On the great feast of Pentecost, June 12, 2022, Father Rector Archpriest Paul Volmensky introduced to the parishioners a new member of the clergy, Priest Maxim Filippov. Father Maxim will serve at the Holy Ascension Church as a non-salaried member of the clergy. He has come from Russia to Sacramento with his wife Matushka Anastasia and their three young children, Dimitri, Olga and Alexander. Besides his education as a priest, Father Maksim has training in computer programming and intends to support his family in this manner.

Priest Maxim Filippov was born in Orenburg. He married Anastasia Filippova (Parenova) in 2014. Soon he received the diaconate in 2015, and then the priesthood in 2017. Immediately after his ordination, Father Maxim performed pastoral duties in a church in the village Akbulak which is part of the Orenburg and Saraktash Diocese. Father’s most recent appointment was in the Alexandrovsky and Yuryev-Polsky Diocese, which is not far from the city Vladimir.

His Eminence Innokenty Bishop of the Alexandrovsky and Yuryev-Polsky Diocese blesses Priest Maxim Filippov to serve within the territory of the Western American Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia until his document of canonical release is finalized. Regulations require the signature of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill for all clerics of the Russian Orthodox Church transferring to a diocese abroad. When our ruling bishop, His Eminence Kirill the Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America, receives his canonical release, then Priest Maxim will be officially assigned to Holy Ascension Church.

On that day, a plentiful festive meal was prepared by Matushka Tatiana Stolz after the Liturgy. And at the dinner, Father Maxim greeted the parishioners, sharing his desire to be a helpful member of our parish family.

We welcome Father Maxim, Matushka Anastasia and their children Dima, Olya and Sasha and wish them much success and prosperity in the Parish and in our beautiful city and state.