held in San Francisco, CA, on June 30 & July 1, 2016.

By Resolution of the Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia held at the in the Convent of Grand Duchess Elisabeth the New-Martyr in Buchendorf, Germany, from the 27 May/6 June through the 3/16 of June, 2017, Archpriest Vladimir Derugin, Rector of Protection of the Holy Virgin Church in Palo Alto, CA, has been awarded the dignity of wearing the mitre for 40 years of zealous, pastoral service to the Holy Church.

From May 11-22, 2017, with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia and Ruling Bishop of the UK Diocese, His Grace Bishop Irenei of Sacramento, Vicar of the Western American Diocese, made an archpastoral visit to the United Kingdom, heading a pilgrimage with the myrrh-streaming “Hawaii-Iveron” icon on its first visit to the UK, as well as convey the archpastoral blessing of Metropolitan Hilarion to his flock...

After serving the Divine Liturgy at Christ the Savior Cathedral on Sunday, June 18, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia consecrated the new monument “Reunification,” dedicated to the signing of the Act of Canonical Communion between the Moscow Patriarchate and the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, reports Patriarchia.ru. The historic event took place on May 17, 2007 at Moscow’s Christ the Savior Cathedral, with the new monument being timed to its tenth anniversary.

We, the hierarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, gathered for a Council of Bishops in the God-preserved city of Munich during the celebration of the Pentecost, in the blessed presence of the Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God "of the Sign.” This year we remember with sorrow the hundredth anniversary of the terrible, bloody events of 1917; we are at the same time filled with joy over the anniversary of the restoration of the patriarchate and the tenth anniversary of the reestablishment of unity within the Russian Church.

To His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York,
First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia,

To the Eminent Archpastors, Members of the Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

On Friday, June 9, 2017, the feast day of St John the Russian, His Eminence Archbishop Mark of Berlin and Germany celebrated Divine Liturgy at St Elizabeth Convent in Buchendorf, Germany. Praying at the service were archpastors of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, who had arrived a day earlier.

On June 7, 2017, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia sent congratulations to His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco and Western America of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia on the 25th anniversary of his episcopal consecration:

On 7th June 2017, the Ruling Bishop of the Western American Diocese, His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill, celebrates the 25th anniversary of his episcopal consecration — first as Bishop of Seattle (1992), and later as Bishop (2000) and then Archbishop (2003) of San Francisco and Western America. Not only is such an anniversary a moment of significance for the Archbishop himself, inviting his own private reflections on a quarter-century of Archpastoral service and labours before God; it is also a moment of significance for the Diocese, and indeed for the Church as a whole, which gives glory to God for the whole Hierarchy of her devout clergy of all ranks and offices, who in the long service of her Archpastor have been called to lead Godly lives and approach the Heavenly Kingdom in the ancient and essential context of our hierarchical life.

The biography of His Eminence is found below, together with a gallery of photographs from the past twenty-five years, in anticipation of more substantial materials to be collected...

From the 5 to the 10 of June, 2017, the Cossack Cadet School of the “Don” Icon of the Mother of God sponsored a children’s camp for its cadets and other youngsters at “Elim” in Marysville, CA.

On Monday May 29, 2107, the National Holiday Memorial Day, members of the Western American Diocese made an annual pilgrimage to Fort Ross State Historic Park on the shores of Central California about an hour’s drive north of San Francisco. The 100 or so pilgrims were a welcome sight this year!

With God's grace, another school year has been successfully completed. This Sunday, May 28, 2017, Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary celebrated its 69th Annual Commencement with a Service of Thanksgiving, commencement exercises, and a reception. We graduated six students, four receiving honors ranging from cum laude to summa cum laude.

On May 25, 2017, the feast of the Ascension of the Lord, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia performed the rite of the great consecration of the Church of the Resurrection of Christ and the Holy New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia in Sretensky Stavropighial Monastery in Moscow, and officiated at the celebration of Divine Liturgy that followed.

Attending the services was Russian President Vladimir Putin.

After Liturgy, His Holiness met with bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia headed by His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York.

May 25, 2017, on the feast of the Ascension of the Lord, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill celebrated the rite of the Great Consecration of the Church of the Resurrection of Christ and the New Martyrs and Confessors of the Russian Church in Sretensky Monastery and led the Divine Liturgy in the newly-consecrated church. Russian president Vladimir V. Putin was present at the Divine service.

“Be Thou exalted above the heavens, O God, and Thy glory is above all the earth.”

On May 4/17, 2017, His Eminence Kyrill Archbishop San Francisco and Western America issued Decree No. 7E/2017 in which he bids the clergy and faithful of the Western American Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia to celebrate the 10^th Anniversary of the Reconciliation within the Russian Orthodox Church, which took place 10 years ago on the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord.

On 4/17 of May, 2017, the Russian Orthodox Church marked the 10th Anniversary of the signing of the Act of Canonical Communion between its two parts that had been separted by historical circumstances for almost 90 years. 

It is easier for Western Christians to articulate how people are saved because their purpose for salvation is narrower and their audience is broader. From the eleventh century on Western salvation became preoccupied with justice and the wrongs our sins did against God. Salvation was suddenly a transaction Christ took care of on the cross when he purchased our debt owed to God and covered our filthiness with His righteousness. Beneficiaries of this transaction became individuals who pray the “sinner’s prayers”.

With the blessing of His Grace, Bishop Longin of New Gracanica and Midwestern America, the relics of St. Mardarije, which have laid in the Church of St. Sava Monastery in Libertyville, Illinois, since his internment in December 1935, were uncovered. The opening revealed St. Mardarije’s holy relics to be incorrupt.

On May 13, 2017, Archpriest Alex Kotar, clergy and laity of Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Seattle, WA, received the Holy Fire that descends on the Tomb of the Lord in Jerusalem on Holy and Great Saturday.

The Lenten Prayer — ‘of St Ephrem’? A Few Observations on a Varied Textual Tradition, a lecture by Right Reverend Professor Irenei, Bishop of Sacramento.

The Paschal Epistle of His Eminence Kyrill Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America may be read here.

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all”
(Titus 2:11)

Beloved in the Lord Your Graces the archpastors, all-honourable presbyters and deacons, God-loving monks and nuns, dear brothers and sisters!

            Оn the night imbued with the Divine light, replete with great solemnity and spiritual joy in the Lord of the world who has vanquished death, I address you all with the ancient exclamation that testifies steadfastly to our immutable hope:

CHRIST IS RISEN!

Beloved Archpastors, Honorable Fathers, Dear in the Lord Brothers and Sisters:

With a heart filled with the endearing sensation of Paschal joy, I congratulate the hierarchs, clergymen, monastics, parishioners and worshipers of our churches, scattered throughout the whole world, on the joyful celebration of the glorious Resurrection of Christ, and I greet you with the angelic good news: CHRIST IS RISEN!

On Lazarus Saturday, April 8, 2017, Archimandrite Roman (Krassovsky), Chief of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia and his monks celebrated Divine Liturgy and performed a moleben, during which they congratulated Sister Martha, the teachers and students of Orthodox Bethany School in Jerusalem.

On the school premises is a chapel built upon a square stone resembling a door beam discovered by archaeologists which bears the inscription in Greek: “Here Martha and Maria heard the words of the Lord about the resurrection of the dead… the Lord…” (the remainder is missing).

After services, the clergymen and worshipers were offered a trapeza luncheon.

PHOTO ALBUM here.

On the Sunday of the Cross, March 19, 2017, the parish choir of the Church of all Russian Saints in Burlingame, CA, performed selections heard at Divine Services during Great Lent and Passion Week.

On April 2, 2017, Holy Virgin Cathedral hosted the annual Western American Diocese Lenten Retreat.  This year’s retreat marked the tenth anniversary of the diocese putting on these retreats at the cathedral (but the 9th actual retreat, there was no retreat in 2014).  As has been the case every year, retreat attendees spanned a range of ages and came from a large number of parishes across northern California.   For the third straight year, attendees have also included people from out-of-state parishes who amended their travel plans so that they could attend.

The speakers this year were...

His Grace Bishop Nikolai (Soraich) and the community of All Saints Russian Orthodox Church moved into a new facility which was blessed on February 19, 2017. 

A photo gallery of that event and others in the life of parish may be seen here.

The X Annual Saint Herman's West Youth Conference was held at Holy Ascension Church of Sacramento and Saint Silouan's Monastery of Sonora from the 26th to the 30th of December 2016.

Over 60 youth from around the Western American Diocese came to Sacramento...

The Nativity Epistle of His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill for 2016/2017 can be read here.

Nativity Epistle of
HILARION,
Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York,
First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

Moved by the most profound feelings of fraternal love and joy for the Savior of the World born in Bethlehem, I congratulate the archpastors, clergymen, monastics and all the faithful flock of the Russian Church Abroad on this great and holy feast of the Nativity of Christ!

O, blessed Nativity night!

Your Eminences the archpastors, esteemed Fathers and deacons,

all-honourable monks and nuns, dear brothers and sisters!

On this holy night I extend my heartfelt greetings to you all and from the depths of my soul I congratulate you on the great feast of the Nativity of Christ: the feast of the fulfillment of the promises of old for the salvation of the human race, the feast of the ineffable love of the Maker towards his creation, the feast of the coming into the world of the Son of God who is the Messiah...

On Sunday the 4^th of December, 2016, on the Feast of the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple, His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America visited Holy Ascension Church of Sacramento, CA, and enthroned a new Vicar, His Grace IRENEI Bishop of Sacramento, in his city and vicariate.

On Sunday, November 13, the parish choir of the Church of All Russian Saints in Burlingame, CA, presented a choral recital of sacred music. The program featured prayers from the Vigil service and other selections that parishioners will hear in upcoming services.  The concert was dedicated to the memory of Anna “Annushka” Markevich, a long-time parishioner, choir member and friend, who reposed in the Lord on October 4 of this year.

The most recent Diocesan Assembly of the Western American Diocese was convened on November 15, 2016.

His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill presided over the meeting in the presence of His Grace Theodosy Bishop of Seattle, His Grace Irenei Bishop of Sacramento, His Grace Bishop Nikolai (Soraich) along with over 60 clergy and lay delegates from throughout the Western American Diocese who represented the majority of its monasteries and parishes.

On Sunday November 13, 2016, His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America served the Divine Liturgy at Holy Trinity Monastery in Mexico City, Mexico, celebrating its 10 Anniversary.

On Sunday November 6, 2016, the day of the Patronal Feast of Holy Virgin Cathedral in San Francisco, the Icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow,” His Grace Irenei (Steenberg) was consecrated Bishop of Sacramento.

His Eminence Kyrill Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America presided over the celebration. Concelebrating with him were Archbishop Peter of Chicago, Bishop Theodosy of Seattle, Bishop Nicholai of Manhattan and Bishop John of Naro-Fominsk (Moscow Patriarchate), as well as approximately 20 priests and 7 deacons from throughout the Western American Diocese, and other dioceses and jurisdictions.

On Saturday November 5^th, 2016, in Holy Virgin Cathedral of the Icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow,” on the eve of the cathedral’s Patronal Feast, Bishop-elect of Sacramento Archimandrite Irenei (Steenberg) participated the “Rite of Nomination.”

His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill presided over the rite together with...

The oldest Russian school in San Francisco is soon to be ninety years old. Take a video excursion (in Russian).

San Francsico, October 18, 2016:

To mark the 65th anniversary of the departure of the last Russian refugees from Tubabao, an exhibition opening in honour of the milestone was held at the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco.  The opening of the exhibition "Tiempo Russo Tubabao Island" was hosted by the Hon. and Mme. Henry S. Bensurto, Jr. - Consul General of the Philippine Republic together with Hon. and Mme. Sergei V. Petrov - Consul General of the Russian Federation and their respective staffs. 

On the “Lesser Feast of St. John,” that is on the day of commemoration of the revealing of his honorable relics (29^th of September/12^th of October, 1993) the Media Department of the Western American Diocese debuts a brief film covering the 50^th Anniversary of the Repose of Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco the Wonderworker (19^th of June/2^nd of July, 2016)...

News from the Liturgical Music Commission (LMC) of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia: Report on the 25^th Anniversary Russian Orthodox Church Musicians’ Conference (for North America), October 5-9, 2016, Montreal, Canada; and announcement of upcoming events in 2017

 The 25th Anniversary Russian Orthodox Church Musicians' Conference of church choir directors, singers and readers – attended by over 70 people – took place in the seat of the Canadian Diocese, Montreal, with great results and success.

On Friday, September 30, 2016, concluding his visit to Israel for the funeral of Shimon Peres, Prince Charles of Wales visited Gethsemane Russian Orthodox Convent. Archimandrite Roman (Krassovsky), Chief of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem, greeted the royal guest at the gates of the convent and told him about the history and daily life of the monastery.

Fr Roman, standing on the courtyard of St Mary Magdalene Church, which overlooks the Old City of Jerusalem, showed Prince Charles the Church of the Resurrection of Christ and the other holy sites of the holy city. Abbess Elizabeth of Gethsemane Convent, standing in the doorway of the grand, royal church, welcomed the prince and offered him the traditional Russian bread and salt.

On Sunday the 2^nd of October, 2016, His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western American and His Grace THEODOSY Bishop of Seattle made a pastoral visit to the All-Merciful Savior Monastery on Vashon Island, WA, to celebrate the 30^th Anniversary its founding.

Originating in the Fall of 1986, the All-Merciful Saviour Monastery is situated on 16 acres in the heart of a forest on the island, which is located a 30 minute ferry ride from downtown Seattle in the Puget Sound of the Salish Sea...

On Saturday September 24, 2016, the fathers and pilgrims marked the first anniversary of the founding Saint Silouan’s Monastery in Sonora, CA.

His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America presided over the patronal feast of the monastery.

In June, 2016, a group of pilgrims, led by His Grace Bishop Theodosius of Seattle, traveled to the holy sites of Greece. The male pilgrims began with a 6 day pilgrimage to Mount Athos. We were based at the Holy and Great Monastery of Vatopedi. During those days, we visited many of the monasteries along the peninsula, including Iveron, the Great Lavra, Stavronikita, Docheiariou, Pantokratoros, and a few sketes. We were fortunate to venerate the Holy Belt of the Mother of God, countless miracle-working icons and relics of saints, and we drank water from miraculous springs. We spent the Feast of Pentecost in Vatopedi, being blessed by Geronda Efrem, the abbot of the monastery, to serve Divine Liturgy in Church-Slavonic in one of the many chapels within the monastery walls. Our last night on the Holy Mountain was spent at the Russian Monastery of St. Panteleimon.

On August 19, 2016, the Western American Diocese celebrated the Great Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In the Holy Transfiguration Cathedral in Los Angeles, Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco and Western America celebrated both the All Night Vigil and the Divine Liturgy with the parish...

On August 14, 2016, His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America, made an archpastoral visit to Saint Innocent Russian Orthodox Church in Rogue River, OR.

His Eminence performed Divine Liturgy with the Father Rector Archpriest Seraphim Cordoza and guest clergy...

On Sunday, August 7, the Old Cathedral of the Holy Virgin in San Francisco celebrated its annual Patronal Feast Day in honor of the Icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” (with coins).  His Eminence, Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco and Western America celebrated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy with the Deputy Rector of the Old Cathedral, Abbot James (Corazza), and visiting priests Rev. Ioann Comanescu of the Holy Protection Russian Orthodox Church in Palo Alto and Rev. Florin Lapustea of the Holy Cross Romanian Orthodox Church in San Jose, along with Rev. Deacon Nikolae Lapustea and Rev. Hierodeacon Peter (Karakozoff)...

His Eminence Metropolitan Lazar of Simferopol and Crimea celebrated festive Divine Liturgy on Thursday, July 14, 2016, at SS Kosma and Damian Monastery in Crimea. He was joined by His Grace Bishop Theodosius of Seattle, Vicar Bishop of the Western American Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, along with clergymen from the Alushtinsk, Simferopol and Saky Deaneries of the Crimean Diocese, as well as monks in the priestly rank.

By God’s grace, not long ago we lived to see another Holiday of Holidays, the Bright Resurrection of Christ, Pascha. How I wish that all of you, parishioners of our churches and pilgrims who visit us who live in the Holy Land could also experience the divine services of Passion Week, participate in the burial service of Christ the Savior at the Live-Bearing Sepulcher of the Lord, be honored to receive the Holy Fire on Great Saturday, 

On Tuesday August 2, 2016, His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco and Western America presided over the Divine Liturgy at Saint Elias Church of Diamond Springs, CA, marking the patronal feast day with the clerics, parishioners and guests of the community.

Concelebrating with His Eminence were Bishop-elect of Sacramento Archimandrite Irenei (Steenberg), ...

Priest Andrew Cuneo, Rector of Saint Katherine Orthodox Church (OCA) of Carlsbad, CA, gave a lecture at the 9th Annual Lenten Retreat sponsored by Holy Virgin Cathedral in San Francisco entitled "Remembering Paradise." The video of his lecture can be seen below.

On the day of commemoration of the Holy Foremost Apostles Peter and Paul (29 of June/ 12  of July) at the Livadia Place in Crimea the solemn ceremony of the unveiling of a portrait of the Holy Royal Martyrs of Russia took place.  This portrait augments a current collection, which has been gathered through the efforts of the Chief Procurator of Crimea ­­– Natalia Poklonskaya.

Excerpt from the minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Synod of Bishop of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia:

"At the meeting of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, which was held on June 18/ July 1, 2016 in the San Francisco on the eve of the celebration of the 50^th Anniversary of the Repose of Holy Hierarch and Wonderworker John (Maximovich), the petition by Archbishop Kyrill..."

Opening today, June 30, 2016, is a General Meeting of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia in the presence of the Directress of the Russian Diaspora, the “Kursk-Root” Icon of the Mother of God. Sessions are being held in the Archbishop Anthony Memorial Library, a part of the Chancellery of the Western American Diocese at Saint Tikhon’s House in San Francisco, CA.

            This year, the parish school of Holy Ascension Russian Orthodox Church of Sacramento held its annual Russian River camp from June 21, 2016 until June 25, 2016. On Tuesday, June 21, a group of participants gathered near the Holy Ascension Church. Once all belongings were safely stored in the vehicles, Father Paul blessed each car and we headed out to the Russian River. After a 2 hour drive, we arrived at the campground and set up two tents. Working together, we quickly assembled them and went to the molebin at the nearby Church of the Mother of God of Kazan in Guerneville, California.

On the 9 of June, 2016, Holy Ascension Church of Sacramento, California marked its Patronal Feast Day of the Ascension of the Lord.

His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America presided over the Divine Liturgy. Concelebrating with him were...

For many decades the Russian Orthodox Church took and continues to take an active part in the preparation of the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church. Since the 1st Pan-Orthodox Conference in 1961 on Rhodes, the outstanding hierarchs and the best theologians of our Church have made their contribution to the work on a great number of the Council’s topics, including those which were not to be included later in the agenda of the Holy and Great Council. For the sake of the earliest convocation of the Council, the Russian Orthodox Church has repeatedly re-affirmed her readiness to achieve decisions mutually acceptable for all the participants in the pre-Council process, even if such decisions diverted from the already agreed rules of the Council’s preparation.

Pascha night at Protection of the Holy Virgin Church in Hollywood, CA.

On Friday, May 6, St. George Russian Orthodox Church celebrated their patronal feast with a liturgy.  It was the tenth such festal liturgy since the parish’s founding in the fall of 2005. Archpriest Michael van Opstall celebrated the liturgy together with five of his brother priests.

On Monday May 30, 2016, Memorial Day, His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America presided over the Divine Liturgy at Fort Ross during the annual diocesan pilgrimage. His Grace Theodosy Bishop of Seattle concelebrated along with priests and deacons of the San Francisco and Northern Deaneries.

The faithful gathered at Fort Ross California State Park from various parts of the Bay Area and Sacramento...

Below is a photo gallery and a video from the IX Annual Lenten Retreat sponsored by Holy Virgin Cathedral in San Francisco on Sunday April 17, 2016.

The retreat “Redeeming Modern Life” was centered on the theme of aesthetics in life and in the Orthodox Church. Attendees came from various Orthodox Jurisdictions.

The Paschal Epistle of His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America may be read here. 

Christ is risen!

On Sunday, March 27, the “Choral Presentation Series” at the Church of All Russian Saints in Burlingame, CA, resumed with a choral recital of prayers from Great Lent and Passion Week Services. The program featured hymns from the Lenten Triodion that parishioners would hear in upcoming services.

On Sunday April 17, 2016, Holy Virgin Cathedral sponsored the 9^th Annual Lenten Retreat. 

The title of the conference was “Redeeming Modern Life” and the themes of the lectures centered on beauty. There were approximately 100 attendees.

With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill a special petition for the well-being of persecuted Orthodox Christians is to be raised up throughout the Western American Diocese. 

A large number of English-language articles by Bishop Alexander (Mileant, 1938-2005) of blessed memory has been published in a book titled “Orthodox Christianity.”

The large paper-bound book contains 492 pages and includes articles on a broad scope of topics on Orthodox Christianity: teachings, history, dogmatics and morality. The reader is offered an all-encompassing overview of the Orthodox faith, its essence and meaning, and most importantly, advice on its practical application in daily life. One might say that this compendium is a “mini-course” on Orthodox seminary training.

On the Sunday of Orthodoxy, March 20, 2016, His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America elevated Sub-deacon Edward Anderson to the deaconate in Christ in Holy Virgin Cathedral.

Russkaya zhizn’: We heard that the Cathedral Choir will sing the Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts for the first time ever. Tell us how this idea came to be?

Vladimir Krassovsky: Yes, that’s true. Such Great-Lenten Liturgies are always celebrated at the Cathedral of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” in the morning,

This year, the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia marks the 50 th anniversary of the repose of the great hierarch, the “Russian Nicholas the Miracle-worker,” our holy father St John of Shanghai and San Francisco. The celebrations began with a visit of a large reliquary containing his relics to Holy Trinity Cathedral in Toronto, Canada. The region has many faithful who venerate his memory .

“What a fabulous event!” was the oft-heard remark following the conclusion of the first-ever concert and silent-auction fundraiser held at Protection of the Holy Virgin church on Argyle Ave in Hollywood on Sunday, February 21. The concert featured the performance of classical guitarist Taso Comanescu, a decade-long parishioner of the Argyle church, playing compositions that ranged from...

On a cold night, in a cold room in late December people gathered; some Orthodox, some Protestant, some Catholic, some Buddhist and some who ascribed to no faith at all. We met to listen to an Orthodox priest. Why, because we all are cared about the plight of our world. The particular plight that evening was the Greek refugee crisis and the thousands who were coming to his island, a Greek island, Lesbos, Turkey’s closest neighbor. The story he told was of what it means to be a neighbor, a human,... a god.

The church choir of Saint George Church in Jordan, Utah, has always consisted of women and girls. Over the course of several years the Father Rector, Archpriest Michael van Opstall, has written three-part arrangements and original compositions for women’s and girls’ voices. For the most part Father Michael writes arrangements based on musical anthologies like those found in the “Chanter's Companion” (Sputnik psalomchika), which comprises single-voiced melodies of the Znamenii Chant printed in square notation.

Representatives of the Diocese of San Francisco and Western America traveled to Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville, NY, for the II Annual Gathering of Alumni which was organized from the 10th to the 12th of February, 2016. 

Whether you know the term Modernity or it, it shapes the world we live, it defines what we think is important, what we strive to obtain, what we snub or praise...

The 9^th Annual Saint Herman’s West Youth Conference was hosted by Saint Martin the Merciful Church in Corvallis, OR, from the 27^th to the 31^st of December, 2015.

On Sunday November 8, 2015, Reverend Father Martin Person assumed the rectorship at Saint Herman of Alaska Mission in Sunnyvale, CA. Below is a photo report of that event.

Priest Christopher Horsley has been serving in the Western American Diocese for 19 years. In August 1996, he was ordained to the diaconate and appointed to serve at the Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Church in Santa Barbara, CA.

He only served there for a few months and was soon transferred to...

On October 2, 2015, Protodeacon Nicholai Triantafillidis, a beloved member of the clergy of the Western American Diocese, reposed in the Lord shortly after partaking of the Holy Mysteries of Christ. Father Nicholai lived in this temporal life 3 weeks short of his 45^th Birthday. Chosen of God, he labored tirelessly from his youth up to his blessed end in the service of the Orthodox Church. 

The future Protodeacon Nicholai was born to...

His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill read the following words of condolence Metropolitan Hilarion to the clergy and faithful of the New Cathedral during the funeral of Protodeacon Nicholai Triantafillidis on Tuesday October 6, 2015. 

A providential meeting in the Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos in July of 2014 by Archpriest Alexei Yastrebov. First published on the author's Facebook page on October 3, 2015. 

I had heard of Father Nicholai previously from my friend, Father Alexander Ageikin. They were friends, both served the Church as deacons of cathedrals: a work that appears to some as attractive and not very complicated, but in fact is a difficult labor demanding knowledge not only in the realm of liturgical practice, but often including administrative and household skills, huge physical endurance and the “usual” Christian humility.

We had the opportunity to become acquainted in 2010 in Moscow, and I immediately found him to be...

Reminicences of Protodeacon Nicholai Triantafillidis by his daughter Anastasia read on the day of his funeral October 6th, 2015:

First of all, I would like to thank every single person who came today to help us bury our beloved Papa. It is so very comforting to know how much everyone loved him, so thank you! Being the oldest of his children, I decided it would be appropriate to say a few words about our Papa.

The 24th North American Orthodox Church Musicians’ Conference (ROCM) was a great success that made a lasting impression on the church choir directors, choristers, and readers who participated. The conference was organized jointly by members of the Liturgical Music Commission (LMC) of the Synod of Bishops (ROCOR) and the parish of St. Andrew Stratelites, St. Petersburg, Florida, whose rector is Archpriest Igor Shitikov. The main theme of this year’s conference was “From Generation to Generation: Developing and Strengthening the Musical Tradition of Your Church Choir.” Intensive classes, lectures, and rehearsals were held at the lovely Clarion Clearwater hotel, in the vicinity of the host parish.

The program of the conference was intense...

Priest Martin and Matushka Sarah Person came to Holy Protection Church in Hollywood, CA, a little over 13 years ago (2002). Father Martin was ordained as Deacon there in 2003, and became the priest for the early English Liturgies in 2006.

During his years of service in that community his duties included...

Apostle of Love
“Children, love one another…”
(from the last will and testament of St.Jonah)
Zoya Gradov, Alamo

The brief earthly life of St. Jonah of Hankou came to an end in 1925, at the age of 37 years, at the Manchurian station in China. During his time on earth, the saint had occasion to live the equivalent of several lives: that of an accomplished theologian, a confessor, a soldier in the White Army, and a philanthropist, through which he sought the ultimate fulfillment of Christ’s commandment to love one’s neighbor. Since this issue of our magazine is dedicated to the worthy cause of charity, we begin with the life of this remarkable saint.

Witness of a Century

St. Jonah, who entered this world as Vladimir Pokrovsky, was orphaned at an early age and adopted by a village sexton, who gave the child his own surname and an upbringing...

On Thursday the 24^th of September, 2015, the famous “Men in Black” Series, sponsored by Saint Elias Church of Diamond Springs, CA, held its latest missionary event in the golden hills of El Dorado County. 

Though not a “man in black”, we hosted Steve Christoforou to hear him share why he chose Christ. His answers were straight forward and compelling: he chose Christ for the same reason Gandhi rejected Him. He chose Christ because of pain, the very rationale from which so many deny the existence of God. Lastly, he didn’t choose Christ because He’s the best religious idea out there, but because of something far more personal. Steve talks to a largely adult crowd about why the hard choice to draw near to God was the best decision he’s ever made.

Geoff Brim of the "Men in Black" Series

With sorrow for the tremendous loss for his family and for our Western American Diocese His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill announces the repose in the Lord of Protodeacon Nicholai Triantafillidis which took place this morning, the 2^nd October, 2015.

Newly-departed Protodeacon Nicholai was born on October 24, 1970. He grew up in San Francisco, California, and was raised in the parish of our Diocesan Cathedral in honour of the Icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow.” He was a spiritual son of Archbishop Anthony (Medvedev, +2000), who ordained him to the diaconate on the Feast of the Elevation of the Honourable and Life-Creating Cross (September 14/27) in 1992. Father Nicholai served the Holy Church with great love and zeal in the spirit of the famed protodeacons of the Russian Orthodox Church tradition.

Funeral Schedule for newly-departed Protodeacon Nicholai Triantafillidis at the New Cathedral in San Francisco, CA:

Sunday October 4: Panykhida at 7:30 pm.

Monday October 5: Arrival of casket at 4:00 pm Panykhida at 7:30 pm

Tuesday October 6: Liturgy at 8:00 am. Funeral presided by Archbishop Kyrill at 10:00 am.

On 11/24 September, 2015, the day of memory of Venerable Father Silouan the Athonite, His Eminence KYRILL, Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America, consecrated a new men’s monastery for the Western American Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, in honor of this modern-day Saint.

CORRECTION TO REPORTS ON DISTURBANCE AT ST TIKHON’S HOUSE, SAN FRANCISCO.

On September 8, 2015, the Feast of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother  of God, a very special event took place in the life of our diocese. His Holiness IRENEI Patriarch of Serbia visited our Diocesan Cathedral of the Mother of God dedicated to Her Icon “Joy of All Who Sorrow” in the company of many Serbian Orthodox bishops, clergy, seminarians from the theological seminary in Prezren and others.

On Friday the 4^th and Saturday the 5^th of September, 2015, His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America participated in the canonization of a newly glorified Saint of North America, Saint Sebastian of San Francisco and Jackson.

His Holiness Patriarch Irenei of Serbia visited the United States to participate in the canonization and presided over the ceremonies which took place at Saint Stephan’s Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Alhambra, CA.

On September 4th, 2015, His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill arrived in Alhambra, CA, to participate in the Canonization of two Serbian Orthodox Saints taking place at Saint Steven's Serbian Orthodox Cathedral.

The glorification of Hierarch Mardarije (Uskokovic) and Archimandrite Sevastian (Dabovic) will take place on Saturday, September 5, 2015, in the Western American Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church, as reported by its official website. Leading the celebrations with will be His Holiness Patriarch Irinej of Serbia. Also participating with be His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco and Western America of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.

On Sunday August 17/30, 2015, His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill arrived for an archpastoral visit to Holy Ascension Church in Sacramento, California, with the purpose of consecrating the new bells received from the LITEX Foundry in Moscow Russia and the newly-constructed belfry erected by the parish for the purpose of housing them. This celebration was dedicated to the 1000^th Anniversary of the Repose of Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Grand Prince Vladimir the Enlightener of Russia (+1015), and became the culmination of a three-year project as the parishioners worked on design, fundraising and construction.

On the 18^th and 19^th of August, 2015, Holy Transfiguration Cathedral in Los Angeles, California, marked its 85^th Anniversary while celebrating the Patronal Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. 

On August 5 (July 23, o.c.), 2015, His Eminence Kyrill Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America performed a pastoral visit to the Old Holy Virgin Cathedral in San Francisco for the parish Feast of the Icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow.”

During the Divine Liturgy His Eminence elevated the Deputy Rector of the Old Cathedral, Hieromonk James (Corazza), to the dignity of Abbot in recognition of his dedicated service to the Holy Church. Abbot James labors over a multi-ethnic flock in the Bay Area comprised of Americans, Russians, Palestinians, Romanians… Furthermore, Father receives multitudinous pilgrims who come to venerate Saint John of Shanghai the Wonderworker from all over the United States and the world at large to whom he ministers tirelessly. In addition, many capital improvements have been made to the cathedral church and facilities under the deputy rectorship of Fr. James, including, but limited to, new iconography and sacred furnishings.

Congratulations to Abbot James, his parishioners and benefactors with this dignity!

On Saturday May 2, 2015, a prayer service and fundraiser banquet was held to raise funds for the construction of a church to house the Iveron-Hawaiian Myrrh-streaming Icon of the Mother of God on the Hawaiian Islands.

On April 26, 2015, the Sunday of the Holy Myrrh-bearing Women, a fundraiser banquet was held at the Holy Virgin Cathedral at 6700 Geary Blvd. in San Francisco, CA. 

The fundraiser banquet was entitled “Joy & Mercy” and organized to benefit benevolent institution in Russia called Miloserdie (Compassion). Over the course of many years Miloserdie has tirelessly labored to bring aid and consolation both material and moral to the infirm,..

On the 25 and 26 of April, 2015, His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill visited the Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Seattle to mark the 25^th Anniversary of the ordination of Archpriest Alex Kotar Dean of the Northern Deanery of the Western American Diocese, who was ordained to the Deaconate on the Feast of the Annunciation by Archbishop Anthony (Medvedev) in 1990.

The Iveron Hawaiian Myrrh-streaming Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos is coming to the San Francisco Bay Area on the weekend of May 2 and 3, 2015, which will include visits to both Cathedrals of the Western American Diocese located in San Francisco.

The Second Annual "Men in Black" Series was held on the 13 and 14 of February, 2015. This year's key-note speaker was Sister Vassa (Larin) of the popular weekly program "Coffee with Sister Vassa." Below is a video of her lecture and the questions and answers that followed held on Saturday February 14, 2015, in Diamond Springs, CA. 

On Bright Tuesday, the 14^th of April, 2015, His Emnence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America performed the Divine Liturgy at the Old Cathedral...

Paschal Message by Patriarch KIRILL of Moscow and All Russia to the Archpastors, Pastors, Deacons, Monks and Nuns and All the Faithful Children of the Russian Orthodox Church

CHRIST IS RISEN!
Paschal Address of His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill may be read here.

The VIII Annual Lenten Retreat of the Western American Diocese was held at Holy Virgin Cathedral in San Francisco, CA, on March 29, 2015.

There was great inspiration and a deepening of faith that accompanied the conclusion of our pastoral retreat, which took place from Monday March 9 to Wednesday March 11. We clergy took some of both home with us to our respective families and flocks.

On the 5th Sunday of Great Lent (March 29, 2015), when the Holy Church commemorates the memory of Saint Mary of Egypt, His Eminence Kyrill Archbishop of San Francisco and Western American visited the Los Angeles Area.

On Sunday, March 15th, the choir of the Church of All Russian Saints in Burlingame, CA, presented a choral recital of prayers from Great Lent and Passion Week Services.  The program consisting of hymns from the Lenten Triodion spanned chronologically from the weeks leading up to Great Lent through Great Saturday and featured works by pre-revolutionary and contemporary composers.  

The 2^nd day of the retreat of the Western American Diocese began with the Lenten Hours, typica and vespers starting at 8:00 am.

Preserving the tradition of pre-revolutionary Russia, on Sunday, March 8^th, the Holy Virgin Cathedral Choir, under the direction of Vladimir Krassovsky, gave a Lenten Concert of Sacred Choral Music at Star of the Sea Catholic Church in San Francisco.

On March 9, 2015, the clergy of the Western American Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia gathered under the omophorion of their archpastor and father, His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill, for the first of a three-day clergy retreat.

Can a small parish that no one’s heard of influence the notions of a community that assumes monks wear orange? We decided to try by bringing in the “men in black”.

In the Cathedrals, monasteries and parishes of the Western American Diocese the First Week of Great Lent has passed with the chanting of the Canon of Repentance by Saint Andrew of Crete, a doubled reading of the Psalms of David, with fasting, prostrations and confession; and for many, the partaking of the Holy Mysteries of Christ.

The annual Lenten retreat for the clergy of the Western American Diocese is being held at the Old Holy Virgin Cathedral in San Francisco from March 9 through 11, 2015.

The clergy and faithful of the Western American Diocese congratulate their Ruling Bishop, His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America, with his Names Day with his Names Day on the day of commemoration of the Holy Equal-of-the-Apostles Kyrill Teacher of the Slavs (14/27 of February). 

With great affection and respect we wish His Eminence health of soul and body, strength and wisdom to govern the Western American Diocese, and Many Years!

The VIII Annual Saint Herman’s West Youth Conference was held at Saint George Russian Orthodox Church in West Jordan, UT, near Salt Lake City, from December 22 to 26, 2014. Around 25 participants of the Western American Diocese gathered from California, Colorado, Oregon, Utah and Washington along with many clergy under the direction of the Youth Department Chairman of the Western American Diocese Archpriest Boris Henderson.

On February 8, 2015, this very special day for our parish, we were visited by His Eminence KYILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America who also presided over the Divine Services.

The 16 of February, 2015, Matushka Vera Dombrovsky reposed in the Lord in Novo-Diveevo, NY.  Born in 1918, newly-departed Matushka Vera was married to Archpriest Nikolai Dombovsky. Father Nikolai, who reposed in the Lord in 1979, served as a priest in Poland, Chili, Cuba and San Francisco, CA.  Both Father Nikolai and Matushka Vera were very energetic in the building of the New Cathedral of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” on Geary Blvd. in San Francisco.  Simultaneously, Father Nicholas labored in the formation of youth, being an active member of the Saints Cyril and Methodius Gymnasia at the New Cathedral. He also compiled an in-depth, historical jubilee album for the Cathedral community when it celebrated its 50^th Anniversary.

The afternoon of February 15, 2015, saw the close of the second spring 2015 weekend symposium put on by Saints Cyril and Athanasius Institute for Orthodox Studies. The theme for the spring 2015 symposia was “The City a Desert.”

St. Martin the Merciful Orthodox Church in Corvallis, Oregon, formally dedicated its new parish hall on February 6^th and 7^th, 2015. It was a festive occasion, with clergy and laity from a number of jurisdictions joining with parish faithful to celebrate the realization of a long-held goal.

His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill visited Russia from January 27 to February 3, 2015, in order to participate in 6th Anniversary of the Enthronement of His Holiness Kirill Patriarch of Moscow and All of Russia and for a Archpastoral Conference. 

The Bishops’ Conference of the Russian Orthodox Church took place on February 2-3, 2015, at the Church of Christ the Saviour in Moscow. It was chaired by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia.

On 3 February 2015, the Bishops’ Conference of the Russian Orthodox Church completed its work in the Hall of Church Councils at the Church of Christ the Saviour under the chairmanship of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia.

On Sunday March 8th, 2015, under the direction of Choir Master Vladimir V. Krassovsky the Pontifical Choir of Holy Virgin Cathedral will perform the concert "Sacred Choral Music of Russia."

The concert is scheduled to begin at 2:30 pm at Star of the Sea Catholic Church located at 4420 Geary Blvd., San Francisco, CA. 

On the 1^st of February, 2015, the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee during the Divine Liturgy in the midst of a multitude of bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church as well as bishops from many Local Churches who were gathered to celebrate in the 6^th Anniversary of the Enthronement of His Holiness Kirill Patriarch of Moscow and All of Russia and for a Archpastoral Conference, His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill was awarded a “Patriarchal” Panagia for His ardent archpastoral labors and in connection with His 60^th Birthday.

On the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill ordained monk Peter (Karakozoff) to the rank of Hierodeacon. 

His Eminence Arcbhishop Kyrill extends his profound gratitude to the faithful of the Western American Diocese for their support and love for the Church.

His Epistle may be read here.

His Eminence Arcbhishop Kyrill extends his profound gratitude to the faithful of the Western American Diocese for their support and love for the Church.

The Nativity Epistle of His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill can be found here.

On Thursday, December 25, 2014, His Grace Bishop Theodosius of Seattle, Vicar of the Western American Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, tonsured Peter Karakozov, for many years the personal assistant to His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill, Ruling Bishop of the diocese. He was given the name Peter after Holy New Martyr Peter, Metropolitan of Krutitsa. Monk Peter joins the Brotherhood of St Ignatius (Bryanchaninov) in San Francisco.

Monk Peter will be elevated to the rank of Hierdeacon on the Feast of the Nativity of Christ, December 25, 2014 / January 7, 2105.

Source

Saint Herman's West Youth Conference publishes the schedule for its VIII confernce held in at Saint George Russian Orthodox Church in Salt Lake City, Utah, from December 22nd to 26th, 2014. 

Participants are requested to register by Monday December 8th. 

Honolulu, Hawaii - November 22 & 23, 2014

The Holy Theotokos of Iveron Church in Honolulu, Hawaii, celebrated its 30^th Anniversary November 22^nd and 23^rd, 2014. It was a festive Pan-Orthodox weekend with clergy and faithful from many jurisdictions traveling from afar to participate and attend...

On November 11/24, 2014, our Ruling Bishop His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill marked his 60th Birthday.

Heartfelt congratulations are offered from the Diocesan Council, clergy and all the faithful of the Western American Diocese with this Jubilee with wishes of health and length of days in service to our Diocese.

On Thursday October 2, 2014, in Monterey, CA, a banquet was held for the clergy and their spouses marking the 80^th Anniversary of the Western American Diocese. The event was held in conjunction with the annual fall pastoral retreat and the celebration of the 700^th Anniversary of the birth of St. Sergius of Radonezh and the 50^th Anniversary of the Canonization of St. John of Kronstadt by the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia held at Saint Seraphim of Sarov Church in Seaside, CA.

THURSDAY, October 2

• 4:00 pm: Arrival and Registration at the Embassy Suites (Embassy Suites Monterey Bay, 1441 Canyon Del Rey Blvd, Seaside, CA 93955 )

Report with link to photo galleries

Dear in the Lord fathers and concelebrants, brothers, sisters, and children – good and faithful servants of the Western American Diocese!

This year, 2014, our Russian Orthodox Church is celebrating two anniversaries: 700 years since the birth of St. Sergius of Radonezh, and 50 years since the glorification of the holy and righteous John of Kronstadt by the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia.

Love a righteous man, and he will love thee.
-St. Philaret of Moscow

On September 15, 2013, His Holiness Patriarch Kyril announced the establishment of a feast day dedicated the sacred memory of Holy Right-believing Prince Peter and Princess Febronia of Murom to be held annually on the Sunday before September 19 (therefore, this year on Sunday September 14), since this holy couple has been manifest as a pious example of and intercessors for married life.

The 23rd Russian Orthodox Church Musicians’ Conference to be held from October 8 – 12, 2014, is announcing special rates and scheduled activities. Thanks to a grant from the Russian American Women’s League, special rates for hotel registration, including $525.00 for double occupancy, extended through September 7!

Calistoga Orthodox Wines was founded by Priest Akim Provotakis, Rector of Saint Simeon of Verhostursk Church of the Western American Diocese in Calistoga, CA. Calistoga Orthodox Wines has produced a high quality Kagor for use as a chalice wine during the Divine Liturgy. The first vintage was so successful that it is completely sold out. Now, a new one is in production for release in the near future.

His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill has announced an All-Diocesan Celebration-Pilgrimage to Saint Seraphim of Sarov Church in Monterey, California, on Saturday the 4th of October, 2014.

The “Kursk-Root” Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, the Directress of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, visited the Western American Diocese. She arrived at the end of June, 2014, in time for the opening of the Council of Bishops and the 20^th Anniversary of the Canonization of Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco the Wonderworker celebrated on June 29 of this year.

Jubilee Celebration in Monterey, CA, 2014 (Please, scroll down 2 pages upon opening file.)

700 Years from the Birth of St. Sergius of Radonezh, 50 Years from the Canonization of St. John of Kronstadt & 80 years of the Western American Diocese

With the blessing of Archbishop Kirill, the Bay Area’s first International Russian Choral Music Festival comes to San Francisco and Berkeley August 3-10, 2014. Four concerts offer a panorama of the exquisite Russian choral music tradition, including rare and new music that has almost never been performed outside Russia. The music ranges from ancient monastic chants to new works, including little-known music from folk and religious traditions, operatic arias and choral arrangements for a Festival Chorus of nearly 100 voices.

The "Kursk-Root" Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos arrived in the Western American Diocese for the Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, which convened from the 23 to the 30 of June this year.

"In the World, but not of the World"

An Introduction to the Life of Saint John of Shanghai & San Francisco

On June 16/29, during the celebrations surrounding the 20th anniversary of the glorification of St. John of San Francisco, a new bishop for the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia will be consecrated. We offer our readers some information on the episcopal candidate, Archimandrite Nicholas, Bishop-elect of Manhattan and the rite of episcopal consecration as well.

Today, the 24 of June, 2014, the opening of the Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia took place and sessions will continue through the 1 of July. The meetings are to be convened in the Archbishop Anthony Memorial Library of the Chancellery of Western American Diocese at the Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk Church in San Francisco. More information and photographs are available here.

In celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Canonization of Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco the Wonderworker a commemorative medallion has been cast with an image of the Saint.

His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia addresses the Fullness of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Excerpts

"There can be nothing more important for us today than the continuing fratricide which is blazing on the territory of Ukraine, taking away more and more lives."

"May special prayers for peace and the overcoming of internecine war tirelessly be made in all our churches, the text of which I gave my blessing today."

The Youth Committee of the Western American Diocese has long desired to organize a work project for our youth, to givet them a 'hand's on' opportunity to contribute to the building up of the Church in our Diocese. The paving of a courtyard and pathway was accomplished by our youth at St. Martin Church in Corvallis, OR, from June 16 to 20, with time for recreation on the last day.

A Youth Project sponsored by the Youth Department of the Western American Diocese at Saint Martin Orthodox Church in Corvallis, Oregon, is being held from Tuesday June 17 to Thursday June 19, 2014. The event includes paver installation, painting and landscaping, together with social time and an all-day outing to the Oregon Coast. There is no charge for participation in this event. All expenses (excepting travel to and from Corvallis) will be covered by the parish and/or the WAD Youth Department.

On the 24th of May, 2014, at a meeting of the Russian American Women’s League the second Presentation of Spiritual Spring, the official journal of the Western American Diocese took place. The Editor-in-Chief His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco and Western America, and members of the Editorial Board were met by representatives of the League.

The annual diocesan pilgrimage to Fort Ross, located 11 miles north of Jenner, CA, will take place on Memorial Day, May 26, 2014. The Greeting of the Bishop is scheduled for 9:30 am. After Divine Liturgy there will be a procession to the cemetery and a Litya for the Dead.

The Sts. Cyril & Athanasius Institute for Orthodox Studies is delighted to announce that registration is OPEN NOW for a Pilgrimage to the Orthodox Sites of the United Kingdom, from 2nd-11th September 2014. An extraordinary journey encompassing the ancient as well as modern-day Orthodox life of Britain: there are only 15 places available on the Institute's first ever-pilgrimage.

Reservations for the solemn banquet held on Sunday June 29th at 3:00 pm commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Canonization of Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco the Wonderworker are now available online through the website of the Holy Virgin Cathedral "Joy of All Who Sorrow."

The 23rd Russian Orthodox Church Musician’s Conference will be hosted by Saints Peter and Paul Church in beautiful Santa Rosa, CA, from October 8th to 12th, 2014.

The title of the conference is Fundamentals of Musicianship for the Church Choir and its Conductor, and will focus “on increasing the skill, knowledge, artistic sensitivity, and prayerful execution of church singing, as well as the role of the conductor in building fluidity of harmony, nuances, and choral blend.”

This year the clergy and faithful of the Western American Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia will solemnly celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Canonization of our Father among the Saints John Archbishop of Shanghai and San Francisco the Wonderworker on the 27th, 28th, and 29th of June.

Members of the diocese are undertaking several actions in preparation for this great event.

On Sunday, May 4th, the Great Consecration took place of the new temple of the parish of St. George in Salt Lake City, Utah. The consecration was presided by His Eminence, Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco. 

Christ is Risen! 

Christ is Risen!

Paschal Epistle of Archbishop Kyrill

 (For the English version, please scroll to page two)

On Sunday March 16, 2014, in Burlingame, CA, at the Church of All Saints of Russia a concert of liturgical music took place, comprised of hymns from the Divine Services of Great Lent and Passion Week.

Schedule of the Rite of Unction performed throughout
the Western American Diocese during Great Lent of 2014:

A 5th year seminarian of Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville, NY, Nicholas Kotar of San Francisco (Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia), has written a new epic fantasy based on Russian fairy tales and myths entitled "Raven Son". For more information please see the novel's website.

During the Second Week of Great Lent the clergy of the Western American Diocese gathered together for a retreat of prayer, lectures and spiritual fellowship from Monday the 10th to Wednesday the 12th of this year. 

The clergy observed the full cycle of Lenten Divine Services, including the prayers of St. Ephraim the Syrian, as the fathers took turns both reading and chanting on kliros, and conducting the the Divine Services from the Ambo. 

The Lenten pastoral retreat of the Western American Diocese is scheduled from Monday the 17 to Wednesday the 19 of March, 2014, at the Old Holy Virgin Cathedral located at 864 Fulton Street in San Francisco.

The annual Lenten Retreat that has been held at Holy Virgin Cathedral over the past several years cannot be organized this year due to the pressures of planning for the large-scale forthcoming events of the 20th Anniversary celebrations of St John, the Sobor of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia and the XIII All-Diaspora Youth Conference.

A concert-choral recital of sacred music by the parish choir of the Church of All Russian Saints will take place at 744 El Camino Real, Burlingame, on Sunday, March 16, at 1 PM.

The program will feature works that will be sung at our services during Great Lent and Passion Week.

Admission is free; seating will be limited, on a first -come basis.

At the latest Saint Herman’s West Youth Conference held on the 22 to the 26 of December, 2013, at the Russian New Martyrs Church in Mulino, OR, Archimandrite Irenei (Steenberg) and Matushka Natalie Henderson gave a presentation on "The Role of Women in the Church."

The XIII All-Diaspora Youth Conference of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia is being organized under the theme: "In the Footsteps of St. John." This conference will be dedicated to missionary work on the basis of social services and volunteer charity work and will be taking place during the All-Bishops Council and the Feast Day of Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco the Wonderworker as this year marks the 20th anniversary of his Canonization.

On March 9, 2014, the First Sunday of Great Lent, the "Triumph of Orthodoxy with the Anathema Service" was performed in the New Cathedral of the Most Holy Theotokos "Joy of All Who Sorrow."

In light of the continued turmoil and unrest that have beset the Ukrainian land, the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, His Eminence Hilarion, Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York, released the following statement on February 26, 2014:

Having observed with grief and great concern the political upheavals in Ukraine, we ask that the faithful of the Russian Church Abroad strengthen their prayers for peace and the restoration of lawfulness among our brothers and sisters in that country. In this crucial time, when the Ukrainian people are searching for and trying to formulate a national identity, it is our fervent hope that they put at the head of the corner of this identity their Orthodox Faith, which has guided their fathers for over a thousand years. We, the faithful of the Russian Church Abroad living in America, regardless of our ethnic identity are all deeply connected to Kiev through our Enlightener, the Great Prince Vladimir. His decision to baptize the Kievan people led to the establishment of Holy Rus', which cultivated a great multitude of ascetics and saints, including St Herman of Alaska, who followed in St Vladimir's footsteps when he brought the Light of Christ to North America.

The recent tragic events in Ukraine have filled my heart with enormous grief and sorrow.

It was not long ago, while visiting the ancient city of Kiev - the cradle of Slavic statehood - and the glorious and heroic Crimea, that I was filled with joy at seeing how Ukrainians of such different ethnic backgrounds, religious convictions, and social and political views all nonetheless maintain peaceful...