The clergy of the greater Bay Area gathered together on Saturday 9 May 2009 at Saint Nicholas Orthodox church in Saratoga CA to celebrate the saint’s “summer feast” with the faithful in the community there. Father Basil Rhodes was joined by His Grace, Bishop Benjamin, along Father David Lowell and Deacon Brendan Doss of Holy Trinity Cathedral in San Francisco, Father Bazyl Kalinowski of Christ the Savior Church in San Francisco, Father Kirill Hartman of Saint John the Baptist Church in Berkeley, Father Stephen Meholick and Deacon George Golitzin of Saint Nicholas in San Anselmo, Father Hermogen Holste of Nativity of the Holy Virgin Church in Menlo Park, and, winning the farthest traveled honors, Father David Thatcher of St. Mary Magdalene Mission in Merced. Together, they honored the wonderful example of a loving shepherd of Christ that Saint Nicholas is for us. The service concluded with an Akathist to the saint, including a procession around the church; Father Stephen providing a beautiful melody of bells.

Following the service, all came together for a wonderful meal prepared by the parish under the watchful eye of Matushka Joanie Rhodes.

See more pictures at http://picasaweb.google.com/dowoca/BBVisitSaratoga200905?feat=directlink.

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