Archim. Vasily Permiakov Consecrated as Bishop of San Francisco and the West

Photo: St. Christina of Tyre Orthodox Church

SAN FRANCISCO — The Orthodox Church in America (OCA) celebrated the consecration of its newest hierarch this past weekend, with Archimandrite Vasily (Permiakov) elevated to Bishop of San Francisco and the West.

His election by the Holy Synod of Bishops of the OCA took place during the All-American Council in Phoenix in July. The formal services began on Friday, August 15, at Holy Trinity Cathedral with the Rite of Election and Vespers, led by His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon of Washington and All America and Canada. He was joined by Archbishop Benjamin, recently retired from leading the Diocese of the West, and Bishop James of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR).

Photo: St. Christina of Tyre Orthodox Church

On Saturday morning, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated with Metropolitan Tikhon presiding, concelebrating with Archbishops Melchizedek of Pittsburgh, Michael of New York, Daniel of Chicago, and Benjamin, together with Bishop Gerasim of Fort Worth and Bishop James of ROCOR. The Hawaiian Iveron Icon of the Mother of God, known for streaming myrrh, was also present for the occasion.

During the service, Archimandrite Vasily was consecrated following the singing of the Trisagion Hymn. Afterward, Metropolitan Tikhon exhorted the new bishop:

“I remind and exhort you that the bishop is called to present an icon of Christ to his flock. Not an icon of wood and paint, but a living icon. As an overseer and archpastor of the Church, the bishop must be the first to show forth Christ in his words and actions, through his entire way of life. You must emulate, incarnate, and become the good shepherd, Who today calls you to episcopal service.”

A stream of the service can be found here, with the consecration beginning roughly an hour-and-a-half into the service.

Photo: St. Christina of Tyre Orthodox Church

Previously, UOJ reported that the Diocese of the West (OCA) had released the schedule for the episcopal ordination of Bishop-elect Right Rev. Archimandrite Vasily Permiakov.

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