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December 5th/6th 2021
St Nicholas Orthodox Church
San Anselmo, CA
His Eminence, Archbishop Benjamin of San Francisco and the West, on behalf of the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church in America, awarded the miter to the Archpriest Stephan Meholick, Rector of St Nicholas Church in San Anselmo, CA at the Divine Liturgy on its altar feast, St Nicholas Day, December 6th.
Concelebrating with His Eminence was His Grace, Bishop Daniel of Santa Rosa, Diocesan Chancellor. Serving with the hierarchs at the Liturgy were Mitred Archpriest Ian MacKinnon, the Archpriests Lawrence Margitich, Kirill Sokolov, and Philip Halliwell, Priest Andrew Smith, Protodeacon George Golitzin, and Deacon Justin Margitich. Archpriest James Jorgenson and Priests Edward Henderson and Timothy Winegar were also in attendance.
At the end of the Liturgy, His Eminence also had the pleasure of bestowing on Father Stephan the Saint Romanos Medal in recognition of his outstanding contributions in the field of liturgical music. The Synod had approved the award some time ago, but due to the recent pandemic this was the first chance to officially present it – making this a doubly blessed day!
Parishioners George and Daria Baranoff were presented with a Gramota invoking archpastoral blessings and gratitude for their efforts in supporting the parish over many decades, but especially during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
His Grace Bishop Daniel presided at the Festal Vigil the evening before. Serving with Vladyka Daniel were Archpriests Constantine Efstathiou, Lawrence Margitich, Kirill Sokolov, Philip Halliwell, Priest Andrew Smith, and Protodeacon George Golitzin. Archpriest Stephan Meholick directed the choir.
A festive trapeza followed in the parish hall after Liturgy with speeches honoring the Mitred Archpriest Stephan’s tireless efforts in building up church music and singers in the OCA, along with his singular talent in reintroducing Slavic podoben chants in the Church in America.
Funds raised at the luncheon were donated exclusively to Holy Assumption Monastery in Calistoga, CA –– Glory to God!
May God grant many years to the Mitred Archpriest Stephan and his family!
The Diocese of the West is the geographical district of the Orthodox Church in America consisting of the Western United States. The diocese has active parishes in Montana, Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, California and Hawaii. San Francisco is home to the diocese’s cathedral, Holy Trinity, as well as the Chancery offices. The diocese is led by His Grace Vasily, Bishop of San Francisco and the West.
