The Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

WESTERN AMERICAN DIOCESE: 23 September 2026
Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco and Western America makes an archpastoral visit to Washington State

On Saturday, September 19, 2026, His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco and Western America, accompanied by His Grace Bishop Peter of Seattle, Vicar of the Western American Diocese, and several accompanying clergy, visited the Monastery of the Most Merciful Savior on Vashon Island (Washington). After praying at the Divine Liturgy held in the main church of the monastery, the archpastors met with Abbot Tryphon (Parsons) and the brethren. On the same day, Archbishop Kyrill and Bishop Peter headed to Seattle.

On Sunday, September 20, the 16th Sunday after Pentecost, before the Exaltation, during the archpastoral visit to Washington, His Eminence celebrated Divine Liturgy at St Nicholas Cathedral in Seattle after performing all-night vigil the evening before. His Eminence was joined by Bishop Peter, the cathedral clergy, and clerics of the Western American Diocese. The priestly service was led by the Cathedral Dean, Archpriest Vyacheslav Davydenko.

After the service, a communal meal was organized for the clergy and parishioners. Once the meal was over, a meeting of the parish council of St Nicholas Cathedral took place, chaired by Archbishop Kyrill. On Monday, September 21, on the feast of the Nativity of our Most Holy Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, Bishop Peter celebrated Divine Liturgy at St Nicholas Cathedral. The clergy of the diocese concelebrated with him. The priestly service was led by the Fr Vyacheslav.

Archbishop Kyrill prayed and received the Holy Chrism of Christ during the service.

This service was especially significant because it was the first Divine Liturgy that Bishop Peter led at the Cathedral after the church authorities announced his appointment as head of the Seattle Vicariate.

After Divine Liturgy, His Grace delivered a sermon to the clergy and worshipers.

After the service, there was a common meal, during which the bishops continued to interact with the clergy and parishioners.