The Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia held at the in the Convent of Grand Duchess Elisabeth the New-Martyr in Buchendorf, Germany, from the 27 May/6 June through the 3/16 of June, 2017, resolved that Archpriest Alexander Lebedeff, Rector of Holy Transfiguration Cathedral in Los Angeles, CA, be elevated to the dignity of protopresbyter for his many years of zealous, pastoral service to the Holy Church.

The Ruling Bishop of the Western American Diocese His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill elevated Father Alexander to the office of protopresbyter during the Divine Liturgy on the parish Feast Day of the Transfiguration of the Lord, the 6/19 of August, 2017.