OCA and ROCOR Team Up for Chapel at Fort Ross
Fort Ross chapel. Source: San Francisco Chronicle
SAN FRANCISCO — The joint committee of the Western American Diocese (ROCOR) and the Diocese of the West (OCA) is launching a fundraising drive to replace the aging windows of the Fort Ross chapel. This effort precedes the Centennial Pilgrimage on October 4, 2025, marking 100 years of Orthodox pilgrimages to Fort Ross State Historic Park.
Established in 1812 by Russian settlers, Fort Ross was a thriving colony and trade hub. Its chapel, built in the early 1800s, was destroyed by fire in 1970. The Northern California Russian Orthodox community meticulously rebuilt it, using historical photos and documents to replicate the original, including its three windows. After 55 years, the coastal climate has worn the window frames and cracked panes.
A skilled craftsman will recreate the antique windows with custom-made glass, ensuring historical accuracy, while modern waterproofing protects them for future generations. The committee seeks $20,000 to fund the project and host a grand pilgrimage with a solemn Liturgy.
According to a ROCOR press release, this effort is being led by Abp. Kyrill of San Francisco and Western America and Bsp. Vasily of San Francisco and the West. Those who wish to support the work may donate via PayPal.
Read also
ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill
Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown
Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.
Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions
A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.
Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law
Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.
Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment
The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.
Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful
Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.