(Originally published in the Russian Orthodox American Messenger, Vol. IX, No. 151, August 1905. Translation from Russian by Sergei Arhipov.)

June 18th 1905 was memorable for the Russin (a people from the Carpathian Mountains, who maintained their spiritual, historical, and spiritual identity with the Russian people, rather than with the Galician and other (mostly Uniate) western Carpatho-Ukrainians - trans.) Serbian and Greek residents of Pueblo — for on this day, His Eminence, the Most Reverend Archbishop Tikhon arrived in their smoky and bustling little city. At around 1pm, a large and excited crowd of many Orthodox people began to gather at the railroad station to meet the Archbishop. People were glancing at their watches, telling each other that any moment now, the train carrying their beloved guest would soon arrive. The hands on the platform clock showed 1:10, the announced arrival time, but no train was in sight. The people began to crowd in under the roof of the station and looked down the empty tracks for any sign of the errant train. After a while, the people started to get worried. Obviously the train was late and they all wanted to greet him in person; but many of them had to get back to work, else they lose their jobs. There was nothing they could do… By the time the hands showed 2:40 pm, only about one quarter of the original crowd remained at the station waiting there to meet him.

The Diocesan Chancellor, Archpriest Ian MacKinnon, has been notified that at the meeting of the Holy Synod of Bishops held May 7-10, the Synod has conferred upon our beloved diocesan hierarch the title of The Most Reverend Benjamin, Archbishop of San Francisco and the West.

May the Lord bless His Eminence, Archbishop Benjamin, with long life and health in his continued service to the faithful of the Diocese of the West! AXIOS! AXIOS! AXIOS!

The annual celebration at historic Fort Ross, California will not be held on July 4th as usual. Instead, the celebration will be held on August 25th, to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the founding of the fort.

His Grace, Bishop Benjamin was informed by the office of the Representative of the Patriarchate of Moscow in North America, His Eminence, Archbishop Justinian, that Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, the head of the Russian Church's Department for External Affairs, will participate in the celebrations on Saturday, August 25, 2012. Joining Metropolitan Hilarion and diocesan hierarch, His Grace, Bishop Benjamin, that day will be His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah, His Eminence, Metropolitan Hilarion of ROCOR and both Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco and Archbishop Justinian.

The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. inside the stockade of the fort. A cross procession around the fort will take place following the Liturgy and a blessing of the cemetery. Food will be available for purchase, however many are expected to bring along picnic lunches.

The clergy and faithful of the Pacific Central Deanery are encouraged to attend this historic event. More information will be forthcoming as the date of the celebration nears.

We have also learned Metropolitan Hilarion will be serving the Liturgy on Sunday, August 26 at Holy Trinity Cathedral, San Francisco. Holy Trinity is the oldest Orthodox parish in the Lower 48 and is the seat of the Bishop of the Diocese of the West.

On Sunday, April 29, His Grace, Bishop Benjamin celebrated the patronal feast of the Church of the Holy Myrrhbearers in West Sacramento, California. His Grace was warmly greeted by the new rector, Archpriest Matfey Ismailov, and the children of the parish.  

West Sacramento is the home of a rather large Russian Community that includes a rather substantial Russian Baptist element. The Holy Myrrhbearers Church was founded in 1925 and has served the Russian-speaking Orthodox of the metropolitan Sacramento area since then.

A prayer service (molieben) with cross procession followed the Liturgy. His Grace was joined by the area dean, Archpriest Basil Rhodes. A wonderful banquet of Paschal Russian food was held in the parish hall.  The young people of the parish made the celebration especially festive by performing Ukrainian dances.

(Updated 4/27) The publicity, cover letter and registration materials for campers and staff for our beloved St. Eugene’s Orthodox Youth Camp being held July 1-7 at St. Nicholas Ranch in Dunlap, CA near Kings Canyon National Park are now available.

This year we are trying to get the information out earlier so that parents can make payments on their children’s tuition over time, rather than having to send a check for the funds all at once. We are also trying to recruit dedicated adults to get our staff in place a bit earlier which will help with our planning.
Available is

• The color flyer for this year's camp. Please send to your youth and post in your parish.

• A cover letter from the Director which explains in detail many of the questions that some may have.

• 2-page Camper Application Form (to be sent to Kathy Pieracci, our Treasurer). The Camper’s Medical Forms, Policy Agreement and Packing List will be forthcoming closer to camp.

• Staff/Counselor Application Form (to be sent to me, as Director). Cost for camp this year is $385.00 ($335 + $50 registration) per camper with discounts for siblings (see application for details). You must submit at least the $50 non-refundable deposit with your application. On the application you will also notice that we have payment plan to ease the burden on families. You can make payments toward your child’s tuition from now until the beginning of camp.

A unique opportunity — a cruise and conference at sea — "Experiencing and Defending the Glory of Orthodox Christianity," will be held September 16-23, 2012. Planned with the blessing of His Grace, Bishop Benjamin, the cruise will explore Juneau and Sitka as well as Glacier Bay. Daily lectures and workshops will be offered by Father Meletios (Weber), Abbot of St. John's Monastery in Manton, CA and Father Laurent Cleenewerck, author and Academic Advisor at the Theological Institute of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Mexico and Acting Rector of St. Innocent Church in Eureka, CA.

More information, including rates and agenda can be found here.

ANCIENT AND HOLY ITALY
An Orthodox Pilgrimage
October 14-27, 2012

Download information and contact poster

Day 1. Sunday, October 14, 2012
Group assembles in the airport and departs from the US.

Day 2. Monday, October 15, 2012
Meals: Dinner.
Group arrives to the airport in Milan, Italy. Transfer to the hotel for some refreshment. After couple hours of rest, tour of the city in the afternoon. Milan is the largest city in Northern Italy, and always was an important cultural and administrative center. It was here that Constantine issued the famous edict that granted freedom of religion to Christians. During our tour we will see the mighty Duomo, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Europe. In the crypt under the Cathedral, we will see the remains of the Ancient Baptistry where St. Ambrose, saintly Bishop of Milan, baptized St. Augustine of Hippo. From here we will proceed to the Basilica of St. Ambrose, where his relics are resting amidst relics of Ancient Christian Martyrs Gervasius and Protasius. Overnight: Milan or area.