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!