Western American Diocese
RUSSIAN ORTHODOX
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Holy Virgin Cathedral in San Francisco, CA, Celebrates Its Feast Day, Novmeber 6th, 2024 - 11/09/2024
Last updated: 2024-11-09 19:18:30

On November 5, 2024, the eve of the patronal feast of the Holy Virgin Cathedral in San Francisco, CA, an all-night vigil was served. The service was presided over by His Eminence Kirill, Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America. Concelebrating with him His Grace Theodosy, Bishop of Seattle, and His Grace James, Bishop of Sonora, as well as a host of clergy of the Diocese.

The hymns of vigil were performed by the cathedral choir under the direction of Vladimir Krasovsky and by clergy of the Diocese who sang on kliros.

On November 6, 2024, on the day of the memory of the icon of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow" and the patronal feast of Holy Virgin Cathedral in San Francisco, a solemn liturgy was served. The service was led by His Eminence Kirill, Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America, and concelebrated by His Grace Theodosy, Bishop of Seattle, and a host of clergy of the Diocese.


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The Fall Pastoral Retreat of the clergy of the Western American Diocese, 2024 - 11/02/2024
Last updated: 2024-11-02 20:02:29

The Fall Pastoral Retreat of the clergy of the Western American Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia was held on October 21-23 at St. George the Great Martyr Church in Salt Lake City (Utah).

The working sessions of the meeting were presided over by the second Vicar of the Western American Diocese, His Grace Bishop James of Sonora. The retreat keynote speaker this year was Archpriest Seraphim Holland, clergyman of the Chicago Diocese, Rector of St. Nicholas Church in McKinney, Texas. His topics were: “Orthodox Identity,” and ”Prison Ministry.”


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31st Annual Russian Orthodox Church Musicians’ Conference - 11/01/2024
Last updated: 2024-11-01 15:32:36

From October 2 to 6, 2024, at the Holy Transfiguration Cathedral (ROCOR) in Los Angeles, the 31st annual Church Musicians’ Conference of the Russian Orthodox Church was held very successfully and with great excitement. Musicians’ Conferences in America, held since 1987, were established to provide church choir members with the opportunity to meet and communicate with each other, sharing experiences and strengthening their knowledge of both the practical and theoretical aspects of liturgical singing and choir work.

Guests numbering over 65 singers and choir directors from different regions of the United States and Canada were accommodated at the Sheraton Hotel near the LAX airport, where the first three days of meetings were held. The convention was opened with a prayer service and a greeting from Archpriest Andre Papkov, chairman of the Church Music Commission at the Synod of Bishops and founder/director of the Synodal School of Liturgical Music of the Russian Church Abroad. This year's honorary guests and speakers were:


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Archbishop Kyrill Presides over Patronal Feast and Performs Two Ordinations at Holy Transfiguration Cathedral - 08/27/2024
Last updated: 2024-08-27 14:06:08

On Monday, August 6/19, 2024, His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America presided over the patronal feast day of Holy Transfiguration Cathedral in Los Angeles, CA, as well as two ordinations.

After the Great Entrance, Deacon Joseph MacPherson was ordained priest.  After the consecration of the Holy Gifts, Subdeacon Patrick Gill was ordained deacon. Both men are assigned to All Saints of North America Orthodox Church in Phoenix, AZ, the parish that they have served for many years.

After the communion of the faithful, His Eminence led a throng of the faithful in procession around the cathedral at which time he performed the Rite of Blessing the First Fruits.

A festal meal followed in the church hall, bursting with parishioners.

Many years to the Father Rector, Protopresbyster Alexander Lebedeff, Archpriest Janis Terauds, and all of the clergy and faithful of Holy Transfiguration Cathedral, and the newly ordained Priest Joseph MacPherson, and Deacon Patrick Gill!


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Announcing the 31st Annual Orthodox Church Musicians' Conference, Los Angeles, October 4-8, 2024 - 08/27/2024
Category: Recent Events
Last updated: 2024-08-27 12:58:38

With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill, Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America, the 31st Annual Orthodox Church Musicians’ Conference will be hosted in Los Angeles at the Holy Transfiguration Cathedral from October 2-6, 2024. The theme of the conference: "The Future of Church Singing: Paths to Performance." Lectures, master classes, and rehearsals will be held in the Cathedral.

Among the guests are Archpriest John Drobot and Protodeacon Alexander Kedrov (Paris). The conference will close with a Divine Liturgy presided by a hierarch.

You can get detailed information and register here.


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The Trampling of the World's Constitutional Laws Led to the Prohibition of the Canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church - 08/27/2024
Last updated: 2024-08-27 12:29:40

"Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Romans 12:19)

Today we heard that legislation was adopted in Ukraine to prohibit the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Alas, this is not the first form of persecution, and as we know from history, not the last as predicted in the Apocalypse.

This lawlessness can only be characterized by the words of the Holy Scripture: “For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way” (2 Thessalonians 2:7).

What could we expect from those who adopt such laws, who think that the Church of Christ is a political society, adhering to nationalistic viewpoints or other social tendencies?


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Announcements
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XVIII Annual Saint Herman's West Youth Conference to be held in Jackson, CA, from December 26-30, 2024 - 10/02/2024
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Restore the Glory of the Home Where St. John's Relics Rest - 08/27/2024
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Archpastoral Communiqués
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Archbishop Peter of Chicago and Mid-America Reposes in the Lord - 11/08/2024
Last updated: 2024-11-09 14:46:41

With the saints, give rest, O Christ, to the soul of Thy servant!

Archbishop Peter of Chicago and Mid-America, member of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Church Abroad, has reposed in the Lord.

We express our condolences to all his relatives and to all who knew the bishop during his life.

A memorial service will be held at the Cathedral of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow" in San Francisco today, November 8, at 7:30.

Archbishop Peter was born in this city and was tonsured a reader by Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco.

We call upon all clergy and laity to pray for the repose of the newly departed Archbishop Peter!

May the Lord number his soul with the righteous, where there is no sickness, no sorrow, no sighing, but Life everlasting!

+ Archbishop Kirill
+ Bishop Theodosy
+ Bishop James


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DECREE No 4E/2024 to all Rectors, Choir Conductors and Singers of the parishes in our Diocese - 08/14/2024
Last updated: 2024-08-27 15:15:05


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