St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate was
founded in San Francisco on March 12, 1934 with the blessing of
Metropolitan Veniamin and Bishop Antonin of Alaska and Washington.
At that time the church and parish was located at 443 Divisadero St.
The
church on Divisadero was very small. In 1960, with funds raised by the
parishioners, a Lutheran church (built in 1919) on 15th St. was
purchased. It was completely remodeled; the iconostasis, icons, and all
the furnishings were brought from the old church.
From 1935-39 the services were conducted by Archbishop Antonin, Igumen Feodor and Archpriest Feodor Kochetov.
ARCHBISHOP ANTONIN
Archimandrite Antonin received the blessing and permission from
Metropolitan Platon of North America to come to America to serve the
church. He arrived from Jerusalem in 1923 and was assigned as pastor of
an orthodox church in Vancouver, Canada where he served for a few years.
In
1930 Archimandrite Antonin was consecrated a bishop. The service was
held at Holy Trinity Cathedral in San Francisco and attended by Bishops
Feofil, Aleksey and Pavel. He was assigned to the North American
exarchate in Alaska where he served for a few years.
Bishop
Antonin traveled a few times to Washington, D.C. where he was received
in the White House by President Roosevelt. They had many discussions on
spiritual and secular issues.
He was also a frequent participant in the councils attended by the archbishops and church hierarchy of America.
After
the death of Metropolitan Platon he attended the meeting in which
Archbishop Feofil was elected as the new Metropolitan of North America.
Archbishop Antonin decided to transfer to the Exarchate of Moscow and
was assigned as Bishop of Washington.
He came to San Francisco
and, with the former protodeacon of Holy Trinity Cathedral, Father Peter
Kotlyarov, and founded St. Nicholas Cathedral. Soon after, he was
elevated to Archbishop.
Twice, while in Alaska, he found himself
in extremely dangerous conditions. Traveling on a small tugboat, he was
caught in a severe storm and almost perished. Both times he survived.
During
the second storm all of his companions perished from cold and hunger;
but, he was thrown onto a deserted island where, without food for 13
days and suffering from severe frostbite of the feet, he barely
survived. Articles in the American and Russian newspapers presumed that
he had perished; but, by chance, he had been saved by an Aleut hunter.
He wrote of his rescue “Perhaps my rescue doesn’t appear to all as the
clear evidence of God’s work. His will that I be saved was a call to all
orthodox to recognize and glorify God’s divine name.”
Archbishop Antonin passed away May 2, 1939 in Calistoga, California.
(Newspaper “Новая Заря” May 3, 1939)
The following priests served as pastors of St. Nicholas Cathedral:
1939-59 Archpriest Peter Kotlyarov
1959-83 Igumen Mark (Shavikin) |
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SOLEMN CONSECRATION of the
NEW ST. NICHOLAS CATHEDRAL
On Sunday, July 24, 1960, the new Cathedral of St. Nicholas was
consecrated. A large gathering of Moscow Patriarchate hierarchy gathered
for the festive service, including Metropolitan Boris of North America
and the Aleut lands, Archbishop Dionisii of San Francisco and Western
America, Igumen Mark, Mitrofan Archpriest Iosif Gavrilyak, Archpriest
Peter Kotlyarov, Archpriest Feodor Kochetov and Archpriest Nicholai
Levkovich (from San Diego, Ca).
After
the consecration, liturgy was served. During the service Metropolitan
Boris, by the recommendation of Archbishop Dionisii and by patriarchal
decree, elevated Igumen Mark to Archimandrite – the highest status a
monk can obtain, calling him to faithfully and worthily serve the
Orthodox Church.
After communion, during which many children and adults participated, Metropolitan Boris gave a very profound sermon.
Remembering
the historical stages of the Christian Church, he pointed out that,
even though orthodoxy in the third century experienced persecution and
the Arian heresy, the Holy Church triumphed.
He also referred to
the ranks of saints, and in particular, the Great St. Sergei of
Radonesh, who helped Russia rise from the Tatar yoke.
He noted
that during our era orthodoxy was subjected to discord, but that this
has since passed and now the Russian Orthodox Church is at a new point
and is flourishing.
Metropolitan Boris spoke of the separatist
group which he called the “Leontiev group”. Patriarch Alexei (of Moscow
and all Russia) offered them full autonomy, but group declined the
offer.
Metropolitan said he had discussed this offer with many of
the hierarchy in America and they had more or less all acknowledged the
power of the Moscow Patriarchate, but the Leontiev group, nonetheless,
still declined to recognize the Patriarchate.
Metropolitan Boris
called this dissent a sign of the times. People change the government,
but the holy church will remain the same; just as Christ told the
Apostle Peter “And on this rock I have built my church and the powers of
death will not prevail against it”. The Metropolitan then relayed the
blessing of Patriarch Alexei of Moscow and all Russia to all Russian
orthodox people.
The Bishop noted that when one left his homeland –
across the ocean to a better way of life, it became very easy to be
critical. A critical clergy can forget the vow they had made before
accepting their hierarchical position. They had fled from those
difficulties which the Russian people had suffered for 40 years.
The
Russian Orthodox Church, having experienced severe difficulties, is now
living by strict canonical rules. The church is now growing and
developing.
He appealed to all to work together harmoniously in the field of Christ
and wished all Russian American orthodox people the best, calling for
all parishioners of St. Nicholas Cathedral to not be embarrassed by
their small parish, but to be friends among themselves and to work for
the wellbeing of their church under the guidance of Archimandrite Mark.
He also praised the work of Archbishop Dionisii, the church starista,
the council and sisterhood and all others in the parish. The council and
sisterhood were especially praised and given certifications of
recognition, read by Archpriest Iosif Gavriliak.
During his sermon
Metropolitan Boris spoke loudly and with conviction. It was clear that
he was accustomed to speaking in a large cathedral, overcrowded with
worshippers.
During the Metropolitan’s extremely moving sermon, many were overcome with deep feelings and cried.
At
the conclusion, “Many Years” was sung to Patriarch Alexei, Metropolitan
Boris, Archbishop Dionisii, Archimandrite Mark, the church council,
sisterhood and all parishioners. “Everlasting memory” was sung in memory
to the departed Patriarchs Sergei and Tikhon, priests and parishioners
of St. Nicholas Cathedral.
After the service a festive meal was
served and many cordial words were spoken by Metropolitan Boris,
Archbishop Dionisii, Archimandrite Mark, Archpriest Feodor Kochetov and
Archpriest Nicholai Levko and others.
(Newspaper «Новая Заря», July 15, 1960, N. Yazikov)
In
1969 Archimandrite Mark was elevated to the episcopate. During his
tenure many hierarchs of the Moscow Patriarchal Orthodox Church visited
the cathedral and celebrated services. Among those visiting were
Metropolitan Nikodim of Leningrad and Ladoga, Metropolitan Pitriim of
Volokolamsk, Bishop Vasilii (Rodzianko) and many others.
The following priests served at St. Nicholas Cathedral:
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| 1984-86 Archpriest Peter Raina
1986-90
Archpriest Vladimir Veriga. During this time the icon “The Image of
Christ not made by Hands” (located in the altar alcove) was painted by
an iconographer from the Troitsa-Sergiev Lavra. |
1990-93 Hieromonk Tikhon (Chizheskiy).
1993-96 Archpriest Alexander Karpenko. |
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During ’94 & ’95 exterior and interior church repairs were
completed and a new cupola and cross were erected. Restoration of the
Icon of St. Nicholas was completed. And with donations from the
parishioners new doors were installed.
On September 21, 1993 His Holiness Patriarch Alexei of Moscow and all Russia visited the United States.
VISIT OF HIS HOLINESS THE PATRIARCH
OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA
TO THE AMERICAN ORTHODOX CHURCH
His Holiness Patriarch Alexei was met at the airport by Bishop Tikhon
of San Francisco and Western America, heads of different Christian
denominations, parish representatives, the general public and many
journalists. The Patriarch’s visit coincided with the Declaration (No.
1400) of Russian President Yeltsin regarding the disbanding of the
Russian Supreme council.
There was a short press conference in
which the Patriarch appealed to all Russian branches of power,
government departments, the armed forces, the law enforcement
establishment and to all Russians to refrain from any actions, which at
this critical moment, could lead to a civil war.
On the evening of
September 21, the San Francisco community organized a reception in
honor of Patriarch Alexei. Present at the reception were Metropolitan
Theodosius (of Washington and America), hierarchal members of the
Russian delegation, of the American Orthodox church, Bishop Tikhon of
San Francisco and the Western United States, Bishop Antonii, of the
Greek Ecumenical Patriarchate, Archbishop Anthony Quinn of the Roman
Catholic church in SF, and representatives from many religious groups
and California state government branches.
On September 22, Patriarch Alexei traveled to Fort Ross (150 miles from
SF), the southern most point to which Russian settlers and missionaries
came. Fort Ross was established in 1812 by I. A. Kuskov, the deputy
director of the Russian American company. A small chapel (named Holy
Trinity) was built during the 1820’s and in 1836 Innokenti Veniaminov
visited.
In 1974 Fort Ross became a national historical park and
many renovations were begun. The Patriarch, along with Bishop Tikhon and
the priests, sang a moleben to all American saints, the Blessed Herman
of Alaska, St. Innocent, Metropolitan of Moscow, Martyr Yuvenaly of
Alaska, St. Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow, and Martyr Archpriest Ioann
Kochurov and Martyr Peter the Aleut.
After the moleben, the
Patriarch emphasized, in his own words, the relationship between Russian
America and the Valaam and Konovets monasteries (located in northern
Russia). Monks from these monasteries came to this territory with the
Christian mission.
In recognition of this relationship the
Patriarch presented a gift to Fort Ross – an icon of the Venerable
Fathers Sergei and Herman of Valaam. The relationship with Alaska and
Russia was not just one sided. As the Patriarch noted “two of my
predecessors of the Moscow Patriarchate, St. Innokenti, Metropolitan of
Moscow, and St. Tikhon, Patriarch of all Russia, occupied this position.
 While at Fort Ross the Patriarch met with young students and representatives from the Russian immigrant community.
In
the afternoon the Patriarch visited the Theological Institute of
Patriarch Athenagoras, located near the University of California,
Berkeley (across the bay from SF). Patriarch Bartholomei sent a special
greeting to Patriarch Alexei on the occasion of his visit. The welcome
was read by representatives of UC Berkeley. The Patriarch also met Paul
Manolis, the director of the institute, and Glen Booker, its president.
Church representatives sang a moleben in the institute’s chapel (named
in honor of St. Dimitri Solunski). After the moleben, the Patriarch
spoke of the importance of orthodox education in the contemporary world.
The
Patriarch then attended a gathering organized by Bishop Antoniy (of the
Greek Ecumenical Patriarchate); present were several priests from local
Russian orthodox churches, other orthodox jurisdictions, as well as
heads of different Christian faiths. Afterward, at the Ascension Greek
Orthodox Cathedral, the Patriarch served great vespers in English,
Slavonic and Greek. After the service Bishop Antonii hosted a reception
in the parish hall. At the Bishop’s appeal, money was collected for the
Moscow Theological School.
On September 23 Patriarch Alexei
concelebrated Liturgy at Holy Trinity Cathedral in San Francisco, with
Metropolitan Theodosius, Bishop Tikhon and Bishop Antonii. Also
celebrating were several archpriests and priests from the SF hierarchy.
After the Liturgy the Patriarch blessed a plaque, commemorating the
125th anniversary of the founding of the cathedral. After the service
the parishioners organized a banquet for the Patriarch.
In the afternoon the Patriarch visited St. Nicholas Cathedral (Moscow
Patriarchate) and sang a moleben. Afterward, there was a festive banquet
attended by Bishop Pavel of Saraiski (Administrator of the patriarchal
parishes in America), the cathedral’s dean, Father Alexander Karpenko
and the parishioners.
In the evening Bishop Tikhon hosted an official dinner in honor of the Patriarch.
EXCERPTS FROM THE SERMONS AND SPEECHES OF
HIS HOLINESS ALEXEI, PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW
AND ALL RUSSIA
On the Patriarch’s arrival in San Francisco (September 21)
Your Beatitude Theodosius, Blessed Bishop Tikhon of SF, all hierarchy and priests. Ladies and gentlemen. Brothers and sisters.
We
have come to America in order to be with you, orthodox and
non-orthodox, at the beginning of the 200 years of the organization of
the Orthodox Church on your continent. And to acknowledge the great
contribution of the Russian Orthodox Church and orthodoxy in its goal of
strengthening spirituality in American society – in the development of
its culture, education, morals.
I pray that your success will
last into the next century as evidence of the service to the Holy
Orthodox church in your great land and of your service to God by all
diligent and peace-loving people. And to protect and strengthen the
traditional brotherly relations and cooperation of the church in
unifying religions in America, by using your common recognition of the
morals of educated believers and the humanity of your country.
At St. Nicholas Cathedral of the Moscow Patriarchate, San Francisco (September 23)
Today
we find ourselves in the church, sanctified in the honor of Saint and
Wonderworker Nicholas, where there are special feelings of his
benevolent presence, for all who come to him in faith and in prayer.
We
believe that the prayers of our venerable saints, St. Herman of Alaska,
St. Innokenti, Metropolitan of Moscow, and Patriarch Tikhon of all
Russia, will accompany those who always protect the loyalty to the
Moscow Patriarchate.
This Russian orthodox community in San
Francisco has existed since 1932. With thanks I remember the founders of
this church and those who prayed for them and saved them in difficult
moments. Eternal memory to the deceased founders and members of this
holy church.
I would like to express thanks to Bishop Pavel and
Father Alexander, who have defended this parish and helped it develop. I
also want to thank the Russian consulate general for their help during
difficult moments during the life of this parish.
Often the life
of man can be compared with the storm of the living sea. In the life of
every man storms and troubles are present, as well in the life of the
church parish. But we must remember the words of Christ, said to the
father of the possessed young man: “Everything is possible to one who
has faith”. (Mark 9:23) Today, the Russian orthodox parishes in America
are growing. We will always be grateful for the bond we have with them
and the Mother Church of Russia.
I would like to present to this
parish the image of Our Lady of Kazan in memory of our meeting. This is
the icon before which we always pray in Russia, and, in Moscow we hope
to bless the church in her honor on the feast of the icon of Our Lady of
Kazan - November 4. Two years ago, in Red Square, we laid the
foundation for this church.
In difficult times during the history
of Russia our ancestors always came running to Our Lady of Kazan to
help the Christian people. We believe that the protection of the Mother
of God resides with us, living here and protecting the faithful of the
Moscow Patriarchate.
For me, this parish, like all the parishes of
our church, near and far, close and at home, today have become twice as
close because we have met and joined in prayer. I will remember those
who have prayed with us, who in this parish community have found in
themselves spiritual strength to carry their cross of life.
 1996-99 Archpriest Victor Tseshkovsky. During this time the church hall and entire heating system were remodeled.
1999-04 Archpriest Nicholay Scherbakov. During this time 19 icons were
painted for the inconostasis and church. The parishioners raised money
for three candelabra, priest and deacon vestments and other church
furnishings.
A special reliquary was made in which lie the relics of many saints
(St. Apostle Andrei, St. Apostle Peter, St. Apostle Mathew, St. Apostle
Luke, St. Apostle Paul, St. Apostle Simon, St. Teacher Ioann Damaskin,
St. Martyr Vladimir, Metropolitan of Kiev, St. Teacher Antoniy the
Great, St. Martyr Archdeacon Stephen, St. Tikhon, Patriarch of Russia,
St. Martyr Barbara, Blessed Prince Alexander Nevski, Blessed Prince
Daniel of Moscow, Equal to the Apostles Maria Magdalena, St. Fotia,
Patriarch of Constantinople, St. Teacher Sava of Storosh, Martyr and
Healer Panteleon, St. Vasilii the Great and St. Feodor of Suzdal).
The church furnishings and icons from Russia were all shipped free by the Russian airline Aeroflot.
In December 2003 Archimandrite Pavel, Igumen of the Holy Trinity
Ipatievsky (Kostroma, Russia) monastery was appointed by the Patriarch
and the Holy Synod as dean of St. Nicholas Cathedral.
Two novices from the monastery, Vitali Babushkin and Sergei Vinogradov accompanied Archimandrite Pavel to San Francisco.
2005
has been particularly significant for St. Nicholas Cathedral. First,
the Cathedral community turns 70 years. In preparation for this
anniversary the parishioners, under the direction of Archimandrite
Pavel, undertook an extensive restoration project.
By Easter, the interior of the cathedral had an entirely different appearance.
The
walls of the cathedral were painted with frescoes. All the walls and
arches were covered with beautiful iconography done by two artists from
Kostroma – Yuri Ivanovich Konishev and Alexander Alexandrovich
Kargopoltsev.
Simultaneously, other restoration work took place.
By Easter, all the large icons had new frames. Parishioner Sergei
Novichkov played a very active role in completion of these frames.
Another
project was the laying of an entirely new floor with redwood paneling.
To complete this project by Paskha many hours of labor were donated by
parishioners Igor Viacheslavich Kurikov, Mikail Fedorovich Kravchenko,
Igor Ilich Pavkin, Alexander Ilich Pavkin and Afanasy Panaetovich
Dimitrov.
At the Cathedral’s parish feast, in recognition of
their labor, these parishioners were presented with certificates of
recognition, signed by Bishop Mercuri of Zaraisk, the Administrator of
all Moscow Patriarchate parishes in America.
Many
parishioners, guests and visitors from different cities (Sacramento,
Palo Alto, Santa Rosa, San Diego) gathered to celebrate.
After the Liturgy, there was a procession, and a moleben was sung.
Everyone gathered in the church hall for a festive meal. Archimandrite
Pavel greeted everyone and expressed thanks to the community for their
active participation in the life of the cathedral parish.
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