The Very Reverend Archpriest John Ocaña, founding priest of the St Herman of Alaska Russian Orthodox Church in Sunnyvale, CA, reposed this morning - July 21, 2026.

A lifelong resident of Sunnyvale, Fr John was born on May 18, 1942. Graduating from Sunnyvale High School, Fr John entered St Peter Chanel Seminary in San Rafael. During his studies there, he became interested in Eastern Orthodoxy, and after graduating from the seminary in 1962, he pursued a degree in Pastoral Theology from Santa Clara University.

He married Eileen Sullivan in 1969 and was ordained as an Orthodox priest on July 19, 1970. Fr John served at the Antiochian Orthodox Church of the Redeemer in Los Altos for many years and then established the St Herman of Alaska parish in Sunnyvale in 1984 with the blessing of Archbishop Antony (Medvedev). He faithfully and successfully served this community for over three decades until health issues forced him to retire.

After a long illness, Fr John peacefully reposed and is survived by his four children: Dymphna, Sean, Tony, and Joel - and by a multitude of grateful parishioners who will remember their beloved pastor forever.

The Funeral and burial are being arranged for August 1st at 11:00 am at Saint Herman of Alaska Russian Orthodox Church in Sunnyvale, CA. His Grace JAMES Bishop of Sonora will preside.

Address:
Saint Herman of Alaska Russian Orthodox Church
161 N. Murphy Street; Sunnyvale, CA 94086