On Saturday, May 23, a festive graduation ceremony marking the 73rd graduating class took place at the St. Cyril and Methodius School in San Francisco, CA. The celebratory day began with a Thanksgiving Moleben, served by the school’s inspector and deputy director – His Grace Theodosius, Bishop of Manhattan.

Following the communal prayer in the cathedral’s assembly hall, His Grace addressed the students, faculty, parents, and guests with words of welcome and spiritual guidance. This was followed by a ceremonial presentation of certificates promoting students to the next grade levels.

A particularly special and touching moment of the celebration was the presentation of diplomas and gold medals to the school’s graduates: Daniil A. Grigoryan, Darya I. Kuznetsova, and Sofia N. Meyer.

On behalf of Natalia G. Sabelnik, President of the Congress of Russian Americans, Priest George Kaplanov presented the graduates with scholarships and certificates of honor for their successful completion of the high school program.

The ceremonial proceedings concluded with a festal performance by the high school students, creating an atmosphere of joy, gratitude, and bright celebration for all those in attendance.

Western American Diocese