“This is the day which the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad therein.”

On Saturday, October 4th, 2025, God blessed Fort Ross State Historic Park and its environs with beautiful, calm, and still sunny weather as the Diocese of the West (OCA) and the Western American Diocese (ROCOR) celebrated the Centennial Anniversary of Pilgrimage to Fort Ross.

The annual pilgrimage to Fort Ross was initiated by the Very Reverend Archpriest Vladimir Sakovich, of Holy Trinity Cathedral (OCA) in San Francisco, who led members of the Russian Orthodox community of Northern California in the Divine Liturgy there on Independence Day, July 4th, 1925. Since that time, annual pilgrimages have been organized by the Diocese of the West, whose members continue the visit on the 4th of July, and by members of the Western American Diocese who go on Memorial Day.

On Saturday, October 4th, organizers and volunteers arrived early to prepare the grounds for this historic event. Tents had been erected the day before. But all of the items needed for the Divine Liturgy were arranged: a specially constructed large holy table with vestment covers, holy vessels, and all the effects of a sacristy, icons, liturgical bells, and a sound system to broadcast the litanies and exclamations across the interior of the fort. Meanwhile, to the West on the bluffs outside the fort, more volunteers were setting up tents, tables, and chairs in preparation for the catered festive luncheon that was to follow the Divine Services.

At 9:30 am more than three dozen priests and deacons from northern California, and from throughout the United States, Russia and the Ukraine greeted His Eminence, NICHOLAS, Metropolitan of New York and Eastern America, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. His Eminence was solemnly vested the historic chapel.

Then, at 9:40 am the same large congregation of clergy and the multitude of laity present solemnly greeted the Most Blessed TIKHON, Archbishop of Washington, Metropolitan of All America and Canada. His Beatitude was met at the gate of the fort, and all the clergy and people processed behind him to the cathedra before the temporary, outdoor altar, where, in the presence of all, Metropolitan TIKHON was vested with the all the splendor due his station. Two choirs, the archbishop’s choir of Holy Virgin Cathedral of San Francisco (WAD) under the direction of Vladimir Krassovsky and a mixed choir consisting of many members of the Diocese of the West who came together under the direction of choir conductor Elizabeth (Valerie) Dickinson of Holy Cross Church in Sacramento, sang antiphonally.

Immediately following the rite of vesting, a cohort of Russian scouts escorted other bishops from the historical chapel down the slope to the temporary church, where His Beatitude greeted his concelebrants: His Eminence NICHOLAS, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, His Eminence MAXIMILLIAN  Metropolitan of Irkutsk and Angar (MP), His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America (ROCOR), His Eminence DANIEL Archbishop of Chicago and the Midwest (OCA), His Grace VASILY, Bishop of San Francisco and the West (OCA), His Grace THEODOSY, Bishop of Seattle (ROCOR), and His Grace JAMES Bishop of Sonora (ROCOR). His Eminence Archbishop BENJAMIN (Peterson), retired, was present and prayed in the altar area. From among the priests, Archpriest Steven Howell represented the Antiochian Archdiocese of North America and Priest Marko Bojovic was the representative for the Diocese of Western America – Serbian Orthodox Church.

The hierarchical Liturgy commenced with all the clergy, and the two choirs who shared the divine hymns, chanting antiphonally. The faithful received the Holy Mysteries from five chalices. It is estimated that over 650 people attended this magnificent anniversary.

The customary cross procession commenced to the cemetery. The way leads along a dirt road just outside the fort and through a field on the bluff to the west of the fort. From the edge of the bluff the dirt road descends down to sea level by the cove until the path reaches the little creek. Here at the woods the trail abruptly narrows and at length ascends up to the cemetery lying on the bluff across from the fort. All the way down to the creek the clergy and the two choirs sang hymns and praises to God and His Saints. Also, in the procession, along with the cross and banners, icons were carried that had the honorable relics of the Saints who had lived at or visited Fort Ross: Saint Innocent of Moscow, Saint Sebastian of Jackson and San Francisco and Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco the Wonderworker. Icons of other Saints who had been at Fort Ross were also present in the procession: Saint Tikhon Patriarch of Moscow and Holy Martyr Peter the Aleut. Notably, a commemorative icon depicting all five of these Saints was commissioned for the Centennial Anniversary, written by Matushka Ann Margitich.

The cemetery has approximately 130 graves with crosses over them marking the locations of Orthodox burials.

Upon completion of the Litya for the Departed a group photograph was taken before the large cross, and then clergy and faithful returned from the cemetery to the fort to enjoy the catered festive luncheon. Along the way from the fort to the luncheon area were found a row of kiosks where Fort Ross Centennial Pilgrimage memorabilia, spiritual literature and icons were for sale. Of special interest were items related to the recently canonized Saint Olga of Alaska.

A brochure was distributed that contained historical greetings from His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill and His Grace Bishop Vasily, diocesan bishops and co-chairs of the Centennial Anniversary of Pilgrimage to Fort Ross Organizational Committee. The brochure had articles that provided some historic context as well, and listed the program of presenters and performers scheduled for the catered festive luncheon.

The luncheon itself was elaborate for the rugged, out-of-doors setting. Tents provided shade for the bishops, for the catered luncheon food trays and for musicians. As previously mentioned, the weather was bright, sunny, calm, and temperate. The view over the bluffs to the Pacific Ocean was spectacular. Amidst the abundant, delicious catered festive luncheon, the program began. Russian style guitar and violin sounded across the grass, and to the joy of their parents and other spectators, a combined children’s choir from All Russian Saints and Saints Cyrill and Methodius Russian Orthodox Schools performed both song and dance.

There were several presentations during the Luncheon, most importantly offered by our hierarchs:

“We have concluded a glorious and joyous day communing with God through the Holy Mysteries together with hierarchs from various jurisdictions and the faithful. It was magnificent celebrating the Centennial of Pilgrimage here in this setting at the fort, where many Saints have prayed before us. There are many pilgrims who gathered from throughout the continent amidst beautiful weather… A pilgrimage reminds us of how fleeting our life is and that we need to cling to things that are eternal. May we purify our hearts and so instill the virtues of Christ in ourselves and in the hearts of our children and all whom we meet.” His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon

“I come to you from the great Diocese of Irkutsk and Angar, which is the birthplace Saint Innocent of Moscow, who visited this place and ministered here when he was the missionary priest, Ioann Veniaminoff. It is known that many of the carpenters that constructed the fort were from the land of Irkutsk. I bring the blessing of that land to you this day.” His Eminence Metropolitan Maximillian

“During the bleak days when the Bolshevik regime occupied Russia, Fort Ross became a small tangible piece of Holy Rus’ for the displaced Russians.  It was here Archbishop Tikhon (Troitsky), St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco, Archbishop Anthony (Medvedev), Bishop Nektary (Kontzevich) and numerous clergy and faithful came to rejuvenate themselves with the spirit of that era when Orthodox principles guided man in his life…

With the fall of the Soviet Union, Fort Ross still plays an important role beyond just the diaspora.  Now it plays a role of inspiration for the average Russian to look into his past - prior to the years of the Soviet Union.  When the post-Soviet Russian, or American, comes here they can see that Russians were more than entrepreneurs and settlers, but people of faith who carried Orthodoxy with them wherever they went.  When looking at the chapel on the hill, people can begin to understand that in those bygone years, Orthodox Christian virtues were at the core of their lives. By coming here modern man can begin to reflect on the past.” His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas

Mr. Bill Maslach, California State Parks Sonoma Mendocino Coast District Superintendent, who was not able to attend, stated in an email: “Thank you for your kind invitation and letter regarding the upcoming centennial celebration of Orthodox pilgrimage to Fort Ross State Historic Park. It is quite a remarkable milestone, and I am grateful for the longstanding relationship between the Orthodox communities and Fort Ross State Historic Park and the Conservancy.” Park Ranger, Tracy Weisberg, Visitor Services Program Manager, represented the California State Parks and the Sonoma Mendocino Coast District and thanked everyone for such a beautiful day.

Ian Taylor, President of the Fort Ross Conservancy, remarked on the grandeur of the celebration and expressed his gratitude to those present for their love and support of Fort Ross State Historic Park and the Fort Ross Conservancy and wished everyone a very pleasant day. He looks forward to a continued partnership with the Orthodox Church in the years to come.

Anthony Macias, the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Kashia Indians, was invited and spoke briefly. Together with him, a matron of the tribe spoke with gratitude about the Russian presence two centuries ago, and the two of them presented gifts to the First Hierarchs.

The Centennial Anniversary of Pilgrimage to Fort Ross Organizational Committee consisted of members from both the Diocese of the West and the Western American Diocese. Much collaborative work was accomplished by the committee, which kept the respective Diocesan Councils abreast of the work as it was being planned. All of the income and expenses are shared equally by the two dioceses.

In addition, the organizational committee pulled together an outstanding team of professionals in the media arts, both still photographers and videographers, plus a drone operator, so that this historic day could be properly documented not just for our generation, but for those to come. With gratitude, the committee also acknowledges the sponsorship of the Holy Assumption Monastery in Calistoga, the Museum of Russian Culture, San Francisco, and the Congress of Russian Americans.

An ongoing cooperative effort is being made to raise funds for 3 new windows in the chapel. The Centennial Anniversary of Pilgrimage to Fort Ross Organizational Committee is happy to provide this means for all to “give back” to Fort Ross and its associations for the wonderful opportunities we have enjoyed over the years.