Western American Diocese
RUSSIAN ORTHODOX
 CHURCH OUTSIDE
 OF RUSSIA
Western American Diocese
00000
image
The Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord at Holy Trinity Monastery in Mexico City, Mexico - 09/29/2023
Category: Recent Events
Last updated: 2023-09-30 02:46:04

Archimandrite Nektary, Abbot of Holy Trinity Monastery in Mexico City, Mexico, and his brotherhood, and parishioners celebrated the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord on August 6/19 and also continued the celebration during the Afterfeast.

There were many communicants of the Sacred Mysteries of Christ. At the end of Liturgy the “Rite of the Blessing of the First Fruits was performed.


00001
image
Archbishop Kyrill Presides over the Patronal Feast at Holy Transfiguration Cathedral - 09/29/2023
Category: Recent Events
Last updated: 2023-09-29 20:16:20

On Saturday August 6/19, 2023, His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America presided over the patronal feast day of Holy Transfiguration Cathedral in Los Angeles, CA.

During the Small Entrance, a member of the cathedral’s clergy was, Priest Janis Terauds, was elevated to the dignity of Archpriest.


00002
image
Patronal Feast of Christ the All-Merciful Saviour Monastery, Vashon Island, WA - 09/29/2023
Category: Recent Events
Last updated: 2023-10-01 01:17:26

Today our brotherhood celebrates the Patronal Feast of our monastery.

Thirty-seven years ago the beloved and ever-memorable Archimandrite Dimitri (Egoroff) of Santa Rosa, CA tonsured Father Paul and me as Orthodox monks (we'd both converted as monks from Eastern Rite Catholicism). Guided and inspired by Father Dimitri's kind and prayerful spirit, and the wisdom and holiness gained through his many years of monastic struggle, our brotherhood was planted on the firm ground of the Russian monastic tradition.


00003
image
Western Rite Parishes and Missions within the Territory of the Western American Diocese - 08/14/2023
Last updated: 2023-08-14 18:40:02

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.


00004
image
Archdeacon Peter (Karakozoff) is Ordained a Hieromonk at the Old Holy Virgin Cathedral - 08/10/2023
Last updated: 2023-08-10 17:58:02

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.


00005
image
Patronal Feast Day of Saints Peter and Paul Church in Santa Rosa, CA - 08/10/2023
Last updated: 2023-08-10 17:45:18

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.


00006
image
A Cleric of the Western American Diocese Lectured at the 75th Commencement of Holy Trinity Theological Seminary, Jordanville, NY - 08/10/2023
Category: Recent Events
Last updated: 2023-08-10 17:06:08

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.


00007
image
A Cleric of the Southern Deanery of the Western American Diocese, Priest Christopher Horsley, was Elevated to the Dignity of Archpriest - 08/10/2023
Last updated: 2023-08-10 16:24:49

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.


00008
image
A New Protodeacon for Holy Virgin Cathedral - 08/10/2023
Last updated: 2023-08-10 13:09:33

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


00009
image
Archbishop Kyrill Presides over the Feast Day of Saint Elias Church in Diamond Springs, CA - 08/09/2023
Last updated: 2023-08-09 21:49:52

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).


00010
image
The Patronal Feast Day of Saint Seraphim of Sarov in Seaside, CA - 08/09/2023
Last updated: 2023-08-09 20:02:01

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.


00011
image
Patronal Feast Day on the Russian River - 08/09/2023
Category: Recent Events
Last updated: 2023-08-09 19:20:09

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.


00012
image
The Parish of the Church of the Holy Royal Martyrs of Russia in Sparks, Nevada, Celebrates its Patronal Feast - 08/07/2023
Last updated: 2023-08-10 00:12:17

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).


00013
image
The Annual Celebration of Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco the Wonderworker - 08/06/2023
Last updated: 2023-08-10 10:10:36

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...


00014
image
Archbishop Kyrill visits All Saints of Russia Orthodox Church in Denver, CO - 07/06/2023
Last updated: 2023-07-06 19:11:24

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.


00015
image
Inaugural Arizona Icon Writing Workshop Complete! - 07/05/2023
Last updated: 2023-07-05 19:02:21

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.


00016
image
A Monk of the Monastery of the All-Merciful Saviour, Vashon Island, Washington, is Ordained to the Priesthood - 07/05/2023
Last updated: 2023-07-05 14:58:12

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!


00017
image
Annual Pilgrimage to Fort Ross, Near Jenner, California - 06/23/2023
Last updated: 2023-06-25 09:33:32

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.


00018
image
A Cleric of the Western American Diocese takes a Pilgrimage to Holy Trinity Monastery, Jordanville, NY - 05/26/2023
Last updated: 2023-05-26 22:42:41

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.


00019
image
The Youth of St Nicholas Cathedral in Seattle, Washington, Make a Film on Its 90th Anniversary - 05/26/2023
Last updated: 2023-05-26 21:01:11

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


00020
image
The First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad heads divine services on the first anniversary of the repose of Metropolitan Hilarion of blessed memory - 05/26/2023
Category: Recent Events
Last updated: 2023-05-26 20:36:21

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.


00021
image
Ordination to the Priesthood at Holy Virgin Cathedral on Palm Sunday, April 9th, 2023 - 04/09/2023
Last updated: 2023-05-27 14:19:15

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. 


00022
image
The Biannual Pastors' Retreat for the Clergy of the Western American Diocese was Held in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona - 04/02/2023
Last updated: 2023-05-28 08:58:20

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...


00023
image
GREAT LENT: Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian - 02/27/2023
Last updated: 2023-04-15 23:13:45

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..


00024
image
Metropolitan Onufry: Lenten Rule For Peace - 02/27/2023
Last updated: 2023-02-27 15:23:00

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.


00025
image
Christmas Message from Patriarch KIRILL of Moscow and All Russia - 01/13/2023
Category: Recent Events
Last updated: 2023-01-13 16:37:29

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.


00026
image
The XVI Annual Saint Herman’s West Youth Conference was Held in Youngtown, Arizona - 01/05/2023
Last updated: 2023-01-06 01:55:34

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:


00027
image
NATIVITY EPISTLE  of His Eminence NICHOLAS Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia - 01/04/2023
Category: Recent Events
Last updated: 2023-01-03 19:16:13

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:


Announcements
00000
XIII ANNUAL LENTEN RETREAT SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2024 - 03/23/2024
Recent Photos