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. 

His Eminence KYRILL of San Francisco and Western America presided over the festivities. Concelebrating with him were the parish rector, Mitered Archpriest Alexander Lebedeff, cathedral clergy Archpriest Christopher Horsely, Priest Alexei Polyakov, Priest Roman Katyshev, and Protodeacon Andrei Karobkoff. Guest clergy also concelebrating were Archpriests Victor Tseshkovsky and George Gulin and Hierodeacon Peter (Karakozoff).

During the Divine Liturgy His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill blessed Archpriest Alexander Lebedeff with the dignity of wearing a second jeweled pectoral cross for his 45 years of service to the Holy Church.

The “Rite of the Blessing of the First Fruits” was performed during the procession as the faithful had their baskets with grapes, apples and other fruits blessed.

Upon returning to the cathedral, a Benedictory Tribute to the community from the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia was proclaimed from the ambo congratulating the faithful with the 85^th Anniversary from the parish’s founding and bestowing a blessing from the Church for the furthered life of the cathedral and its proclamation of the Holy Gospel to the world.