Archim. Vasily Permiakov Elected Bishop of San Francisco (OCA)

Bishop Alexander (Golitzin), Archim. Vasily Permiakov, and Fr. Alexander Rentel. Source: OCA

PHOENIX, AZ — On July 16, 2025, Archimandrite Vasily (Permiakov) was elected Bishop of San Francisco and the West for the Orthodox Church in America.

The Diocese of the West held a Special Diocesan Assembly during the 21st All-American Council in Phoenix, Arizona, to nominate a new bishop following the retirement of His Eminence Archbishop Benjamin on July 15.

The assembly, presided over by His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, Locum Tenens of the Diocese, unanimously nominated Fr. Vasily to succeed Archbishop Benjamin.

Later that day, the Holy Synod of Bishops of the OCA, convened in a Special Summer Session under Metropolitan Tikhon, canonically elected Archimandrite Vasily as the new Bishop of San Francisco and the West.

The episcopal ordination and enthronement of Bishop-elect Vasily are scheduled for August 16, 2025, at Holy Trinity Cathedral in San Francisco, California. The Diocese of the West will release additional details about the ordination services in the coming weeks.

Recently tonsured as a monastic and elevated to the rank of Archimandrite by the Holy Synod, Fr. Vasily has spent time as a faculty member at both Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville, New York, and St. Vladimir’s Seminary in Crestwood, New York.

Identified as a potential episcopal candidate for the West several years ago by His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon and His Eminence Archbishop Benjamin, Fr. Vasily was invited to speak with the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee and the full Diocesan Council back in December.

In May, the members of the Diocean Council and Nominating Committee issued a letter identifying Fr. Vasily as Archbishop Benjamin’s likely successor.

“During our conversations, he edified and inspired us with his thoughtful, candid, and spiritually grounded answers to our questions,” the communication states. “He likewise encouraged by asking profound and discerning questions of his own, demonstrating a heartfelt interest in the spiritual life, the pastoral challenges, and the growth of our Diocese.”

The letter went on to express encouragement in the decision due to his full support by Metropolitan Tikhon and Archbishop Benjamin:

“Having a true theologian, one steeped in the knowledge and love of the Divine Services, will benefit this Diocese which has forged a reputation for liturgical excellence and vitality. We are impressed by how his students confide in and turn to Fr. Vasily for counsel, and more recently but remarkably, for the healing sacrament of Confession. We believe that the love and pastoral care that Fr. Vasily has shown to his seminarians and the conciliarity and care he has demonstrated in his collaborations with his colleagues on two seminary faculties will grow into a leadership style in the Diocese of the West marked by archpastoral love and devotion to us, the clergy and faithful.”

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