WESTERN AMERICAN DIOCESE: June 15, 2004

St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco Celebrations

San Francisco, July 2004The Celebrations of the 10th Anniversary of the Glorification of our Father, John, Archbishop of Shanghai and San Francisco, the Miracle-worker June 25-July 3: The 11th All-Diaspora Russian Orthodox Youth Conference at the Cathedral of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow" (6210 Geary Blvd, San Francisco).

The Protectress of the Russian Diaspora, the Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God will arrive from Brazil at the beginning of the Conference.

An exhibition of photographs of E. Sinelnikova-Novak dedicated to the glorification of St. John will be on display at the Cathedral during the Youth Conference and during the celebrations.Friday, July 2:At 4 pm, the rule before communion will be read along with an akathist to the Mother of God before the Kursk-Root Icon, followed by confession.At 6 pm, all-night vigil will be performed, commemorating our father, St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco the Miracle-worker (with two choirs: the Cathedral choir and a youth choir). Vestments for clergy is light green.Saturday, July 3:At 9 am, greeting of His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, followed by divine liturgy, with the participation of all the members of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.

After liturgy, a procession of the cross with a moleben (to include litanies of gratitude for the end of the Conference and supplications for travelers).

At 1:30 pm, a luncheon at the large Cathedral hall and under a tent in the Church lot). The closing of the 11th All-Diaspora Russian Orthodox Youth Conference.

At 5:30, a general moleben to St. John before his holy relics, and at 6 pm, all-night vigil. Sunday, July 4: Early liturgy at 7:30 am will be performed by His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus along with the members of the Synod of Bishops. Late liturgy begins at 10 am.From July 5-7, a regular session of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia will be held at the Diocesan Headquarters of the Western American Diocese (the St. Tikhon of Zadonsk House).