OCA, ROCOR, and MP Bishops Concelebrate at Fort Ross

Images: ROCOR/Instagram

HEALDSBURG, CA — The historic Russian settlement of Fort Ross hosted a vibrant celebration marking the 100th anniversary of its Orthodox pilgrimage, according to ROCOR's official Instagram page. 

The event has occurred every year since 1925. This year, it drew hundreds of pilgrims and clergy from across the United States and Russia to honor the spiritual legacy of Russian presence in America. The large attendance this year is related to the hundredth anniversary of the repose of St. Tikhon of Moscow; ROCOR and the OCA — both being historic Russian churches — have marked the occasion with liturgical celebrations, texts, and educational events across the country.

Present were hierarchs from three jurisdictions the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR), and the Moscow Patriarchate (MP).

A Divine Liturgy was held in the open air at the Chapel of the Holy Trinity and St. Nicholas, which was concelebrated a distinguished group of hierarchs, including:

• His Beatitude Tikhon, Metropolitan of Washington (OCA)
• His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of New York (ROCOR)
• His Eminence Maximilian, Metropolitan of Irkutsk and Angarsk (MP)
• His Eminence Kirill, Archbishop of San Francisco (ROCOR)
• His Eminence Daniel, Archbishop of Chicago (OCA)
• His Grace Basil, Bishop of San Francisco (OCA)
• His Grace Theodosius, Bishop of Seattle (ROCOR)
• His Grace Jacob, Bishop of Sonora (ROCOR)

His Eminence Benjamin (OCA), now retired, was also in attendance, alongside numerous clergy. Following the liturgy, a solemn procession took place to the historic cemetery, where participants offered prayers in memory of the first Orthodox settlers.

The day was further enriched by a festive concert performed by students of the St. Cyril and Methodius Gymnasium at the Cathedral of the Joy of All Who Sorrow in San Francisco. The young performers captivated the audience with heartfelt hymns and poetry, adding a touching highlight to the celebration.

The Fort Ross pilgrimage, the oldest continuous Orthodox pilgrimage in the continental United States, stands as a powerful symbol of the enduring spiritual heritage of Russian Orthodoxy in America.

The UOJ previously reported that, earlier this month, St. Seraphim of Sarov Cathedral (OCA) hosted a one-day conference titled “The Story of Orthodoxy at Fort Ross: Then and Now,” marking the centennial anniversary of the first Orthodox pilgrimage to Fort Ross in 1925.

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