WESTERN AMERICAN DIOCESE: 21 July 21, 2025
On the eve of the feast of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, a pilgrimage was made to Russian River

On Saturday, July 19, 2025, on the eve of the feast of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the church dedicated to this miraculous image of the Most Holy Theotokos on the Russian River in California. The service was led by His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco and Western America, with the clergy of the diocese concelebrating. In the prayerful solemnity of the church, amid the fragrance of incense and church singing, thanksgiving prayers were lifted to the Most Holy Queen for Her constant intercession and protection over the faithful children of the Church of Christ.

Hieromonk Peter (Karakozov) delivered a sermon, calling the believers to a living faith and trust in God's Providence. After Liturgy, a procession took place around the temple, in which all present participated with reverence. At the end of the celebration, Archbishop Kyrill addressed the congregation with a pastoral message and warmly congratulated all parishioners on the feast day.