Archbishop Benjamin of San Francisco to Be Honored at Two Events
SAN FRANCISCO — Archbishop Benjamin of San Francisco, ruling hierarch of the OCA’s Diocese of the West, is retiring. Two special events are being held to mark the occasion and to honor His Eminence’s nearly two decades of service.
On June 29, there will be a dinner at St. Seraphim of Sarov Cathedral in Santa Rosa, CA, “to offer gratitude and celebrate His Eminence Archbishop Benjamin’s archpastoral leadership.”
On July 15, there will be a luncheon at the All-American Synod in Phoenix, AZ, “giving thanks for His Eminence Archbishop Benjamin’s years of guidance, humility, and unwavering devotion to the Church.”
Registration for the dinner in Santa Rosa is now closed. However, registration for the luncheon in Phoenix is open until July 1.
Archbishop Benjamin was born on June 1, 1951, and was baptized at Holy Virgin Mary Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Los Angeles. He received the monastic tonsure at St. Tikhon’s Monastery in 1988 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1997.
In 1999, Benjamin was transferred to the Diocese of Alaska. he served as dean of Saint Innocent Cathedral and later as administrative dean of Saint Herman Seminary, Kodiak, AK. He served there for five years before he was asked to serve as Chancellor of the Diocese of the West.
His Eminence was elected Diocesan Hierarch by the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church in America in 2007. In 2012, he Holy Synod elevated Benjamin to the dignity of Archbishop.
In 2021, the Archbishop was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He and the Diocese of the West have asked the faithful to support him with their prayers.
His Eminence is known as an expert liturgist and a world-class sacred musician.
May God grant His Eminence many years!
