One of the most important events in the life of our Sacred Metropolis is the annual gathering of the clergy for the clergy conference, and the grand festivities which follow the conference; namely, the feast of Saint John Maximovitch of San Francisco, the patron of the Sacred Metropolis of America, at the monastery named in honor of him in Cobleskill, New York.
The conference, which took place from the June 27th to June 30th (civil calendar), was proceeded by the meeting of the Eparchial Synod of North and South America, presided over by His Eminence, Metropolitan Demetrius of America. The meeting took place on Wednesday, June 27th. Metropolitan Photios of Demetrias (Greece) traveled to take part in all of the events of our local Church. The hierarchs visited the Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY, on Tuesday, June 26th, to venerate the holy relics of Saint Philaret of New York, calling upon him to stand together with Saint John of San Francisco before the throne of the Lord, beseeching the Lord to guide His Church.
The talks and discussions of the conference dealt with the duties of the priesthood and the challenges which the clergy face- and will be facing- in a world which is going further and further away from God.
The beautiful vigil service took place on the eve of the feast day of Saint John, lasting many hours. In the morning, all gathered for the Hierarchical Liturgy.
A procession took place after the Liturgy. Around 350 people gathered from different parts of the United States and Canada to share in the joy of the unity of the faith.
May Saint John help and protect our Sacred Metropolis!
http://www.saintjohnsmonastery.org/saint-john-of-san-francisco-feast-day-2018
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