WESTERN AMERICAN DIOCESE: 21 October 2024
Bishop Theodosius of Seattle visits Protection of the Holy Virgin Church and attends the premier of a film on St John of Shanghai in Hollywood

On October 13-14, 2024, festal services on the occasion of the parish feast of the Church of the Protection of the Holy Virgin on Argyle Street in Los Angeles were celebrated by His Grace Bishop Theodosius of Seattle, assisted by the Dean of Holy Virgin “Joy of All Who Sorrow” Cathedral in San Francisco, Archpriest Peter Perekrestov, parish clerics Priest Sergei Novichkov and Protodeacon Sergei Joukov, a large contingency of subdeacons and acolytes from as far away as Seattle and Tucson, and the parish choir under the capable direction of Olga Tseshkovsky. The church was awash in flowers. It was very positive to see such a large turnout of faithful, especially at all-night vigil. At the end of Liturgy, Bishop Theodosy spoke of the history of the feast in his homily. A procession around the church with chanting of refrains and a Gospel reading completed the service.

Following the Liturgy the Hollywood premiere of a new movie about St John of Shanghai, “The Aroma of Holiness,” took place in the theatre of the Eastwood Performing Arts Center – it was St John (Maximovitch) who consecrated the Protection Church. The movie premiere was attended by parishioners of Holywood’s three parishes, LA residents who have a great love for St John, and a number of movie producers from both Hollywood and Russia.

Bishop Theodosius introduced the movie and shared a few little-known moments of Vladyka John’s life. After the movie screening Bishop Theodosy and Fr Peter met with two movie directors from “The Town of Our Lady, the Queen of Angels” (the full name of Los Angeles) to discuss some upcoming projects. Los Angeles’ Orthodox faithful expressed their gratitude to Vladyka Theodosy for his visit, the spiritual uplift they received, and the hieararch’s prayerful and heartwarming demeanor.

Glory to God for all things!

Western American Diocese