Two OCA California parishes celebrate centenaries

West Sacramento and Los Angeles, June 19, 2025

Church of the Holy Myrrhbearing Women. Photo: dowoca.org Church of the Holy Myrrhbearing Women. Photo: dowoca.org     

Two parishes of the Orthodox Church in America, in West Sacramento and Los Angeles, recently celebrated their 100th anniversaries.

On May 4, His Eminence Metropolitan Benjamin of San Francisco and the West led the centenary celebrations for the parish of the Holy Myrrhbearing Women in West Sacramento. He also celebrate the rite of the Great Consecration of the new parish’s new church building, reports the OCA Diocese of the West.

The hierarch was concelebrated by parish rector Archpriest Matthew Ismailov and guest clergy, including Archimandrite Vasily (Permiakov), who is likely to succeed Abp. Benjamin when he retires this summer.

Photo: dowoca.org Photo: dowoca.org     

A congratulatory message from His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon was read out and Synodal awards were granted to the parish, its rector, and benefactor Constantin Baranoff.

All participants in the service received commemorative icons of the Myrrhbearing Women. The service was followed by a festive meal prepared by the parish Sisterhood and faithful.

​Holy Virgin Mary Cathedral. Photo: Facebook ​Holy Virgin Mary Cathedral. Photo: Facebook     

And on June 15, the Holy Virgin Mary Cathedral in Los Angeles, the first Russian Orthodox parish in southern California, celebrated its own centenary.

In fact, the parish officially began in 1923, but the celebration was delayed due to construction and other factors.

Photo: Facebook Photo: Facebook     

The day began with the Divine Liturgy celebrated by Abp. Benjamin and clergy from across the diocese. “The sacred space, filled with icons and incense, truly became a window into heaven,” the church reports.

“The celebration continued with a grand banquet, filled with fellowship, laughter, stories from the past, and hopes for the future. A touching slideshow paid tribute to the founding families and early parishioners whose courage and faith helped build this spiritual home.”

The celebration gathered about 500 parishioners and guests.

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6/19/2025

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