Past articles
Forest fires threaten St Herman of Alaska Monastery and St Xenia Skete
Prayer Request
His Grace Bishop Maxim of the Serbian Orthodox Church's Western American Diocese urges all Orthodox faithful to offer prayers for the protection of the St. Herman of Alaska Serbian Orthodox Monastery in Platina, California and the St. Xenia Skete in Wildwood. Wild fires are quickly approaching the monastery grounds and the monastery is in great danger of being burned down. The monastic community has been evacuated and are seeking refuge in the neighboring parish of Redding, California.
Latest updates are online here...
Feast of Pentecost
June 2/15
Troparion: Blessed art Thou, O Christ our God, Who hast revealed the fishermen to be most wise by sending down upon them the Holy Spirit; and through them Thou hast caught the whole world in Thy net. Glory to Thee, O Lover of Mankind.
The Feast of Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles on the fiftieth day after Christ's resurrection. It also celebrates the establishment of the Church through the preaching of the Apostles and the baptism of the thousands who on that day believed in the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ. The Feast also celebrates the culmination of the revelation of the Holy Trinity.
Feast of the Ascension of Christ
May 23/June 5
Troparion: Thou hast ascended in glory, O Christ God, granting joy to Thy disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit. Through the blessing they were assured that Thou art the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world!
The Lord Jesus remained for forty days on earth after His Resurrection from the dead, appearing continually in various places to His disciples, with whom He also spoke, ate, and drank, demonstrating His Resurrection.
On this Thursday, the fortieth day after Pascha, He appeared again in Jerusalem. After He had first spoken to the disciples about many things, He gave them His last commandment: to go forth and proclaim His Name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. But He also commanded them that for the moment they were not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait there together until they receive power from on high, when the Holy Spirit would come upon them.
A New Metropolitan is Elected
May 12, 2008 — Today in New York, the First Session of the Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia took place. Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco and Western America took part in the session.
The Council of Bishops elected His Eminence Hilarion, Archbishop of Sydney, Australia and New Zealand as the new First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad and raised him to the rank of Metropolitan.
The enthronement of His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York is scheduled for Sunday, May 18, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Sign in New York. Read more…
Walla Walla Union-Bulletin covers opening of St. Basil Academy's new building
St. Basil Academy curriculum follows ancient traditions
St. Basil Academy seeks to model itself on the ancient Greeks and Romans.
By SHEILA HAGAR of the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin
WALLA WALLA — In addition to daily prayer and lessons in faith, the curriculum at St. Basil Academy follows an educational tradition from the ancient Greeks and Romans, a framework that recognizes the many stages of development a young brain goes through, said Matthew Barnett, headmaster. Read the rest…
A cozy new home
St. Basil Academy opened today in its new location, a building made just for the purpose.
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| OLD MEETS NEW AS ST. BASIL ACADEMY OPENS A traditionally dressed 8-year old CC Chantel plays with a Hula Hoop on her hand outside the newly built St. Basil Academy. The academy opened to its first day of school this morning. U-B photo by Jeff Horner |
By SHEILA HAGAR of the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin
WALLA WALLA — Even as it was bathed in shiny spring light this morning, a small pole building on South Wilbur Avenue could have appeared to be a utility shop to the casual passerby, what with it being surrounded by a few yards of gravel and little else.
The structure, sheathed in metal siding with a color scheme of red and white, is of simple blueprint and small footprint — looking like a Monopoly game piece on a board of 13 green acres. Read the rest…
| Pascha: the Resurrection of our God and Savior Jesus Christ | |
| The Harrowing of Hell | Pascha in Dachau |
| The Holy Light | Paschal Homily |
| Why Easter Eggs? | More... |
Holy Week
The Saturday of Lazarus
On the Saturday before Holy Week, the Orthodox Church commemorates the miracle of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ when he raised Lazarus from the dead after four days in the grave. Here, at the end of Great Lent and the forty days of fasting and repentance, the Church combines this celebration with that of Palm Sunday. In triumph and joy the Church bears witness to the power of Christ over death and exalts Him as King before entering the most solemn week of the year, leading the faithful in remembrance of His suffering and death and concludes with the great and glorious Feast of Pascha. More… 
On the Feast of the Annunciation, Orthodox Christians commemorate both the divine initiative of God, whereby He took on flesh from the Virgin for our salvation, and the human response, whereby Mary freely accepted the vocation offered to her. He elected to become man, and He desired to do this with the willing agreement of hthe one He chose as His mother. Mary could have refused, for she was not a passive instrument, but an active participant with a free and positive part to play in God�s plan for our salvation. More… The Sunday of the Cross
On the Third Sunday of Great and Holy Lent, the Church commemorates the Precious and Life-Giving Cross of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.Learn more…
Saint Patrick
March 17/30
Troparion: Most glorious art Thou, Christ our God,
Who didst establish our Father Patrick
as the Enlightener of the Irish and a torch-bearer on earth,
and through him didst guide many to the true Faith.
O most compassionate One, glory to Thee.
Read more...
The Triumph of Orthodoxy
The Sunday of the Triumph of Orthodoxy is the first Sunday of Great Lent. The dominant theme of this Sunday since 843 has been that of the victory of true worship. In that year the iconoclastic controversy which had raged on and off since 726 was finally laid to rest, and icons and their veneration were restored on the first Sunday in Lent. Ever since, this Sunday has been commemorated as the "Triumph of Orthodoxy." Learn more…
Metropolitan Laurus
It is with deep sadness that the ruling archpastor of the Western American Diocese, Archbishop Kyrill, informs the clergy and flock of the Diocese, that today, March 3/16, the Sunday of Orthodoxy, His Eminence Laurus, Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York, the Chairman of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, reposed in the Lord. Archbishop Kyrill calls the faithful children of the Diocese to raise up their heartfelt prayers for the repose of the soul of this Great Hierarch of the Russian Church during the course of forty days.
Sunday of Forgiveness
The Sunday of Forgiveness, the last Sunday before Great Lent, has two themes: it commemorates Adam�s expulsion from Paradise, and it highlights our need for forgiveness. There are obvious reasons why these two things should be brought to our attention as we stand on the threshold of Great Lent. One of the primary images in the Triodion is that of the return to Paradise. More…
Sunday of the Last Judgment
Kontakion: When Thou, O God, shalt come to earth with glory, all things will tremble. The river of fire will flow before Thy judgment seat, the books shall be opened and all the hidden things disclosed. Then deliver me from the unquenchable fire and make me worthy to stand at Thy right hand, O righteous Judge.. More…
The Presentation of Christ in the Temple
Commemorated February 2/15
Troparion: Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, full of grace, for from thee has risen the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, enlightening those in darkness. Rejoice also, O righteous Elder, as thou receivest in thine arms the Redeemer of our souls, Who grants unto us the Resurrection.
“You shall set apart to the Lord every first-born male…” (Exodus 13:12). When Jesus was forty days old, Mary and Joseph took Him to the Temple in Jerusalem. More…
Great Lent this year begins on Clean Monday, March 10th, and will end with the holy celebration of the Resurrection of the Lord on Sunday, April 27th. Learn about Great Lent...
The Sunday of Zacchaeus
The Church provides us with a series of Sundays to prepare us for the journey of Great Lent. The Sunday of Zacchaeus is the first of these signposts that teach us how to approach the Fast. More…
Orthodox Study Bible
Years in the making, the Orthodox Study Bible is slated for release on February 12, but is available for pre-order at a discount. This single volume includes an original translation of the Old Testament from the Orthodox Church's Septuagint text, together with the New Testament. New: St Tikhon's Press has it in stock now.
Feast of Theophany
December 6/19: The Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ
Troparion: When Thou, O Lord, wast baptized in the Jordan, the worship of the Trinity was made manifest! For the voice of the Father bore witness to Thee, and called Thee His beloved Son! And the Spirit, in the form of a dove, confirmed the truthfulness of His word. O Christ our God, Who hast revealed Thyself and hast enlightened the world, glory to Thee! More...
Dec. 25/Jan. 7: The Nativity of our God and Savior Jesus Christ.
 Icon of the Nativity The traditional icon of the Nativity of Christ teaches deep truths in images beyond words. Read more... |
 Nativity Hymn, chanted in Arabic by Reader Nader Hajjar. Listen...  A Serbian Christmas hymn by Saint Nikolai Velimirović. Listen... |
| On the night of Nativity St. Ephrem the Syrian |
Calculating Christmas The story behind Dec. 25 |
The place where Christ was born | More... |
Saint Herman of Alaska
Tuesday, December 12/25 Troparion: O blessed Father Herman of Alaska, north star of Christ's holy Church, the light of thy holy life and great deeds guides those who follow the Orthodox way. Together we lift high the Holy Cross thou didst plant firmly in America. Let all behold and glorify Jesus Christ, singing his holy Resurrection. " Read more...
Saint Nicholas of Myra
Tuesday, December 6/19 Troparion: The truth of things revealed thee to thy flock as a rule of faith, a model of meekness, and a teacher of temperance. Therefore thou hast won the heights by humility, riches by poverty. Holy Father Nicholas, intercede with Christ our God that our souls may be saved. Read more...
Advent
Wednesday, November 15/28 Beginning today, the Church begins to observe a season of fasting in anticipation of the Nativity of Christ. Read more...
Thanksgiving
Psalm 99: Shout with jubilation unto God, all the earth; serve the Lord with gladness. Come before His presence with rejoicing. Know ye that the Lord Himself is our God; it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves. We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, into His courts with hymns; give thanks unto Him. Praise His name, for the Lord is good; His mercy endureth for ever, and His truth unto generation and generation.
Thursday, November 22 Thanksgiving is a sacred opportunity for us to come together to affirm our recognition that God is the source of our life and liberty. Read more...
Orthodox Youth Conference to be Held on Vashon Island
The First Annual St. Herman's West Youth Conference will include lectures and discussions on topics that concern today's Orthodox youth. It will also provide the youth with chances to make new friends through a variety of social activities. The conference is for youth 15-25 years old. The needs of both high school students and college-aged youth will be addressed.
For additional information and to register, see the St. Herman West website.
Ostrov
Friday, September 14 Friday we will gather in the parish fellowship hall to watch the critically acclaimed Russian movie, “Ostrov” (in English, “The Island”). The movie will begin after Vespers and Confession, at approximately 7 p.m.
Dormition of the Theotokos
Tuesday, August 15/28
Troparion: In giving birth thou didst preserve thy virginity, and in falling asleep thou didst not forsake the world, O Theotokos. Thou wast translated unto life, since thou art the mother of Life; and by thine intercessions dost thou deliver our souls from death.
Read more...
Feast of the Transfiguration
Sunday, August 6/19 Troparion: Thou wast transfigured on the mountain, O Christ God, revealing Thy glory to Thy disciples as they could bear it. Let Thine everlasting light shine upon us sinners. Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Giver of Light, glory to Thee. Read more...
Dormition Fast
The two-week fast anticipating the Dormition of the Theotokos begins this Tuesday, August 14, with the Procession of the Cross. Read more...
Reunification of the Church of Russia
May 17, 2006
Act of Canonical Communion signed in Moscow
What Does the Restoration of Communion Mean for Us?
History of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad
| Pascha: the Resurrection of our God and Savior Jesus Christ | |
| The Harrowing of Hell | Pascha in Dachau |
| The Holy Light | Paschal Homily |
| Why Easter Eggs? | More... |
Onion Dome
Saturday, March 24 — On Saturday a gold onion dome was lowered into place atop Saint Silouan Orthodox Church.
Photographer Colby Kuschatka has published a gallery of photos of the installation of the dome. See the photos here...
Saint Patrick
March 17/30
Troparion: Most glorious art Thou, Christ our God,
Who didst establish our Father Patrick
as the Enlightener of the Irish and a torch-bearer on earth,
and through him didst guide many to the true Faith.
Most Compassionate One, glory to Thee. Read more...
This is a reminder to you to begin looking ahead on your liturgical calendars to see what services, feasts, etc. are coming during the Great Lent.
Forgiveness Sunday is Feb. 18 and that evening we will have the service of forgiveness after vespers; a service not to be missed.
Prepare now to attend as many as possible (all if possible!) of the services of the Great Canon during the first week of Lent. These services are serious spiritual training for our souls, our minds and our bodies.
Look ahead to March and to April and note the special Feasts. Try to make arrangements now to clear your schedules so that you can attend all of the services at least from Holy Thursday through Bright Monday.
The fact is, the more we are able to enter into the liturgical life of the season of Lent, the deeper our own spiritual progress will be, and the richer will be our experience of Great and Holy Pascha. But if you don't prepare for this now, you will get caught up in the activities of the world and find that they have robbed you of your spiritual inheritance in the Church.
God bless you,
Fr. Seraphim
Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple
Monday, November 21/December 4 Troparion: Today is the prelude of God's good will and the proclamation of man's salvation. The Virgin is clearly made manifest in the temple of God and foretells Christ to all. Let us also cry out to her with mighty voice: Hail, O fulfillment of the Creator's dispensation. Read more...
Epistle of the Clergy of the Western-American Diocese
Thursday, November 16 We, the clergy of the Western-American Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, having gathered for a Pastoral Conference at the Church of the Holy Ascension in the capital city of California, Sacramento, greet all the parishioners and all the faithful of the wide-spread Western-American Diocese with the words: "Peace be unto you." Read more...
Feast of Saint Silouan
Sunday, September 11/24 We are honored to welcome the visit of His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco and Western America to our patronal feast. Services will begin with a vigil on Saturday evening, and Divine Liturgy Sunday morning. Read more...
Icon Exhibit at Maryhill Museum
August 6 through November 15 Sacred Presence: The Eternal Tradition of Orthodox Icons. Historic and contemporary Orthodox icons are the focus of this intriguing exhibition... Read more...
| Baptisms and Divine Liturgy at 9:30am About the Feast of Pentecost... |
