On August 1, the feast of the Finding of the Relics of Venerable Seraphim, Wonderworker of Sarov, celebrations were held in honor of the 75th anniversary of St. Seraphim Church in Monterey, CA.

The festal Divine Liturgy was celebrated by the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad – Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York. Concelebrating with His Eminence were: His Eminence Kyrill, Archbishop of San Francisco & Western America; and Their Graces, Bishops Theodosius of Seattle and James of Sonora. The priestly rank was led by parish rector Archpriest George Kurtow, co-served by diocesan clergy.

Upon the conclusion of the divine service, a cross procession took place around the church, after which Metropolitan Nicholas congratulated the clergy and parishioners on their anniversary, presenting a Synodal gramota in honor of this significant event. The rector, clergy, parishioners, and worshippers were especially noted for their loyalty to the Church and their diligent efforts. Fr. George was awarded a jubilee jeweled cross for the centenniel of the Russian Church Abroad, while his Matushka Elena was awarded the Ladies’ Order of Saint John, Archbishop of Shanghai & San Francisco the Wonderworker, in recognition of her sacrificial service and care for the prosperity of the parish.

In his response, Fr. George thanked Metropolitan Nicholas for his archpastoral visit and the high ecclesiastical awards. On behalf of the parish, a generous donation was presented for the reconstruction of the Synodal Headquarters in New York City. An additional joy was the presentation of an ancient icon of the Tikhvin Mother of God to the rector of the church by Natalia K. Musikhina. The gift was bestowed by Archpriest Peter Perekrestov, dean of the Diocesan Cathedral of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow" in San Francisco.

At the end of Liturgy, "Many Years" was solemnly sung to all bearing the name Seraphim, in honor of the church’s venerable patron.

The feast concluded with a meal, a group photo of the clergy with the archpastors, and a warm moment – a photo session of Metropolitan Nicholas with Fr. George’s 28 grandchildren, which became a special testimony to the family’s achievement and many years of service to the Church.

On Sunday, August 3, on the 8th Sunday after Pentecost, Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Cathedral in San Francisco, led by the First Hierarch. His Eminence was joined by Archbishop Kyrill, Fr. Peter Perekrestov leading the priestly rank, as well the cleric of the Old Cathedral of the Holy Virgin, Hieromonk Peter (Karakozov).

The divine service was prayerfully adorned by the cathedral choir under the direction of Vladimir Krassovsky, performing traditional church hymns with reverence and inspiration.

At the end of the service, Metropolitan Nicholas addressed the numerous believers with an archpastoral sermon and blessing, encouraging those gathered on their spiritual path with love and hope.

In conclusion of the celebrations, Archbishop Kyrill expressed heartfelt gratitude to the First Hierarch for the service he led and his archpastoral visit to the Western American Diocese, which became a source of spiritual joy and strengthening of church unity.

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