This year, the Russian Orthodox Parish of St. John of Kronstadt (+1908) in San Diego (ROCOR) celebrates its 55th anniversary, as well as the 60th anniversary of the canonization and the 195th anniversary of the birth of its spiritual patron and the second most revered Russian Saint. The parish was founded in 1967 in the home of priest Michael Lightfoot, and the church was consecrated in 1969, just 5 years after the Canonization of this Saint by the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad.

Surprisingly, this is one of the first churches in honor of the great shepherd of Kronstadt worldwide since his glorification was allowed in Russia only in 1990, after the fall of the Soviet Union. In 2009, the church was expanded and took on its current appearance.

The Hierarchical Divine Services on November 2-3 were led by His Grace Theodosius, Bishop of Seattle, First Auxiliary Bishop of the Western American Diocese of the Russian Church Abroad. Concelebrating with him were the Rector, Archpriest Evgeny Grushetsky, Hieromonk Sylvester (Kozhin), Rector of the local parish of the Kazan Icon (MP), and Deacon Rusticus Kroshko from Seattle. In his sermon, His Grace related the wondrous life of St. John of Kronstadt, who used the grace given to him by God and the spiritual strength acquired from the daily celebration of the Liturgy to serve people tirelessly.

About 120 people prayed at the Divine Liturgy in the small but cozy church to the singing of a small but harmonious choir. The Church Warden Vadim Stepanov and the Head Sister, Natalia Zimina, were awarded Benedictory Tributes on behalf of His Eminence Archbishop Kirill of San Francisco and Western America.

At the end of the Divine Service, Archpriest Evgeny thanked His Grace, who had brought with him from San Francisco the belt of Holy Righteous Father John for the veneration of the faithful and all who labor at the Parish.

The rain that alarming forecasts had foreshadowed broke out during the night, and by morning the clouds had dispersed, allowing for a cross procession around the church and a festive meal to be served in the church courtyard. During the dinner, prepared by the diligent efforts of the Sisterhood, the clergy, parishioners, guests from Arizona and Nevada, and a group of pilgrims from Los Angeles were treated to a performance by children from the church school, followed by congratulations offered by former parishioners from different cities of America.

Reader Vitaly Efimenkov
This Report was prepared for "Russian Life Daily"