WESTERN AMERICAN DIOCESE: 4 August 2025
A Primatial visit to the Western American Diocese

On August 1, 2025, the feast day of the Translation of the Relics of St Seraphim of Sarov, His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, officiated at the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the church dedicated to the saint in Monterey, CA.

The festive Divine Liturgy was headed by the First Hierarch. His Eminence was assisted by: His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco and Western America; His Grace Bishop Theodosius of Seattle and His Grace Bishop James of Sonora. The priestly rank was led by Archpriest George Kurtov, Rector of the parish.

Upon the conclusion of the divine service, a procession of the cross took place around the church, after which the Metropolitan congratulated the clergy and parishioners on their anniversary, presenting a certificate from the Synod of Bishops in honor of this significant event. Fr George, the clergy, parishioners and pilgrims were especially noted for their loyalty to the Church and their diligent efforts. Fr George was awarded a jubilee ornamented pectoral cross for the 100th anniversary of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, while his wife, Elena Georgievna Kurtova, was awarded the Ladies' Order of Saint John, Archbishop of Shanghai and San Francisco the Miracle Worker, in recognition of her sacrificial service and care for the prosperity of the parish.

In his response, Fr Georgy thanked Metropolitan Nicholas for the archpastoral visit and the high church awards. On behalf of the parish, a generous donation for the reconstruction of the building of the Synodal Residence in New York was made. A special joy was the presentation of an ancient icon of the Tikhvin Mother of God to the Rector of the church by Natalia Konstantinovna Musikhina. The gift was bestowed by Archpriest Peter Perekrestov the Dean of the Cathedral of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” in San Francisco,. At the end of Liturgy, Many Years was sung to all bearing the name of Seraphim.

The festive day concluded with a meal, a group photo of the clergy with the archpastors, and a warm moment—a photo session of Metropolitan Nicholas with 28 grandchildren of Fr George, which became a special testimony to the family's achievement and many years of serving the Church. On Sunday, August 3, on the eighth Sunday after Pentecost, Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Cathedral in San Francisco, led by the First Hierarch.

His Eminence was joined by Archbishop Kyrill, Fr Peter leading the priestly rank, as well the cleric of the Old Cathedral of the Holy Virgin, Hieromonk Peter (Karakozov). The divine service was prayerfully adorned by the cathedral choir under the direction of Vladimir Krassovsky, performing traditional church hymns with reverence and inspiration.

At the end of the service, Metropolitan Nicholas addressed the numerous believers with an archpastoral word and blessing, encouraging those gathered on their spiritual path with love and hope.

In conclusion of the celebrations, Archbishop Kyrill expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Primate for the service he led and his archpastoral visit to the Western American Diocese, which became a source of spiritual joy and strengthening of church unity.