My Reminiscences about Archbishop Anthony (Medvedev)

In connection with the upcoming anniversary of the repose of Archbishop Anthony (Medvedev) of San Francisco and Western America of blessed memory I would like to note some of the characteristics of this very good-hearted and cordial archpastor. ...more

Fort Ross

"Our homeland represents the embodiment of the Gospel in the national character and national existence, as well as embodiment of the Heavenly Kingdom; our Russia is not only a legal entity or a state, no – it is a universal, all-encompassing idea." – so said the great hierarch of the Russian land, the most blessed Metropolitan Anthony on 5 October, 1904, on the day of the four saints of Moscow, warning Russia about the coming hardships. ...more

The Labors of Bishop Nektary (Kontzevich) of Seattle in the Field of Spiritual Nurturing of Children and Youth

February 6, 2008, was the 25th anniversary of the blessed repose of the vicar bishop of the Western American Diocese, Bishop Nektary (Kontzevitch) of Seattle. The life path of Vladyka Nektary deserves a separate study; this article is dedicated merely to one of the aspects of his service to the Church – his labors with children and youth. ...more

In Memoriam: Protopresbyter Elias Wen

Protopresbyter Elias Wen was born in Peking, China, in 1896. At the age of seven he, on his own volition and with his parents’ permission, was baptized into the Holy Orthodox Church. From 1905 to 1914, he studied at the Mission school, and from 1915 to 1918, at the Peking Theological Seminary. In 1931, he was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Simon and assigned to the Annunciation Church in Shanghai. After completion of the new Shanghai cathedral in honor of the Mother of God "Surety of Sinners", Fr. Elias was assigned Dean there. In 1946, by Decree of Archbishop John (Maximovitch), he was made Rector of the cathedral. ...more

The San Francisco Episcopal See Until its Move to New York

In 2007 the Western American Diocese marks the 135th anniversary of the move of the episcopal seat from Sitka, in Alaska, to the city of San Francisco. We offer our readers an article written by an Archpriest of Holy Virgin Cathedral, Father Nicholas Dombrovsky, in 1972, on the occassion of the 100th anniversary of this event. ...more

Russian Sailors Buried on Mare Island (near Vallejo)

Few Orthodox Christians in the Western American Diocese know that eight Russian Orthodox sailors who died in 1863 and 1905, are buried on Mare Island (near Valejo, California). Here is a brief account of these men, who are part of Orthodox America's historical heritage. ...more