At its two most recent meetings—held on December 30, 2025, and February 17, 2026—the Diocesan Council of the Western American Diocese, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Archbishop KYRILL, heard reports concerning decisions of the Hierarchy of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia and adopted several resolutions:

At its winter session of 2025, the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia resolved to transfer His Grace Bishop THEODOSY of Seattle from the Western American Diocese to the Eastern American Diocese, with the title of Bishop of Manhattan. Members of the Diocesan Council expressed their gratitude to His Grace for his zealous service to the Western American Diocese over the course of 25 years. Bishop Theodosius of Manhattan will remain in our diocese through the impending consecration (see below).

The Great Lenten pastoral retreat for 2026 has been canceled: In connection with the upcoming episcopal consecration of Archimandrite Peter, scheduled for Saturday, March 28, the Great Lenten pastoral retreat for 2026 has been canceled to allow the clergy of the diocese to participate in the celebrations.

Also at the winter session of the Synod of Bishops last year, it was resolved to establish a Commission to examine the possible Glorification of Hieromonk Seraphim (Rose), a cleric of the Western American Diocese (+1982). The Chairman of the Commission is His Grace Bishop James of Sonora, first vicar of the diocese, who personally knew Fr. Seraphim. In light of this, the XV Annual Great Lenten conference being held at the Cathedral of the “Joy of All Who Sorrow” Icon of the Mother of God, on the Fourth Sunday of Great Lent, March 22 of this year, will be dedicated to the memory of Fr. Seraphim. More information about the conference is available HERE.

Furthermore, at the same session of the Synod of Bishops, it was resolved to elevate Hieromonk—now Archimandrite—Peter (Karakozoff) to the episcopacy as Bishop of Seattle. The Diocesan Council heard that the consecration of Bishop-elect Archimandrite PETER is scheduled for the Feast of the Salutations of the Most Holy Theotokos, on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Participating hierarchs will include: Metropolitan NICHOLAS, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia; Archbishop KYRILL of San Francisco and Western America; Bishop IRENEI of London and Western Europe; Bishop BASIL of San Francisco and the West (OCA); Bishop THEODOSIUS of Manhattan; Bishop JOB of Stuttgart; and Bishop JAMES of Sonora. The consecration schedule is available HERE, and registration for the banquet following the service is available HERE.

The feast day of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco will be observed on Saturday, July 4, 2026. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the repose of our great Saint.

Important Dates for Fall 2026:

• November 4 — Pastoral conference of the clergy of the Western American Diocese in San Francisco;
• November 5 — The Diocesan Assembly of rectors and delegates from all monasteries and parishes of the Western American Diocese will be held at the Cathedral in honor of the Icon of the “Joy of All Who Sorrow”;
• November 6 — Patronal feast of the Cathedral.