SAN FRANCISCO: 2 October 2023
The celebration of the 30th anniversary of the discovery of the incorruptible relics of St John, Archbishop of Shanghai and San Francisco the Wonderworker is marked by the First Hierarch's visit (video, photo-report)

On Saturday, September 30, 2023, the feast day of the Holy Martyrs Faith, Hope, Love and their mother Sophia, a celebration of the thirtieth anniversary of the discovery of the holy relics of St John, Archbishop of Shanghai and San Francisco the Wonderworker, took place in the Cathedral of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” in San Francisco, took place. The celebrations were led by His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.

Concelebrating with His Eminence were His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco and Western America and His Eminence Archbishop Benjamin of Western America (Orthodox Church of America), His Grace Bishop Theodosius of Seattle, His Grace Bishop James of Sonora and His Grace Bishop Nicholas (Soraich), retired. The day before, Archbishop Kirill celebrated all-night vigil in concelebration with the same hierarchs.

At the minor entrance of the Divine Liturgy, the First Hierarch bestowed a golden pectoral cross issued by the Synod of Bishops upon Hieromonk Peter (Karakozov), a cleric of the Western American Diocese.

At the end of the Divine Liturgy, a moleben was sung with a procession around the cathedral complex, after which Metropolitan Nicholas addressed the assembled worshipers with his primatial sermon.

The fellowship of the First Hierarch, archpastors, clergy and pilgrims continued over a large meal offered by the cathedral sisterhood.

Photos: Deacon Seraphim Torruella, Helen Novak.