His Eminence Metropolitan NICHOLAS, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, is scheduled to serve at Holy Virgin Cathedral on August 3, 2025. 
The Greeting of His Eminence will be at 9:45 AM.
Address:Holy Virgin Cathedral6210 Geary BoulevardSan Francisco, CA 94121

The great, holy and ancient (XIII century) Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God, the Protectress and Guide of the Russian diaspora, will be coming through San Francisco on its way to Seattle. The greeting of the Icon is scheduled for Saturday, December 14, at 5:00 pm. The miraculous Icon will be at Holy Virgin Cathedral the whole Saturday evening Vigil, as well as at both Sunday Liturgies on December 15.

On Saturday October 21, 2023, His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America will preside over the Divine Liturgy at the Kazan Church on the Russian River.
Schedule:Hours at 8:40 AMDivine Liturgy at 9:00 AM

On October 15th, 2023 His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America will perform the Divine Liturgy at Protection of the Holy Virgin Church in Palo Alto, CA. Greeting the His Eminence will be at 9:30 AM
Address: 3475 Ross Road; Palo Alto, CA 94303

Discover the excellence of education at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church School. Rooted in timeless values and a commitment to academic brilliance, we provide a holistic learning experience for your child.
Our experienced educators foster intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and a deep appreciation for cultural heritage.
The classes will start on September 9th, 2023 right after the Moleben.
Please join us at 8 am in the main Parish Hall.
Contact us at (415) 752-5122, russianschool.sf@gmail.com or visit the website to schedule a tour and learn more about our admissions process.

Holy Transfiguration Cathedral in Los Angeles, CA, will mark its Patronal Feast Day on Saturday, August 19th, 2023. His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America is presiding.
Schedule:Friday August 18th at 6:30 pm –– All-night ViglSaturday August 19th at 9:30 am –– Greeting of the Bishop, Hierarchical Liturgy, cross procession, "Blessing of the First Fruits" and festal dinner in the church hall
Address:5432 Fernwood AvenueLos Angeles, CA 90027

The Schedule of Divine Services for Saint Elias Church in Diamond Springs, CA, is as follows:
Tuesday, August 1 at 6:00 pm –– All-night VigilWednesday, August 2 at 9:30 am –– Greeting of the Bishop, Diving Liturgy, cross procession, festal dinner

The annual feast at the Old Cathedral of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow" will be celebrated on Saturday, August 5th, 2023. His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America presiding.
Schedule:Friday August 4th at 5:00 pm –– All-night VigilSaturday August 5th at 9:30 am –– Greeting of the Bishop & Divine Liturgy
Address:864 Fulton StreetSan Francisco, CA 94117

On Saturday, July 22, 2023, the Kazan Church in Guerneville, CA, will celebrate its Parish Feast Day. His Grace THEODOSY presiding.
Schedule:8:40 am Hours9:00 am LiturgyProcession and festal meal to follow.
Address:17370 Neeley RoadGuerneville, CA 95446
 

His Grace JAMES Bishop of Sonora is slated to preside over the Patronal Feast Day of Saint Seraphim of Sarov Church in Seaside, CA
Schedule of Divine Services:Monday, July 31 at 6:00 pm –– All-night VigilTuesday, August 1 at 9:00 am –– Greeting of the Bishop, Divine Liturgy, Cross Precession, and festal meal

On Saturday, June 24, 2023, His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America will serve Divine Liturgy at the Kazan Church in Guerneville, CA
Schedule:8:40 am Hours9:00 am Divine LiturgyPotluck in the churchyard (lenten)

The Deputy Abbot of St. Silouan's Monastery, monk Ignatius, peacefully reposed in the Lord on Saturday, December 18/31, 2022, at 10:30 am, surrounded by diocesan clergy and close friends of the monastery. 
The funeral will take place at Saint Susanna's Orthodox Church (OCA, Priest Peter Runyan, Rector) in Sonora, CA, on Wednesday, January 4th, 2023. The abbot of the monastery, Bishop James of Sonora, will be presiding. 
FUNERAL SCHEDULE:Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023: Panykhida at 6:00 pmWednesday, January 4th, 2023: Divine Liturgy at 8:00 am, Funeral at 10:00 am
Address:10825 Robinwood Ln, Sonora, CA 95370  Phone: (209) 352-6791
Burial at Saint Silouan's MonasteryMeal to follow at Union Hill Inn, 21645 Parrotts Ferry Rd, Sonora, CA 95370
 
 

On Sunday, November 6, the Holy Virgin "Joy of All Who Sorrow" Cathedral in San Francisco will be marking its parish feast day. The feast day Vigil is on Saturday, November 5 at 5:00 pm, and there will be ONE Liturgy on Sunday, November 6 at 9:00 am. Following the Liturgy, the Cathedral Sisterhood invites the faithful for a feast day meal. Please join us for this joyous celebration.

A monthly Liturgy is scheduled at the Kazan Church in Guerneville, CA, on Saturday, November 12th, 2022, at 9:00 am.
Archbishop Kyrill is presiding. An outdoor meal will follow.
Schedule:Hours at 8:40 AMDivine Liturgy at 9:00 AM
Address:Our Lady of Kazan Orthodox Church17370 Neeley Rd,Guerneville, CA 95446

Please, register to join us for a ZOOM fundraising event on Sat Oct 1, 2022  from 11 am to 1 pm (PDT).

The Iveron-Hawaiian Myrrh-streaming Icon is scheduled to visit Holy Virgin Cathedral on September 3rd and 4th, 2022.
Schedule:Saturday September 3rd from 5:00 PM through All-night Vigil.Sunday, September 4th from 7:30 AM until 1:00 PM
Address:Holy Virgin Cathedral6210 Geary BoulevardSan Francisco, CA 94121

A monthly Liturgy is scheduled at the Kazan Church in Guerneville, CA, on Saturday August 13th, 2022, at 9:00 am.
Archbishop Kyrill is presiding. An outdoor meal will follow.

On Sunday, July 31, 2022, His Eminence Kyrill Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America will celebrate the Patronal Feast of Saint Elias Church in Placerville, CA.
Schedule for Sunday, July 31:Greeting of the Bishop at 9:30 amA festal meal in the church hall.
Address:St. Elias Orthodox Mission4253 Fowler LaneDiamond Springs, CA 95619

The Parish Feast Day of the Kazan Church in Guerneville, CA, is to be celebrated on Saturday, July 23, 2022. 
Schedule:Friday, July 22: Great Vespers, Litya and the Blessing of the Five LoavesSaturday, July 23 at 9:00 am: Divine Liturgy. His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America presiding. Festal meal to follow.

The celebration of the holy memory of Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco the Wonderworker falls on Saturday July 2nd, 2022.
Schedule:
Thursday, June 30th at 7:00 PM -- Translation of the honorable relics and Akathist Hymn to Saint John
Friday, July 1st at 6:00 PM -- The Greeting of His Eminence Kyrill Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America and All-night Vigil
Saturday, July 2nd at 9:00 AM -- The Greeting of the Bishop and Divine Liturgy

On Saturday, June 25th His Eminence Kyrill Archbishop of San Francisco will preside over the Divine Liturgy at the Kazan Church in Guerneville, CA.
Schedule:Hours at 8:40 amLiturgy at 9:00 am
Address:17370 Neeley RoadGuerneville, CA 95446

The Holy Virgin Cathedral in San Francisco is holding a fundraiser where all proceeds will benefit UKRAINIAN REFUGEE HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS.We are pleased to announce Babushka’s Take ’N Bake Pascha Bazaar
We humbly ask that you share this information with your community/parish by email, bulletin and print outs to be posted/handed out.
Babushka’s Take ’N Bake Pascha Bazaar will feature items that may be purchased for your Pascha celebration including Cocktail Piroshki and Kotletki, Pirog, Beef Stroganoff, Pelmeni, Russian Pate, and other items. Since it is Palm Sunday, we will also be selling HOT Salmon Pirog by the slice.  
On Pick Up Day, Sunday, April 17 (from 9 am to 1 pm) local vendors will be selling Pascha-related gifts, kulich, and pascha and we will have a KULICH decorating workshop for the children.
All orders may be placed TODAY (including reserving limited spaces for the Kulich Workshop) at our website.  
Thank you for your community support!
Katya AbleHVC Fundraising Committee

On the Feast of the Laudations of the Most Holy Theotokos, the Fifth Saturday of Great Lent, His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America will preside over Divine Liturgy at the Kazan Church in Guerneville, CA.
Schedule:Saturday, April 9th, 20228:40 AM -- Hours9:00 AM -- Divine Liturgy
Address:17370 Neeley RoadGuerneville, CA 95446

We are planning a Great Lenten concert on Sunday, April 3, will be a special fundraiser on behalf of the Bethany School.  As in previous years, our April 3 concert will have a Lenten motif.  Our program will feature a combination of "resurrected" works that we have not sung for some time, as well as prayers that will be sung in our upcoming Great Lent (Великий пост) and Passion Week (Страстная Неделя) services.  We invite you to join us for our musical Lenten retreat on April 3-rd and generously support the Bethany Orthodox School.    Save the date!
Rector, Archpriest Stefan Pavlenko

We are excited to announce that "A Christmas Bazaar by Babushka’s Take ’N Bake" is LIVE and taking orders at www.HolyVirginCathedral.com
Order pick-ups will take place on Sunday, December 19 from 9am to 3pm at 6210 Geary Blvd, San Francisco

Holy Virgin Cathedral, named in honor of the Holy Icon of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow," will celebrate its annual Feast Day. His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America presiding.
Schedule of Divine Services
Friday, November 5th:Eve of Cathedral Feast DayVigil at 6:00 pm
Saturday, November 6th:Greeting of the Bishop and Divine Liturgy from 9:00 am
Address: Holy Virgin Cathedral6210 Geary BlvdSan Francisco CA 94121
 

Please go to HVCParking.com to place your order ASAP
Pick-ups will be on both Saturday, October 16, and Sunday, October 17 from 9 am to 1 pm at 6210 Geary Blvd. SF on the outside playground (handicap access will be made available).
Proceeds benefit the Parking, Senior Housing, Playground Project.  Learn more at HVCParking.com about this exciting community expansion project.
PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE WORD:
We encourage you to print out the attached flyer and post it at your work, your school, in your neighborhood.  This is a SAN FRANCISCO BAY event — we want to share Russian Cuisine with EVERYONE!  The food that is being prepared is delicious and authentic!
Please also post this flyer electronically on your Social Media and email it to friends!!  We are eager to make this a SELL OUT event!
Available to volunteer?  Please email ablekatya@mac.com

His Eminence Archbishop KYRILL is scheduled to preside over the Divine Liturgy at the Kazan Church on Saturday, September 25, 2021, at 9:00 am. Trapeza will follow out in the church yard.
Address:17370 Neeley Road,Guerneville, CA 95446

Saturday, October 9, 202112:00 pm -- 2:00 pmPlease Register for the Zoom Event

His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America will preside over the Divine Liturgy at the Kazan Church in Guerneville, CA, this Saturday August 21, 2021, at 9:00 AM. 
All are welcome!
Location:Kazan Icon of the Mother of God Church17370 Neeley RoadGuerneville, CA 95446

With the blessing of His Eminence KYRILL, Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America, the Wonderworking and Myrrh-streaming “Hawaiian” Iveron Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos will be escorted from the Hawaiian Islands to the Bay Area for the Dormition Fast.This will be the first time in over a year and half that the Wonderworking Iveron Icon has left Hawaii. We humbly thank His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill and the Holy Icon’s Guardian, Father Nectarios, for this opportunity to once again venerate this great and sacred relic of the Holy Orthodox Church!
During these trying times, we need her more than ever! O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!During the Dormition Fast, the Wonderworking “Hawaiian” Iveron Icon will also be brought to the East Coast and the South. A schedule will be forthcoming.
The Holy Icon‘s visitation schedule to the Bay Area is below:Sunday, August 15, 2021Holy Virgin Cathedral “Joy of All Who Sorrow”6210 Geary BlvdSan Francisco, CA7:30am - Arrival of the Holy Icon and First Divine Liturgy9:45am - Second Divine LiturgyThe Holy Icon will remain in the Cathedral for veneration until 2:00pm
Monday, August 16, 2021Holy Resurrection Church26050 Kay AvenueHayward, CA6:00pm - Akathist service to the Holy Theotokos
Tuesday, August 17, 2021Holy Cross Church1401 S. White RoadSan Jose, CA6:00pm - Paraklesis / Akathist service to the Holy Theotokos
Wednesday, August 18, 2021Church of All Russian Saints744 El Camino RealBurlingame, CA6:00pm - All-Night Vigil
Thursday, August 19, 2021Old Holy Virgin Cathedral864 Fulton StreetSan Francisco, CA9:00am, Hierarchical Divine Liturgy
Christ the Savior Church490 12th AvenueSan Francisco, CA6:00pm, Moleben / Akathist to the Holy Theotokos

The clergy and faithful of Church of All Russian Saints in Burlingame, CA, will be celebrating their Patronal Feast Day this Sunday July 4th, 2021.
Included in the festivities will be the blessing of new church bells, which the parish has recently acquired from Yekaterinburg, Russia. The consecration will be considered part the local parish’s celebration of the Centennial of the Formation of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (1920) and in conjunction with the approaching 70th Anniversary of the founding of All Russian Saints Church. The faithul are welcome to the festivities.
Schedule:Saturday July 3rdAll-night Vigil
Sunday July 4th8:30 AM – Blessing of the Waters9:00 AM – Hours9:30 AM – Greeting of His Eminence Kyrill Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America, Divine Liturgy & Procession with the “Order of Blessing of Bells.” (Unfortunately, there will not a festal meal for the general public).

On Saturday July 24th, 2021, His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America will preside over the Divine Liturgy at the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God Church. 
Schedule:Hours at 8:40 AMDivine Liturgy at 9:00 AM
Address:Kazan Icon of the Mother of God Church17370 Neeley Road,Guerneville, CA 95446

Dear Parishioners, Friends and Pilgrims, greetings on the upcoming 55th repose anniversary (+1966) of St. John of Shanghai & San Francisco, and the 125th anniversary of his birth (1896). Let us offer thanksgiving to God that our cathedral is now fully open to the public for services and most limitations lifted. The schedule of St. John's feastday celebration at Holy Virgin Cathedral is as follows:
THURSDAY, July 15:00 pm – Daily Vespers & Matins.7:00 pm – Transfer of St. John reliquary to the center of the cathedral and Akathist to St. John before his relics.
FRIDAY, July 28:00 am – Daily Divine Liturgy.5:00 pm – Confessions.6:00 pm – Vigil to St. John.
SATURDAY, July 37:30 am – Early Liturgy (Hours at 7:00 am, "Blessed is the Kingdom" at 7:30 am).9:30 am – Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, Moleben and Procession (unfortunately, no common meal will be offered this year).

Dear brothers and sisters! During Great Lent the commemoration of the dead should, and must, be done daily in our personal prayers, at the liturgy on the weekends, and especially – on Soul Saturdays.  The Church’s main method of commemorating the dead is done through prayer at the proskomedia (preparatory part of the Liturgy). The priest, while in the altar, extracts a piece from the prosphora as the names, submitted on slips of paper by the faithful, are read. The commemoration slips are read at Liturgy as well. However, during the  Great Fast the entire structure of life within the Church changes, including the Divine Services – full liturgies on weekdays are not performed, and therefore the prayers for the dead are offered less often.
In order to compensate for the absence of daily church commemorations for the departed, ...

The 14th Annual Saint Herman's West Youth Conferencewill be held remotely over Zoomin the eveningsof December 28-30, 2020.
Participation is free.However, registration is necessary. Registar here.________
Submit anonymous questions for the clergy panel here._______________
Submit  anonymous questions for the youth counselor panel here. 

Dear Friends of the St John Memorial Fund,
Please join us on October 18 for a virtual fundraising event in lieu of our annual luncheon! The event will feature a presentation from the Mother Maria,  the Administrator of the Orthodox School in Bethany (Holy Land), beginning with a greeting from His Eminence, Bishop Theodosy of Seattle. In keeping with the tradition of our annual luncheon a live drawing for prizes will conclude the event. Prizes include the hand painted icon of Saint John shown on the left (8 x 11.5 inches, $500 value). Event information: Sunday, October 18, 2020 at 1:00 -2:30 pm (PDT)
Zoom Meeting ID: 881 9711 4332
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/ 88197114332
Join by Phone: 408-6380968 (enter zoom meeting ID followed by #)
For more information or to make a donation online please visit our website here.
Your donation is tax deductible and goes entirely toward the cause you choose. Your name will be included in the prize drawing.
Follow up on Facebook
Sincerely,the Board of Trustees

It is with regret that I inform you that the Feast Day of the St. Silouan Monastery on September 23/24 will not be open to pilgrims this year. Due to the prevalence at the Monastery of thick smoke from the forest fires—which are predicted to continue through September and beyond; the risk of forest fires emerging near the property; the high outdoor temperatures and the possibility of rolling power outages, and the challenges posed by complying with the restrictions associated with the virus situation, it is clear that this is not the time for the Monastery to host a festal celebration.  Accordingly, the doors to the Monastery will be closed to pilgrims. We hope that the circumstances for the celebration next year of the Feast of St. Silouan at the Monastery will allow for our festive gathering. You may send your list of commemorations for the living and the departed to the following address: St. Silouan Monastery, 21285 Old Sonora Columbia Road, Sonora, CA 95370-8807.
+ Bishop James of Sonora

Beginning Saturday, August 8, the weekly Saturday livestreamed Moleben (service of Intercession) to St. John, Wonderworker of Shanghai & San Francisco will now begin at 4:30 pm, 15 minutes later than previously. Please make a note of this.
Link to Holy Virgin Cathedral live-stream here. 

In response to the growing desire of many families to continue educating their children at home during the current health crisis St. John of San Francisco Orthodox Academy, a K-12 Orthodox day school with instruction in English, is happy to announce that a distance learning program has been created for the 2020-2021 academic year...

Dear Brothers and Sisters, greetings on the upcoming feast of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco, the Wonderworker! Unfortunately, at this time all the services are still closed to the public, but we will celebrate them, pray, honor St. John and livestream the services for our parishioners and all those who love our Holy Virgin Cathedral and Vladika John. Here is the link to our livestream page, where you will find the upcoming livestream service times and the link to our channel. The St. John days schedule is as follows:
Thursday, July 2: AKATHIST before the relics of St. John at 6:00 pm.Friday, July 3: VIGIL service to St. John at 6:00 pm.Saturday, July 4: St. John feastday Divine LITURGY at 9:00 am.

The annual Feast of Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco the Wonderworker scheduled for Saturday July 4, 2020, will be celebrated at Holy Virgin Cathedral in San Francisco where the Saint’s honorable and miraculous relics repose.
However, based on the current information available, the Divine Services will not be open to the public in compliance with the Public Health Directive of the San Francisco City and County Department of Public Health dated June 13, 2020.
In general, Holy Virgin Cathedral has been closed to the public, even for private worship, as of Great Lent of this year...

Full Suite of Texts for Holy Week: Readers Services for Every Day of Passion Week, For Those Homebound During the Period of Covid-19 Pandemic Restrictions

Theme: "Conforming the Will of Man to the Will of God." Lectures, panal discussions, community service, tacos, beach volleyball, and more...
Registration: $299.00 by mail, $310.00 online.
Registration details at: wadyouth.wordpress.com

The Fall Pastoral Retreat of the clergy of the Western American Diocese is to be held at the Saint Paisius Monastery in Safford, Arizona from October 21-23.
This  is the first time that a pastoral retreat of the Diocese will be held at the monastery and this gives the clergy an opportunity to become acquainted with this holy place.
The program will include worship at the Divine Services (at times with the chanting led by the nuns of the monastery), liturgical practice, lectures and a round-table discussion. The retreat will conclude on the Feast Day of the Holy Fathers of Optina (October 23) with the solomn performance of the "Rite of Consecration of the Temple" of the monastery. His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill will be presiding. 

On Saturday 13 July, 2019, the “Iveron-Hawaiian” Myrrh-streaming Icon of the Mother of God shall be greeted at Holy Virgin Cathedral at 5:55 pm.
The icon will be present during Vigil, and at both Liturgies on Sunday 14 July.
On Sunday 14 July, the custodian of the Icon, Sub-deacon Nectarios, will be ordained to the Diaconate at the late Liturgy.

Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of theCanonization for St. John Shanghai and San Francisco(Holy Virgin Cathedral)
Schedule of Divine Services
Thursday Evening, June 27AKATHIST before the honorable relics of Saint John at 7:30 pm
Friday Evening, June 28Confessions at 5:00 pmVigil 6:00 pm
Saturday Morning, June 29Saint John of Shanghai and San FranciscoGreeting of Metropolitan Hilarion 8:45 amLiturgy at 9:00 am
Luncheon-Banquet Following the Saturday ServiceReservations MandatoryLenten Buffet and Wine will be includedTickets: $60.00 per personTo Purchase Tickets:Sold out!For questions, please email StJohnSFSobor@gmail.com
Russian Center of San Francisco2460 Sutter StreetSan Francisco CA 94115
Doors Open 1:00pmHoly Virgin Cathedral wishes to thank Russian Center for Donating the Hall!

For the first time in the history of the Western American Diocese a representative of the Orthodox School in Bethany in Palestine will be visiting the West Coast from May 4th to 22nd, 2019. Mother Maria (Wall), is the Administrator of the school, which is of extreme importance in the region of the Palestinian and Israeli States as a great witness of Orthodoxy. The Orthodox School in Bethany provides an excellent primary and secondary education in a nurturing environment.

St. John of San Francisco Orthodox Academy celebrates 25 years of providing Orthodox education in a loving environment with a 25th Anniversary Gala to be held on Friday, February 22nd at St. John the Baptist Serbian Orthodox Church (910 Baker Street, San Francisco).
The theme of the annual fund-raising Gala this year is "Around the World" in celebration of the diversity of cultures of the student body of the school.

Parish schools throughout the Western American Diocese will be organizing their annual Christmas programs for children. Below is a parish list:

An Appeal through the Russian American Community Services (RACS). The deadliest fire in California's history affects thousands. We have been asked to assist the Chico, CA Sts. Cyril and Methodius parish to help reconstruct the lives of area families who suffered in this tragedy. 
100% of funds received will benefit victims.
Please contribute. RACS300 Anza StreetSan Francisco, CA  94118

On November 13, 2018, Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Seattle, Washington, will be sponsoring an all-Diocesan a lecture and banquet to mark the Centennial of the Martyrdom of the Holy Royal Martyrs of Russia. The cathedral is a memorail church dedicated to the memory of His Imperial Highness Emperor Tsar Nicholas and His August Family. 
This event, open to all the members of the Western American Diocese, is being combined with fall retreat of our clergy.
Schedule:Monday November 12 at 6:00 PM: Greeting of His Grace THEODOSY Bishop of Seattle, All-night Vigil serverd by the clergy of our Diocese.Tuesday November 13 at 9:00 AM: Divine LiturgyTuesday November 13 at 6:00 PM: Litya for the Departed, lecture "The Holy Royal Martyrs" by Russell Marten, performance by graduates and choir, Banquet.
For tickets call Tatiana Bilibin at (425) 478-7997 or Natalie Kotar at (206) 499-2886.
Locations:Divine Services:St. Nicholas Cathedral1714 13th AvenueSeattle, WA 98122
Lecture & BanquetWomen's University Club1105 6th Ave.,Seattle, WA

An Evening LectureHistorical Significance of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia
With the blessing of His Eminence Kyrill Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America an evening lecture (bi-lingual) will be presented by His Eminence Archbishop Peter of Chicago and Mid America.
The year 2020 marks 100 years since the founding of ROCOR. In order to prepare for this important anniverary, the Synod of Bishops has established a Centenary Committee headed by Archbishop Peter.
Schedule:7:00 PM Complimentary hors d'oeuvres and wine, cocktails, refresments.7:30 PM Presentation by Archbishop PeterQ & A to follow, and an opportunity to meet Archbishop Peter
Location:Russian Scout House6231 Geary BlvdSan Francisco, CA

Holy Trinity Publishing at Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY, has published two new books to mark the centennial of the martyrdom of the Holy Royal Family of Russia.

Dear Brothers and Sisters!
With the blessing of His Eminence Kyrill Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America, the community of the Royal Martyrs of Russia in Reno/Sparks, NV, is organizing a pilgrimage to Alaska for 7 days from the 28th of July to the 4th of August, 2019, which will include visits to Orthodox churches in Juno, Sitka and also Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Seattle, WA. It is from here that we will depart for Alaska on a ship of the cruise company “Holland America Line.”

On Sunday October 14, 2018, His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America is scheduled to preside over the patronal feast of Protection of the Holy Virgin Church in Los Angeles, CA. Starting at 10:00 am: Greeting, Liturgy, cross procession and festal meal.
The myrrh-streaming Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos "Softener of Stony Hearts" will be present at Liturgy.
Address:Protection of the Holy Virgin Church2041 Argyle Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90068

St. Herman's West youth conference will be held at St. Elias parish in Diamond Springs, CA near Placerville Dec. 23-Dec. 28 this year! Registration and more details of the schedule are coming soon.
We'll have Fr. Peter Perekrestov from San Francisco, CA and Fr. Moses Berry from Springfield, MO as speakers. We'll partake in local mining culture and pan for gold and gemstones. We'll get answers to our deepest questions in panel discussions. And we'll make friendships that last a lifetime. And it that isn't enough, we'll travel to the nearby Serbian church of St. Sava to venerate the relics of a saint close to us in place and time -- St. Sebastian of Jackson and San Francisco.
Arrival airport is Sacramento (SMF). Details and registration to follow here.

With the blessing of His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America the Fall clergy conference of the Western American Diocese will be held at Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Seattle, WA, from the 12 to the 14 of November, 2018. 
The clergy conference is being combined with the Diocesan-wide observance of the Centennial of the Martyrdom of Holy Royal Martyr Nicholas II of Russia and His August Family, which is being held in Seattle on Tuesday November 13. The key-note speaker will be Professor Russel Martin. Details to come. 

With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill the annual Mare Island Memorial service for Russian sailors is scheduled for SATURDAY, November 10th, 2018, at 11:00 am.

Saint Silouan's Monastery of the Western American Diocese will celebrate its patronal feast day on September 24th, 2018.
His Grace Theodosy Bishop of Seattle is presiding.
Schedule of Divine Services:Sunday September 23: vigil at 6:00 PMMonday September 24: Greeting of the Bishop at 9:00 AM, Liturgy, procession and festal meal.

This year’s conference will focus on the very foundation of Orthodox church singing – the Obikhod, or Common Chant Tradition. We will explore its rich diversity of liturgical expression and how this tradition facilitates prayerful and understandable singing/chanting in the Divine Services. 
As last year, we will continue to focus on the liturgical artistry of the clergy – reader, priest, and especially the deacon – and the necessary techniques to achieve prayerful singing/chanting of the highest quality in harmony with the singers.
Throughout the three-day  program, an exciting blend of historical, theoretical, and practical considerations will prepare Orthodox singers, both in the choir loft and in the altar, to sing praises to our Lord reverently.
This year’s conference brings together choir members, conductors and clergy of all levels of experience to explore the wealth and beauty of the Divine Services of the Orthodox Church.
Join us in October!
More information and registration here.

The Youth Department of the Western American Diocese is sponsoring the 2018 Summer Workweek at Saint Silouan's Monastery in Sonora, CA, from July 22nd to July 28th of this year.
The event starts with Divine Liturgy in Sparks, NV, marking the 100th Annivesary of the Martyrdom of the Royal Family of Russia on Sunday July 22, 2018. After the festal dinner the youth travel to Saint Siloun's Monastery.
Projects include the repair of the bank by the bridge, building a staircase for a monastic cell, rebuilding the roof on a car port and more.
The daily schedule includes prayer, spiritual talks, swimming and an evening campfire.
Special activities include a day trip to Yosemite Valley (Thursday July 26th) and the Feast of St. Vladimr Enlightener of Russia (Saturday, July 28th).
Ages: 15 to 25.Cost: $125.00/personRegister here.Questions: email here.

The Annual Feast of Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco the Wonderworker will be held on June 30th, 2018, at the Diocesan Cathedral of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow." His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill is presiding.
Schedule:Friday June 29th at 6:00 pm: All-night VigilSaturday June 30th at 9:30 am: Greeting of the Bishop, Divine Liturgy, procession and Festal Meal

The annual pilgrimage to Fort Ross, CA, will take place on the Day of the Holy Spirit, Monday May 28th, 2018. 
Schedule:9:30 am Liturgy in the chapelProcession to the cemetery and Litya for the DeadLunch at the Kazan Church on the Russian RiverAddress: 17370 Neeley Road; Guerneville, CA 95446

This year on April 29th marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Emperor Alexander II of Russia. Emperor Alexander II is remembered mainly for his progressive reform in the abolishment of serfdom in 1861 that served as a prototype to President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation in 1863.

SCHEDULE OF ICON'S VISITS
Saturday, March 24, 2018
Holy Virgin Russian Orthodox Cathedral"Joy of All Who Sorrow"6210 Geary BlvdSan Francisco, CA  941217:50 am Arrival of the Holy Icon 8:00 am Divine Liturgy* Holy Icon will remain at the Cathedral until 3:00 pm
Saint Seraphim Russian Orthodox Church Canyon Del Rey BlvdSeaside, CA  939556:00 pm Arrival of the Holy Icon and All night Vigil 
Sunday, March 25, 2018
Saint Seraphim Russian Orthodox Church Canyon Del Rey BlvdSeaside, CA  939559:40 am Arrival of the Holy Icon 10:00 am Divine Liturgy * Holy Icon will remain at the church until 4:00 pm
Saint John's Greek Orthodox Church Lincoln and 9th StreetCarmel by the Sea, CA 6:00 pm Arrival of the Holy Icon and Paraklesis Service7:00 pm Lenten Sunday Vespers8:30 pm Great Compline* Holy Icon will remain in the church until 7:30 am

Published below is the schedule of hierarchical services performed in our Diocese from the 4th Sunday of Great Lent through Pascha. Please, note the good news that His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill is scheduled to preside over the Divine Services at Holy Virgin Cathedral in San Francisco on Pascha night and Great Vespers that day.

With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill the annual Mare Island Memorial service for Russian sailors is scheduled for SATURDAY, November 11th at 11:00 am.
His Grace Bishop Theodosy will officiate.

On Monday November 6 and Tuesday November 7, 2017, there will be a diocesan-wide observance of the Centennial of the Bolshevik Revolution (October 25/November 7, 1917) also known as the Day of Irreconciliation, the celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the signing of the “Act of Canonical Communion” between the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia and the Moscow Patriarchate (4/17 May, 2007) and the 25th Anniversary of the consecration to the episcopacy of His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America (May 25/June 7, 1992).

SAVE THE DATE:
The Youth Committee of the Western American Diocese announces the XI Annual Saint Herman's West Youth Conference to be held in Seattle, WA, from December 26th to 30th, 2017. Details coming soon!

Finding of the Relics of St. John
The feastday of the lower church (ex-sepulcher) in honor of the Finding of the Relics of St. John, Wonderworker of Shanghai & San Francisco will be marked on Thursday, October 12. The Vigil to St. John will be served in the cathedral proper on Wednesday, October 11, at 6:00 pm, and the feastday Liturgy on Thursday – in the lower church at 8:00 am. This is also the patronal feast of St. John of San Francisco Orthodox Academy.
Saint John's relics were uncovered and found incorrupt 24 years ago, in 1993.

The 26th Annual Music Conference will be held in Los Angeles from October 4th to 8th, 2017. 
Along with many interesting lectures, this year's conference will feature special lessons and workshops for deacons. 
Archbishop Kyrill's Decree (scroll to second page for English).
Registration here. 
 

On Saturday June 24, 2017, a dedicated pastor and beloved father confessor of the Western American Diocese, newly-departed Archpriest Mark Gomez, reposed in the Lord.
 
Funeral Service Schedule for newly-departed Archpriest Mark Gomez:
 
Tuesday, June 27th
Pannikhida at  7:30 PM
 
St. Sergius Church
1346 12th Ave, 
San Francisco, CA 94122
 

Wednesday, June 28th
Fr. Mark's body arrives @4:00 PM at Sobor.
 
Holy Virgin Cathedral
6210 Geary Blvd.
San Francisco, CA 94121
 
Vespers and Matins 5:00 pm
 
Funeral (Отпевание) 6:30pm
Archbishop Kyrill officiating. 
 
Thursday, June 29th
Divine Liturgy for the Departed.  7:40 AM
 
Holy Virgin Cathedral
6210 Geary Blvd.
San Francisco, CA 94121
 
After Liturgy we will drive in funeral procession 
to the grave site at the Serbian cemetery, where the body will be interred. 
 
Serbian Cemetary
1801 Hillside Blvd.
Colma, CA 94014

The annual pilgrimage to Fort Ross will take place on Memorial Day, Monday May 29, 2017. 
Schedule:Divine Liturgy at 10:00 amProcession to cemeteryAnnouncement from Archpriest Stefan Pavlenko, the Chancellor of the Western American Diocese:
MEMORIAL DAY FORT ROSS LITURGY, Monday, May 29th 
 
As in previous years this Memorial Day, Monday , May 29th,  there will be a Liturgy at 10:00 AM at Fort Ross.
All are invited to attend.
Singers are invited to join the Volunteer Choir for Liturgy.
BRING YOUR OWN PICNIC LUNCH. (No gathering at Holy Kazan Church, Guerneville, CA this year)  
Parking only at the official Fort Ross Parking Lot 
 
PLEASE LET THE FORT ROSS OFFICIALS SEE THAT THE RUSSIAN COMMUNITY OF CALIFORNIA CARES ABOUT FORT ROSS 

With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco & Western America the 2017 St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's feastday will be marked on Saturday, July 1 (Saturday closest to July 2). The schedule of the solemn celebration at the Holy Virgin Joy of All Who Sorrow Cathedral in San Francisco, where St. John's relics are, is as follows:
 
Thursday, June 29
At 7:30 pm, following the daily Vespers and Matins (6:00 pm), St. John's relics will be transferred to the middle of the cathedral and an Akathist to St. John will be chanted before them.
 
Friday, June 30
Confessions will begin at 5:00 pm.
All-Night Vigil at 6:00 pm.
 
Saturday, July 1
Greeting of the presiding Bishop and the Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am.
After the Liturgy a Service of Intercession to St. John (Molieben) and procession.
Festal luncheon for clergy and faithful in the cathedral fellowship hall.

The 26th Annual Russian Orthodox Church Musicians' Conference, will be hosted by the Holy Transfiguration Cathedral in Los Angeles, California, October 4-8, 2017, with the sessions taking place at the Four Points Sheraton Los Angeles, Westside. The theme of the Conference is “Prayerful Sound in the Orthodox Church: Vocal Artistry of the Deacon, Reader and Singer at Divine Services.” Watch for the official announcement and registration information.
The Liturgical Music Commission

With the blessing of the Abbot of St. Silouan’s Monastery in Sonora, CA, His Grace Irenei Bishop of Sacramento and under the auspices of the Youth Committee of the Western American Diocese, chaired by Archpriest Boris Henderson, a volunteer youth workweek is being organized at the monastery from July 2 to July 8, 2017.

Archpriest James Baglien and the community of Saint Martin the Merciful Church of Corvallis, OR, will be marking their 15th Anniversary this fall. In conjunction with this celebration, His Eminence Kyrill Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America will be performing the Great Consecration of the church on Saturday the 21 of October, 2017.

The Old Holy Virgin Cathedral will host the pastoral retreat of the clergy of the Western American Diocese during Great Lent from March 13 to 15, 2017. 
Priest Athanasios Kone has begun assisting Archpriest David Moser with the cooridantion of theological topics and keynote speakers.

The X Annual Lenten Retreat sponsored by Holy Virgin Cathedral will be held on April 2, 2017 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The retreat's theme is "Love Your Nieghbor."
Keynote Speakers:

Session I:
Archpriest David Moser
St. Seraphim of Sarov
Orthodox Church,
“Love Your Enemies”
 

Session II:
Archpriest Moses Berry
Theotokos “Unexpected Joy”
Orthodox Church,
“And Who Is My Neighbor?”

On Sunday December 4th, 2016, the Feast of the Entry of the Most-Holy Theotkos into the Temple, His Grace Bishop Irenei will officially be introduced to the community of Holy Ascension Church in Sacramento, CA, by His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America. 
The greeting of His Grace is scheduled for 9:30 am. The Divine Liturgy, and a festal dinner shall follow in the church hall. 
Address:Holy Ascension Russian Orthodox Church of Sacramento714 -- 13th StreetSacramento, CA 95814-1903Located on the corner of 13th & "G" Streets.

Excerpt from an article "And make their memory to be eternal" by Zoya Gradov
 
It is noon on a warm November day. The autumn air is saturated with the smell of eucalyptus, blending with the aroma of the censer’s smoke, the intricate coils of which turn into transparent streams that float out over the gravestones and crosses. People listen to the words of the prayers in absorbed silence, holding red carnations in their hands. Russian scouts stand all in a row, motionless.
Whose loved ones are being commemorated at the old Naval Cemetery on this day? For whom have these Russian diplomats, American servicemen, parents and children, members of the old emigration, and newcomers gathered? They have not come to pray for their own loved ones but to commemorate the Russian sailors who, long ago, had found eternal rest on California soil at the U.S. Naval Cemetery peculiarly named “Mare Island.”
Their story begins in a distant past, when Russia and the United States of America—two great powers—were on friendly terms and nothing forebode that this accord would ever change. It was autumn of 1863. In early October, the Russian Pacific squadron, comprising five ships under the command of Rear Admiral A. A. Popov, entered San Francisco Bay. Nearly a month prior, a six-vessel squadron of the Baltic fleet had entered the port of New York. In this way, a section of the Russian Imperial fleet consisting of eleven warships, 3,000 sailors, and 260 guns were anchored just off the coast of the United States.What was the reason for such an unprecedented visit? In 1863, the United States was in the midst of a Civil War between the North and South. England and France supported the South and were preparing for a blockade of the northern states. The political and military situation in Russia was not simple either. 1863 saw the beginning of the Polish uprising, also supported by the English and French governments. Russian ships were under orders to intercept the trade vessels of these countries should war erupt.Although neither squadron was involved in military action undertaken by the northern states, the appearance of Russian ships in northern ports alone was enough to have an effect. Many American historians have expressed the belief that the Russians deployed their vessels at a critical moment—when the fall of the United States was nearly certain, as was the likelihood that French and British forces would take advantage of such a calamity. However, the sudden appearance of the Russian sailors assisted in American victory and prevented hostile intervention along with any subsequent dissolution of the federal government. Gideon Welles, the U.S. Secretary of the Navy, alluded to this fact in his diary with an entry that read, “God bless the Russians.”

 
Read more in the Diocesan Spiritual Spring Journal, Vol. 2 (#4), p. 55-59.
 

Below is the full schedule of the consecration of Bishop-elect of Sacramento Archimandrite Irenei (Steenberg). 
The "Rite of Nomination" takes place before the eminent and right-reverend bishops who will participate in the consecration, and in the presence of the assembled congragation. A significant portion of the rite includes a homiliy composed and read by the bishop-elect, the contents of which should demonstrate nominee's preparedness and qualifications for the high calling of archpastoralship both in terms of doctrinal understanding and pastoral care.
The "Rite of Confession of Faith" and "Bishop's Oath" both audibly review the doctrinal content of the Orthodox Faith and require the nominee's faithfulness to Orthodox Church and Her Episcopal Council, in particular the Council of Bishop's of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, which in turn is part of the Council of Bishops of the Local Orthodox Church of Russia.
Schedule:
Saturday November 5th, 2016:4:30 pm Greeting of His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill4:45 pm "Rite of Nomination" of Bishop-elect Archimandrite Irenei (Steenberg)5:30 pm All-night Vigil
Sunday November 6th, 2016:9:00 am Greeting of His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill9:10 am "Rite of Confession of Faith" & "Bishop's Oath"9:30 am Divine Liturgy, cross procession and festal banquet in the cathedral hall

His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill has called for a triennial General Assembly of the Western American Diocese to be convened on November 15, 2016.
Clergy and lay-delegates will gather from throughout the Western American Diocese to discuss important topics and issues of diocesan life. The assembly’s agenda includes a review of spiritual and material status of the diocese for the years 2012 to 2015, as well as a look at the budget as we close 2016 and look ahead into the near future. All of this will be manifest through the official report read by His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill, accounts from our four deans representing the four deaneries of the diocese, reports from the chairmen of the diocesan departments, such as communication, youth, education, etc.
These triennial gatherings are edifying and inspiring. Our diocese is vast with over 45 monasteries, parishes and missions, both Russian and English. The Assembly offers an opportunity for the delegates, both clergy and laity, to hear about and exchange experiences and ideas that may be taken back to their respective parishes.
Participants of this assembly are official delegates consisting of our bishops, diocesan council members, diocesan department chairmen, deans, father rectors, salaried clerics and laymen that have been elected at parish meetings, or sometimes appointed by parish councils.
The fall retreat of the clergy of the Western American Diocese will follow the next day.
Schedule of the Diocesan Assembly and Pastoral Retreat
Monday November 14Travel Day
Clergy/Laity lodging, see the following options:
Geary Parkway Motel                    Holiday Inn Golden Gateway 4750 Geary Blvd.                           1500 Van Ness Ave SF CA94118.                                    SF  CA  94109 415 752-9406. $100-270.            415 441-4000. Call for rates Hotel Driscoll                                  Laurel Inn 2901 Pacific Ave.                            444 Presidio Ave SF  94115.                                        SF CA   94115 415 346-2880 $325-425+.          415 567-8467 Inn on Broadway.                           Great Highway Inn 2201 Van Ness.                              1234 Great Hwy  (at Lincoln Blvd) SF  94109.                                       SF   94122 415 776-7900  Call for rates.        415 731-6644 $125-225 (very basic                                                           clean)
Tuesday, November 15Assembly Work Day
7:30 am Divine Liturgy9:00 am Breakfast (first meal)9:45 am Opening of Diocesan Assembly1:00 pm Lunch2:00 pm Assembly continues & concludes (lay delegates are relieved when Assembly adjourns)5:00 pm Vespers & matins (confession)7:00 pm Supper
Wednesday, November 16Pastoral Retreat
8:30 am Greeting of His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill, & Divine Liturgy (all clergy participate)11:00 am Brunch12:30– 4:00 pm Pastoral retreat
The End and Glory to Our God!

On Friday the 23 of September, 2016, a panykhida will be performed in memory of Archbishop Anthony (Medvedev) at 4:30 pm at the holy monastery of Saint Silouan the Athonite in Sonora, CA.
His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America will be presiding.
This year marks the 16th Anniversary since the repose of Archbishop Anthony who was the Ruling Bishop of the Western American Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia for over 30 years arriving in San Francisco from Melbourne, Australia, in the late 1960s, and inheriting the diocese after the repose of Holy Hierarch John the Wonderworker. Archbishop Anthony was instrumental in the Synodal Resolution to canonize St. John. Under his direction St. John's honorable, incorrupt relics were revealed. And, Archbishop Anthony is the author of much of the Divine Service to Saint John. Memory Eternal to ever-memorable Archbishop Anthony for these deeds and for many more great works he performed for our Western American Diocese!
After the panykhida, His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill will commence the vigil service for the monastery's Feast Day of St. Silouan the Athonite at 5:00 pm.
The monastery's address: 21285 Old Sonora Columbia Road, Sonora, CA 95370-8807.

The II Annual Patronal Feast Day of Saint Silouan's Monastery will be celebrated on Saturday September 24, 2016. His Eminence KIRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America will preside. The schedule is as follows:
Schedule of Saint Silouan's DayFriday September 234:30 pm Panykhida for Archbishop Anthony (16th Anniversary)5:00 pm All-night Vigil with litya & blessing of the breads
Saturday Septmeber 249:00 am Greeting of Archbishop Kyrill, Divine Liturgy, festal meal
Those wishing to attend the Feast Day are requested to contact the monastery guest master, monk Ignatius. This will assist the brothers in their prepartion of hospitality. Call (831) 345-8719.

When: Sun, September 18, 10am – 3pm
Where: the main hall at Holy Virgin Cathedral 6210 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94121

The Consecration of Bishop-elect Archimandrite Irenei (Steenberg) as Bishop of Sacramento is scheduled to take place at Holy Virgin Cathedral in San Francisco, California, on Sunday November 6, 2016, the Cathedral's Feast Day -- the Icon of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow."
His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill will preside over the Divine Liturgy which will begin at 9:30 am. Bishops participating in the concecration will be His Grace Theodosy Bishop of Seattle, His Grace Nicholas Bishop of Manhattan, His Grace John Bishop of Naro-Fominsk (Moscow Patriarchate), and others.
The community of the Holy Virgin Cathedral will host a festal meal on the occasion of its patronal feast day.
An update with a detailed schedule of the consecration is expected soon.

Choir of All Russian Saints744 El Camino Real, Burlingame, CA 940101:00 pmFree Admission. Donations to the Stewardship Program gladly accepeted.



744 El Camino Real, Burlingame, CA 94010, USA

His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill will preside over the Patronal Feast Day of Holy Transfiguration Cathedral in Los Angeles, CA, on August 19, 2016.
The Schedule is as follows:Thursday August 18 at 6:30 pm: VigilFriday August 19 starting at 9:30 am: Greeting of the Bishop, Festal Liturgy, procession with the Blessing of the First Fruits.
Address:Holy Transfiguration Cathedral5432 Fernwood Avenue; Los Angeles, CA 90027 

With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion, the Synodal Liturgical Music Commission of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, and St Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Montreal, Quebec, present the 25th Annual Russian Orthodox Church Musicians' Conference, Montreal, Canada, October 5-9, 2016:
The Music of Today's Russian Orthodox Church: Perspectives in Creative Artistry and Technique
Featured faculty: Choir director and composer Mother Juliana (Denisova) of St Elizabeth Convent, Minsk, Belarus.
The purpose of this conference is to bring together choir members and conductors to explore the wealth and beauty of Russian Orthodox church music. Participants will gain practical and theoretical knowledge and experience through lectures, workshops and rehearsals which culminate in festive pontifical services. Further, participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas, get to know like-minded people and expand their liturgical repertoire.
The All-Night Vigil and the Divine Liturgy will be held at the St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral, located at 422 St Joseph Blvd. W., Montreal.
For more information see the conference website rocmconference.org or write to info@rocmconference.org.

This Sunday, August 7, the Old Cathedral of the Holy Virgin at 864 Fulton Street in San Francisco will celebrate its parish feast day.  His Eminence, Archbishop Kyrill will serve the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at 9:30 a.m.  A 25-member Romanian Orthodox Choir from France will sing the Liturgy and, after the festal lunch, perform a concert of Romanian Liturgical and Folk Music. All proceeds from the concert will be sent to the St. Paraskeva Foundation which supports orphanages in Romania. 

The Wonderworking Iveron-Hawaiian Myrrh-Streaming Icon of the Mother of God will visit the Church of All Russian Saints in Burlingame, CA, on Saturday, June 25, 2016.
Greeting of the Icon is 6:00 pm.
Address:744 EL CAMINO REALBURLINGAME, CA 94010
Please arrive early enough to park and be in place before the icon's arrival. The Icon will remain with us for the Vigil, which will begin immediately following the icon's arrival.

Saturday, July 2, 2016.
1:30 pm at the Russian Center2450 Sutter Street, San Francisco 
RSVP: StJohn50Gala@gmail.comTo Susan Motoviloff and Veronica BelonogoffOr call Susan: 650-888-6307Reservations must be made in advance.
Cost $75.00Pay Pal acceptedChecks payable and mailed to:HVC St. John’s Banquet6210 Geary Blvd.San Francisco, CA 94121
Reservations confirmed once monies are received.No tickets sold at the door.

On the 30 of May, 2016, members of the Western American Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia will perform an annual pilgrimage to Fort Ross, CA. The greeting of His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill and Divine Liturgy are slated for 9:30 am.
Fort Ross, a park in the California State Parks system, was founded by Russians in 1812.  Four Saints of the Russian church have prayed in that place. Many of the founders and laborers of the fort are buried on its cemetery. Holy Hierarch Innocent of Moscow (at the time priest-missionary John Veniaminov), Holy Hierarch Patriarch Tikhon, Holy Hierarch John of Shanghai and San Francisco and Holy Martyr Peter the Aleut sanctified the fort’s chapel and environs by there prayerful presence and holy labors.
The choir conductor, Alexandra Volmensky of Holy Ascension Church in Sacramento, CA, has been requested to conduct the choir. She invites choir members from other parishes of the diocese to join in singing the Divine Liturgy that day.
After the Liturgy there will be a procession to the cemetery where a “Litya for the Departed” will be performed.
At the end, all are invited to the Kazan Church on the Russian River for a picnic.

“Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants” (Leviticus 25:10).
 The Western American Diocese is announces the 50th Anniversary from the repose of our Father among the Saints JOHN Archbishop of Shanghai and San Francisco the Wonderworker from June 30 to July 2, 2016.

His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America announces the following schedule of General Unction Services throughout the Diocese:

Monday April 4 at St. Herman of Alaska Church in Sunnyvale, CA, at 6:00 pm
Tuesday April 5 at Holy Ascension Russian Orthodox Church in Sacramento, CA, at 6:00 pm
Monday April 11 at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Santa Rosa, CA at 5:00 pm
Monday April 18 at Holy Transfiguration Cathedral in Los Angeles, CA, at 6:30 pm 
Thursday April 21 at Holy New Martyrs of Russia Church in Mulino, OR at 5:30 pm
Great Wednesday April 27 at Holy Virgin Cathedral in San Francisco, CA: Confessions from 3:30 pm, Matins at 4:00 pm, Unction to follow immediately (around 5:30 pm)

During Great Lent this year the pastoral retreat of the Western American Diocese is scheduled for March 29 and 30, 2016. The theme of the conference is Orthodox Mission.

The Liturgy of the Pre-sanctified Gifts is performed exclusively during Great Lent and in most cases in the morning according today’s practice in the Russian Orthodox Church. However, for the first time in the history of the New Cathedral of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” this Liturgy is scheduled for 6:00 pm.
The author of the Liturgy of the Pre-sanctified Gifts is our Father among the Saints Holy Hierarch Gregory the Dialogist (+ 604). Nonetheless preceeding that age, “it was established in even earlier times by the successors of the Apostles. This is proven by the prayers and ancient tradition. For that reason we believe, that its origins are Apostolic and was established because of Great Lent…” (Novaya Skrizhal, 'New Tablets', in Russian, St. Petersburg, 1908 page 265).
The event in the history of the diocesan cathedral is timed with the Lenten pastoral retreat of the clergy of the Western American Diocese. His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill is scheduled to preside amidst the multitude of diocesan clergy. The Archbishop’s choir under the direction of the choir conductor, Reader Vladimir Krassovsky, will perform the hymns.
Schedule for March 30, 2016:
4:30 pm: Rule before Holy Communion5:45 pm: “Entrance Prayers” and the vesting of the bishop6:00 pm: Liturgy of the Pre-sanctified Gifts

The Diocesan Council of the Western American Diocese seeks an individual with experience and enthusiasm in gathering financial resources, to assist in leading a special fundraising appeal which will shortly be launched in order to preserve an important legacy of St. John the Wonderworker of San Francisco: the urgent and essential work to restore the deteriorating orphanage and house containing his cell, library and other relics of our great Saint’s life and work.

A pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Israel, under the slogan "Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Emperors Constantine and Elena" is being organized from May 26 through June 3, 2016. 
The schedule includes visits the Holy City of Jerusalem and environs together with the Holy Sepulchre and the two Russian Orthodox monasteries on the Mount of Olives and Gethsemane; Bethlehem, Jericho, the Jordan River, Galilee and more.
Price from Los Angeles: $2,300.00 (departure from other cities is possible), which includes the cost of the program.
Accommodations are in a 4 star hotel, with two meals/day. Certain entry fees, etc., are not included.
Details (in Russian) can be found here.
INQUIRY:For English, please, direct inquiries to Father Nicholai Gulin — telephone (646) 491-2926. Or email: n_gulin@yahoo.com.
For Russian— Father Alexander Revyuk: telephone (949) 899 0381. Or email: alexanderorthodox@yahoo.com 
 
 

On Saturday the 20th and Sunday the 21st of February His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America will mark the parish Feast Day of the Holy New Martyrs of Russia in Mulino, Oregon. 
See the parish website for further details here.

The Diocese of San Francisco and Western America announces the 9th Annual Lenten Retreat "Redeeming Modern Life,"
When: Sunday, April 17, 2016
Where: 6210 Geary Boulevard; San Francisco, CA 94121
Featuring: Priest Andrew Cuneo, Ph.D & Khouria Krista West.
Register for the retreat here. 

With the blessing of Archbishop Kyrill the annual Mare Island Memorial service is scheduled for SATURDAY, November 14 @ 11:00 am.

When: Sunday November 15, 2015, from 6:00 to 10:30 pm.
Where: Saint John the Baptist Serbian Orthodox Church on Baker Street in San Francisco (parking available on the grounds).
Evening’s Events: Cocktails followed by a three course meal and performances by pupils of St. John’s Academy, door prize and silent auction.
Cost: $120.00
Sign up here.

I) Up-dated Schedule here.II) $210.00/personIII) Register here.IV) Registration closes December 15, 2015!
Announcing Saint Herman’s West Youth Conference from December 27 to 31, 2015, in Corvallis, Oregon.
The youth conference is hosted by Saint Martin the Merciful Church and the Western American Diocese Youth Committee. 

On Sunday October 25th, 2015, the choir of All Russian Saints in Burlingame, CA, under the direction of its choir master, Andrei Roudenko, will perform an "Anniversary Concert." Selected pieces are related to the anniversary of the composer, the work's debut and other significant dates. The choir will be performing music composed by Bortniansky, Rochmaninoff, Ledkovsky, Trubachev, Ippolitov-Ivanov and others.
The concert is free.
See information on the location and concert goals here.

With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco and Western America the annual fall retreat organized for His clergy will be convened at the Diocesan Cathedral in San Francisco, CA, from the 4th to the 6th of November, 2015.
Two lectures are scheduled during the conference, which will then be concluded by the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Consecration of the Holy Virgin Cathedral “Joy of All Who Sorrow.” The 1000th repose anniversary of St. Vladimir, Enlightner of Rus will also be marked on this day. Guest bishops are expected to participate in the Divine Liturgy on November 6th, and a banquet at the Russian Center will follow.
On Wednesday November 4th Priest Jesse Philo ˗ Rector of St. John Orthodox Church in Kennewick, WA ˗ will speak on “The Rise of Recreational Drug Use Among Parishioners,” which will become a spring-board for a round-table discussion.
On Thursday November 5th Deacon Matthew Garrett ˗ cleric of St. Seraphim Orthodox Church in Boise, ID, and professional iconographer ˗ will speak of the Icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow.”

With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco and Western America the celebration of Holy Virgin Cathedral's 50th anniversary will take place on the cathedral's feastday "Joy of All Who Sorrow," Friday, November 6, 2015. The 1000th repose anniversary of St. Vladimir, Enlightner of Rus will also be marked on this day. The celebration schedule is as follows:
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 6:00 PM: Vigil with participation of guest bishops, diocesan clergy and guests.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 9:30 AM: Divine Liturgy and Molieben
Celebration luncheon (3-course meal with wine) at 1:30 pm, (Russian Center of San Francisco, 2460 Sutter Street). Luncheon donation: $60.00.
To order tickets (space is limited) call Elena Olkhovsky: (415) 690-0518 or e-mail.

Funeral Schedule for newly-departed Protodeacon Nicholai Triantafillidis at the New Cathedral in San Francisco, CA:
Sunday October 4: Panykhida at 7:30 pm.
Monday October 5: Arrival of casket at 4:00 pm. Panykhida at 7:30 pm.
Tuesday October 6: Liturgy at 8:00 am. Funeral presided by Archbishop Kyrill at 10:00 am.

On Tuesday the 8th of September, 2015, on the Feast of the "Vladimir" Icon of the Mother of God, His Holiness Irenei Patriarch of Serbia will visit our Diocesan Cathedral of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow" as part of the program of his travels in the United States. His Holiness will be greeted by His Eminence Kyrill Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America, clergy and the faithful.
The main purpose of Patriarch Irenei's visit ot our Cathedral is to venerate and pray before the honourable and miraculous relics of Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco the Wonderworker.
His Holiness is scheduled to arrive between 10:00 am and 12:00 noon. 

Steve Christoforou will be participating in the "Men in Black" Series sponsored by the Saint Elias Orthodox Church in Diamond Springs, CA, on Thursday September 24th, 2015, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. 
The topic of discussion will be "Why I Say Yes to Christ When it is Easier to Say No." What does it mean to chose Christ? Why should Steve's answer matter to you?
Venue: the Courtyard at Foundation Plaza, 312 Main Street, Placerville, CA. 
Entrance: free!

By the grace of God, a new men’s monastery of the Western American Diocese will be formally blessed following a service of the Divine Liturgy on the new monastery’s patronal feast day of St. Silouan the Athonite (11th / 24th September 2015). The festal Divine Liturgy will be concelebrated by the Diocesan Hierarch, His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco and Western America, and His Eminence’s Auxiliary, His Grace Bishop Theodosy of Seattle. Following the Liturgy a moleben will be served, with a procession and blessing of the whole of the 47.5-acre monastery property.

On Friday November 6th, 2015, Holy Virigin Cathedral will celebrate its Annual Feast Day of the Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos "Joy of All Who Sorrow."
This year the annual Feast Day will be augmented by the All-Diocesan Celebration of the 1000th Anniversary of the Repose of Saint Vladimir the Enlightner of Russian and the 50th Anniversary of the consruction of the New Cathedral.
In conjuction with these historical events 1) a two day pastoral conference for the clergy of the Western American Diocese will proceed the Feast, 2) a banquet will be held after Divine Liturgy in the Russian Center on Friday November 6th and 3) a special issue of the diocesan journal "Spiritual Spring" is being prepared dedicated to the history of the New Cathedral. 
More details to come.

On the 30th of August, 2015, His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America is scheduled to consecrate new bells and a belfry at Holy Ascension Church in Sacramento, CA. 
Greeting of the Bishop is scheduled for 9:30 am. Divine Liturgy, procession to the church yard for the concecraiton ceremony, festal meal and concert to follow.
Address: Holy Ascension Church, 714 -- 13 Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.

His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America will perform a pastoral visit to the Southern Deanery of the Western American Diocese to celebrate the Patronal Feast of the the Holy Transfiguation Cathedral in Los Angeles on August 6/19, 2015.
Greeting of the Bishop is slated for 9:30 am.
Address: 5432 Fernwood Avenue; Los Angeles, CA 90027 

THE FEAST OF ALL THE SAINTS OF RUSSIA, His Grace Bishop Theodosy of Seattle presiding.
The weekend of Sunday, June 14th is the patronal feast of our church in Burlingame, CA.

Vigil Service will be on Saturday evening, June 13th at 6 PM
The Divine Liturgy will be Sunday, June 14th:Greeting of His Grace Theodosy Bishop of Seattle at 9:30 AM.The Liturgy will conclude with a prayer service "Moleben" an procession of the Cross around our edifice.A Feastive Lenten Meal prepared by the Sisterhood to follow.

ALL ARE CORDIALLY INVITED!

The Church of All Russian Saints, in Burlingame, CA, is holding the Choral Presentations Series from June through October of 2015. 

On Saturday May 2, 2015, a Fundraiser Banquet is being organized for the the building of a church in Honolulu, Hawaii, that will become a worthy facility for housing the Sacred and Miraculous Iveron Myrrh-Streaming Icon of the Mother of God of Hawaii.
The event will begin at 11:30 am with a Service of Supplication and anointing with the holy myrrh. During the banquet there will be a slide show about the Holy Icon.
Banquet tickets are $50.00/person.
Location:Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Cross900 Alameda De Las PulgasBelmont, CA 94002
Registration and more information here. 

Myasanitsa Food Feast on Sunday May 3, 2015. More information here.

The time of Easter is one of joy. One of the expressions of joy is giving to and supporting worthwhile causes. The Joy & Mercy Paschal (Easter) Dinner is a...

А concert-choral recital of sacred music from Great Lent and Passion Week services by the parish choir of the Church of All Russian Saints will take place at 744 El Camino Real, Burlingame, on Sunday, March 15, 2015, at 1 PM.
Admission is free. Space is limited. 

Saint Elias Orthodox Church of Diamond Springs, California, will be holding its second "Men in Black" missionary conference.
This year's keynote speaker is Sister Vassa.

The Saints Cyril and Athanasius of Alexandria Institute of Orthodox Studies will hold its fourth Symposium in our diocese on February 14 and 15, 2015. 
The theme is The City a Desert: Living the Life of the Desert in the Midst of the World. 
More information and registration here. 

The Nativity Epistle of His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill may be read here. 

On Saturday November 15, 2014, His Grace Bishop PETER of Cleaveland will preside over the annual panykhida commemmorating Russian saliors buried at the cemetery on Mare Island at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries. The panykhida is scheduled to begin at 12:00 pm.
For questions please call the diocesan chancellery at 415-387-8757.
 

The miraculous Icon will come to San Francisco on Nov. 7, 2014.

Calistoga Orthodox Wines was founded by Priest Akim Provotakis, Rector of Saint Simeon of Verhostursk Church of the Western American Diocese in Calistoga, CA.
Calistoga Orthodox Wines has produced a high quality Kagor for use as a chalice wine during the Divine Liturgy. The first vintage was so successful that it is completely sold out. Now, a new one is in production for release in the near future.
Please, support the "Calistoga Wine Tasting Fundraiser and Silent Auction" on Sunday October 12, 2014, from 3-6 pm at the Church of Saint Simeon (1421 Cedar St., Calistoga, CA). The revenue from this event will go towards the continuation of this important endeavor for the Church.
More information or to purchase this high-quality wine see Calistoga Orthodox Wines website.

His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill has announced an All-Diocesan Celebration-Pilgrimage to Saint Seraphim of Sarov Church in Monterey, California, on Saturday the 4th of October, 2014.

 

All who visit the church remark on the quiet and calm that envelops one as you enter the gates of "Our Lady of Kazan." However, with the passing of time upkeep, maintenance and new provisions are needed so that "Our Lady of Kazan" Church can adequately continue to service our Western American Diocesan flock. We hope that, as the Church interior is restored to a more usable form, we will be able to begin to hold services there more regularly, to build upon the festal services already kept in the temple.