SAN FRANCISCO: May 18, 2011
A Cleric of the Cathedral of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” Organizes a Pilgrimage to the Nearest Point of the Russian Empire  

On Monday, May 30, 2011, Memorial Day in the United States, Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at the chapel in Fort Ross, CA, at 9:00 am. After the service, a procession of the cross will be made to the cemetery, where our compatriots are buried, and also local natives and Alaskans who accepted Orthodox Christianity, worked at Fort Ross and ended their earthly days there.  

This year’s trip to Fort Ross is particularly important for whom their Russian legacy remains dear.  

Fort Ross was founded by the Russian-American Company in 1812. Next year, celebrations on its 200th anniversary will be held there, including monthly lectures offered on the history, importance and legacy of Fort Ross, scheduled at Fort Ross itself and in San Francisco.   

Today, Fort Ross is under the authority of the California State Park & Recreation Administration. In light of the economic crisis, the CSPRA found it necessary to close Fort Ross to visitors on weekdays, but it will be open for this pilgrimage on May 30. The trip to Fort Ross may contribute to the decision on the future schedule, so it is important for as many pilgrims as possible to make the trip.  

After Divine Liturgy and the procession of the cross, a luncheon will be offered. The St Petersburg Men’s Ensemble will perform by singing spiritual and folk music. 

Protopriest Yaroslav Belikov
Cleric of the Cathedral of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” 
San Francisco.