On Saturday, September 30, the feast of the Holy Martyrs Faith, Hope, Charity and their mother Sophia, a celebration of the 30th anniversary of the uncovering of the relics of the Holy Hierarch John, Archbishop of Shanghai & San Francisco the Wonderworker, took place in the Diocesan Cathedral of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow" in San Francisco, CA. The celebrations were officiated by Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad.
Concelebrating with His Eminence were Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco & Western America, Archbishop Benjamin of San Francisco & the West (Orthodox Church in America), Bishops Theodosius of Seattle and James of Sonora (vicars of the Western American Diocese), and Bishop Nikolai (Soraich). The evening prior, Archbishop Kyrill officiated the All-Night Vigil concelebrated by the aforementioned hierarchs.
At the Little Entrance during Divine Liturgy, by decree of the Synod of Bishops, the First Hierarch awarded Hieromonk Peter (Karakozoff; cleric of the Western American Diocese) the gold pectoral cross.
Upon conclusion of Liturgy, a moleben was served with a procession around the cathedral complex, after which Metropolitan Nicholas addressed the assembled worshippers with a Primatial sermon.
The fellowship of the First Hierarch, archpastors, clergy, and faithful continued over a large meal offered by the cathedral sisterhood.
San Francisco, CA: Metropolitan Nicholas officiates 30th Anniversary of Uncovering of Relics of St. John of Shanghai & San Francisco - 09/30/23
(17 images)