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 Day
Vigil at 6:00 pm
Saturday, November 6th:
Greeting of the Bishop and Divine Liturgy from 9:00 am
Address:
Holy Virgin Cathedral
6210 Geary Blvd
San Francisco CA 94121
• From 1930 to 1965, church services were held at what is now known as the “Old Cathedral” on Fulton Street. This church was purchased from the Episcopal Community and was converted for Orthodox worship. The Old Cathedral continues to exist as an independent parish of our Diocese to this day.
• As was discussed in previous articles, with the arrival of St. John (Maximovich) in San Francisco, the construction of our Cathedral was completed. On the Triumph of Orthodoxy (first Sunday of Great Lent) in 1965, the first Liturgy was celebrated in the new Cathedral—the Holy Virgin Cathedral, Joy of All Who Sorrow.
One of our Cathedral icons is a version of the icon "Joy of All Who Sorrow with ‘Groshiki’ (copper coins)”, (see this icon at the end of this article). These “Groshiki" have been stuck to the paint layer as a result of a fire. The veneration of this version of the icon began after a severe thunderstorm in St. Petersburg and the surrounding areas on July 23, 1888. Lightning struck the chapel with the icon in it, scorched all the walls and other icons and the offering plate was completely broken. Despite the lightning and fire, the “Joy of All Who Sorrow” icon miraculously survived, but twelve “Groshki” from the broken offering plate were attached in different places around the icon.
Troparion for the Icon "Joy of All Who Sorrow"
Thou art the joy of all that sorrow and the Protectoress of the oppressed, feeder of the hungry, consolation of travelers, haven for the tempest-tossed, visitation of the sick, protection and aid of the infirm, staff of old age, O all-pure Mother of the Most-High God. Hasten, we pray, to save thy servants.