On the Fourth Sunday of Great Lent, March 21/April 3, 2022, His Eminence KYRILL Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America made a pastoral visit to Holy Ascension Russian Orthodox Church of Sacramento, CA.

When His Eminence was greeted at 9:30 AM the church was full of parishioners who had come in anticipation of the tonsure of a new Reader and the ordination of a second deacon for the parish. 

Concelebrating with Archbishop Kyrill were the Archpriest Paul Volmensky (Rector), Abbot Damascene of Saint Herman of Alaska Monastery in Platina, CA, Priest Elijah Drake (Wu) of All Saints of America Church (Western Rite, ROCOR) from the Stockton-Lodi, CA, area, Archdeacon Peter (Karakozoff), Deacon Nicholas Stoltz and many acolytes. 

Before the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence tonsured Vadim Culev a Reader and made Reader Seraphim Torruella a Sub-deacon. 

At the appointed time of the Divine Liturgy Sub-deacon Seraphim was ordained to the Diaconate. It happened to be Father Deacon Seraphim's Namesday, in honor of Saint Seraphim of Vyritsa. Many Years!

At the Liturgy's conclusion, the Father Rector Archpriest Paul Volmensky was awarded the Synodal Order of the “Kursk-Root” Icon of the Mother of God, II Degree, for 35 years of service as Rector. Matushka Susanna Volmensky was awarded the Synodal Medal of the Order of Holy Martyr Grand Duchess Elizabeth.

The clergy and faithful of the Western American Diocese wholeheartedly congratulate Father Paul and Matushka Susanna with their respective Synodal Awards, along with Father Deacon Seraphim and Reader Vadim with their respective Holy Orders.

Seraphim Lane