WESTERN AMERICAN DIOCESE: July 14, 2014
Hierarchal Feast-Day Celebrations at SS Peter and Paul Church

On Friday, July 11, 2014, on the eve of the feast day of Saints Peter and Paul, His Grace Bishop Theodosius of Seattle, Vicar of the Western American Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, performed all-night vigil at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Santa Rosa, CA. Accompanying Bishop Theodosius was the Kursk-Root Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, which was present for both the vigil and Divine Liturgy.

On Saturday, July 12, His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco and Western America, celebrated Divine Liturgy. Concelebrating with him were the parish priest, Archpriest Alexander Krasssovsky, Priest Joakim Provatakis (St Simeon Verkhotursky Church, Calistoga, CA) and Priest Ioan Comanescu (Protection of the Holy Virgin Church, Palo Alto, CA). They were also joined by Deacon George Chrebtow (Holy Virgin Joy of All Who Sorrow Cathedral, San Francisco, CA) and the parish’s newly-ordained Deacon Afanassy Ferguson. Following Communion, Bishop Kyrill gave a sermon which can be heard (HERE) in Russian.

At the end of the Liturgy, Archbishop Kyrill congratulated the parish with their feast. He also congratulated the choir director with his return to conducting services after some recent health challenges. Following Liturgy, the Kursk-Root Icon and the icon of Saints Peter and Paul were taken to the church hall, where the sisterhood and many helpers prepared a marvelous luncheon. The Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God "of the Sign" then departed for its next parish visit, to the Protection of the Holy Virgin Church in Palo Alto for the vigil service.

Photos by AA Kochergin: