“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place” (Acts 2:1).
On Saturday evening, June 11, and the morning of Sunday, June 12, the Cathedral of the Diocese of the West celebrated the great saving day of Pentecost: the feast of the Holy Trinity and its patronal feast. His Eminence, Archbishop Benjamin of San Francisco and the West presided at the divine services.
Festal Vigil was served on Saturday night with Bay Area clergy and friends. Clergy concelebrating with His Eminence included Archpriest Stephan Meholick (St. Nicholas, San Anselmo), Archpriest Lawrence Margitich (St. Seraphim, Santa Rosa), Archpriest Kirill Sokolov (Cathedral Dean), Archpriest Philip Halliwell (Christ the Savior, San Francisco), Priest Edward Henderson (St. John, Berkeley), Priest Andrew Smith (Nativity of the Virgin, Menlo Park), Priest Augustine Lewton (St. Innocent, Pleasanton), and Deacon David Greenfield (Ss. Cyril and Methodius, Chico). The large multi-parish congregation enjoyed a reception afterward.
On Sunday morning, the solemnity continued with the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, Vespers with Kneeling Prayers, festal molieben and procession, and a joyful meal together. Archpriest Kirill Sokolov, Archpriest James Jorgenson, and Deacon David Greenfield concelebrated at the Liturgy. Mitred Archpriest Peter Perekrestov arrived after the early Divine Liturgy at Holy Virgin Cathedral (ROCOR) to concelebrate the Vespers and Festal Procession.
His Eminence’s homily from the Divine Liturgy may be read here. Photographs from the day may be viewed below on this web page and on our social media:
