Today, May 25, 2020, the Governor of the State of California, Gavin Newsome, has declared that churches and all houses of worship are now open.

The monasteries and parishes of the Western American Diocese within the State of California may enter into this new phase of reduced social distancing. However, all are required to observe the guidelines found in the document published by 

It is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge the cancellation of our the annual diocesan pilgrimage to Fort Ross on Memorial Day, which would have been held this year on Monday May 25, 2020.

It has always been a joyous day with the concelebration of the Divine Liturgy led by our hieararchs and surrounded by many the faithful from throughout the Western American Diocese. The procession to the cemetery across the canyon is a brisk and refreshing hike. When we arrive, prayers are raised up for the departed and the graves of those buried there 200 years ago are blessed.

On Friday May 22, 2020, the opening of churches within the United States, after  their closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was announced by President Donald Trump; the opening of houses of worship beginning this weekend.

The President’s statement is welcome as the faithful look forward to the possibility of returning to the usual rhythm of Church life through attendance at the Divine Services and participating in other parish activities.

However, for now the practices for the ministry of the faithful that have been worked out successfully and maintained...

On April 9th, 2020, Deacon Alexander Gousev, a cleric and founder of Holy Royal Martyrs of Russia Church in Sparks, NV, reposed in the Lord.

Alexander Gousev (Sasha) was born in the former Soviet Union on May 10th, 1962. He came to Holy Ascension Church in Sacramento, CA, in 1989. Sasha lived for some time in San Francisco and eventually settled in Reno, NV.

On Thomas Sunday, April 26th, 2020, Archpriest Paul Volmensky and a few parishioners went out to the Russian Orthodox Cemetery for the commemoration of the departed souls laid to rest. 

It was not possible to hold our annual general panykhida and pinic due to the Orders of the Sacramento Health Department. However, by mercy of God, prayers were said over many of the graves of our beloved departed ones. Two men were assigned to assure that soical distancing was observed and that those who desired to enter on the cemetery for prayer did so within the limits defined by the Orders.