On Friday, June 28, All-Night vigil was served in the Cathedral of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow" in San Francisco, CA, on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the uncovering of the relics of the Holy Hierarch John, Archbishop of Shanghai & San Francisco, the Wonderworker. Before the service, the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God "of the Sign" was greeted at the entrance to the temple.
Vigil was officiated by His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad. Concelebrating with him were Their Eminences Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco & Western America and Archbishop Peter of Chicagsky & Mid-America; Their Graces Bishop Irenei of London & Western Europe, Bishop Theodosius of Seattle, Luke of Syracuse, Bishop James of Sonora, and retired Bishops Nicholas (Soraich) and Alexander (Echevarria), as well as a host of clergy.
The liturgical hymns were sung by the cathedral choir under the direction of Vladimir Krassovsky and the choir of Holy Trinity Seminary under the direction of Deacon Nicholas Kotar.
Following the service, at the luncheon, Metropolitan Nicholas presented the Western American Diocese with an archival document from 1974 – a congratulatory message from the Passion-Bearers Boris and Gleb Orthodox Youth Circle in San Francisco to the ever-memorable First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, Metropolitan Philaret (Voznesensky; +1985), and presented a jubilee cross with decorations issued for the 100th anniversary of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia to cathedral dean Archpriest Peter Perekrestov.
On Saturday, June 29, Divine Liturgy was celebrated by the First Hierarch, co-served by the above-mentioned bishops, who were also joined by His Eminence Benjamin, Archbishop of San Francisco & Western America (Orthodox Church in America), as well as representatives of other Local Orthodox Churches.
At the end of Liturgy, a moleben was served with a procession around the cathedral, after which Metropolitan Nicholas greeted everyone with the feast and presented the cathedral with an icon of Venerable Alexander of Svir. Archbishop Kyrill awarded gramotas to the trustees, benefactors, and workers of the cathedral.
Interaction between the archpastors, clergy, and worshippers continued during the festal luncheon.
San Francisco, CA: 30th Anniversary of Glorification of Saint John of Shanghai & San Francisco the Wonderworker celebrated in Joy of All Who Sorrow Cathedral - 06/30/24
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