The Canonical Orthodox Hierarchs on the west coast, His Eminence, Archbishop Benjamin, Archbishop of San Francisco and the West, Orthodox Chruch in American (OCA); His Grace Bishop Maxim, Bishop of the Western American Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America; and His Grace Bishop Apostolos, Bishop of Medeia, Auxiliary Bishop of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco, together with clergy and the faithful from all jurisdictions, celebrated the Pan-Orthodox Sunday of Orthodoxy Vesper Service on Sunday, March 5th, 2017 at the Holy Virgin Mary OCA Cathedral in Los Angeles, California.
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity” (Psalm 133: 1).
On this day in 2008, the Hierarchs on the West Coast began a new tradition of celebrating Sunday of Orhtodoxy together. Orthodox fatifhul from all jurisdictions on the west coast gather each year on this day for the glorious and wonderful celebration of the “Triumph of Orthodxy” – the ninth century decision by the 7th Ecumenical Council to restore the holy icons in the Church.
This year the commemorative festivites were held in the Greater Los Angeles area at the Holy Virgin Mary OCA Catheral. The Vesper Service began at 5pm followed by the special Sunday of Orthodoxy proclamation and procession of holy icons.
After the Service, hierarchs, clergy and guests gathered in the parish hall for refreshments, fellowship, and a special concert of Orthodox Christian Music sung by the Pan Orthodox Young Adult Choir (POYAC) and the Camerata Rus Orthodox Choir.
“We venerate Thy most Pure image, O Good One, and ask forgiveness of our transgressions, O Christ our God.Of Thy good Will Thou wast pleased to ascend the Cross in the flesh, and deliver Thy creatures from bondage to the enemy.Therefore with thankfulness we cry aloud to Thee, Thou hast filled all things with joy, O our Savior.For Thou came to save the world.”
