Abp Benjamin leads Feast Day Pilgrimage at Holy Assumption Monastery

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On August 15, 2022, the Feast of The Dormition (“Falling Asleep”) of our Most Holy Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, His Eminence, Archbishop Benjamin of San Francisco and the West led the annual celebration of the patronal feast day of Holy Assumption Monastery in Calistoga, CA. The Abbess, Mother Melania, and the Sisters of the Monastery welcomed local clergy and pilgrims from all across Northern California for Vigil on Sunday evening and the Divine Liturgy on Monday.

In the homily, His Eminence connected themes from the Gospel reading (Luke 10:38-42; 11:27-28) of the two exemplars — Martha and Mary — to the Most Holy Theotokos herself and to our own spiritual lives as individuals and our life as Church.

The Vigil was served by His Eminence and Priest Timothy Winegar (Elevation of the Holy Cross Church, Sacramento). Concelebrating with His Eminence at the Divine Liturgy were Archpriest Kirill Sokolov, Chancellor (Holy Trinity Cathedral, San Francisco); Igumen Innocent (St. John Monastery, Manton); Priest Nicholas Carr (St. Seraphim Cathedral, Santa Rosa); and Priest Andrew Smith (Nativity of the Holy Virgin Church, Menlo Park). Archpriest Stephan Meholick (St. Nicholas Church, San Anselmo), Archpriest James Jorgenson (Holy Trinity Cathedral, San Francisco), and Archpriest Lawrence Margitich (St. Seraphim Cathedral, Santa Rosa) also joined in pilgrimage.

The Divine Liturgy was followed by a Molieben and Cross Procession in honor of the Feast. The Sisters hosted the large turnout for a festal repast. Pilgrims enjoyed the tranquil environment, beautiful weather, the monastery bookstore, and certainly the opportunity to be with the Sisters and each other in the joy of the feast.

Founded in 1941, The Holy Assumption Monastery has been a living testament to the legacy and spirit of the Orthodox Christian faith for over 80 years and is the oldest Orthodox monastic habitation for women in our hemisphere. From its home on the banks of the Napa River in Calistoga, CA, the monastery welcomes faithful pilgrims and visitors of all backgrounds. It stands as the heart of a strong, multi-cultural community in northern California, upholding the vision of Orthodox Christianity in America and reflecting the rich fullness of Christian life in the daily worship of God. The life of the monastery revolves around the daily cycle of services and day visitors are welcome.

The Diocese of the West is blessed by having eight monastic habitations and a consistent tradition encouraging the faithful to make pilgrimages to monasteries and to support their work. Anyone discerning a call to the monastic life is encouraged to speak with his or her trusted parish priest and to visit monasteries where additional guidance may be provided.

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