San Francisco - One of the advantages of working for a company that is based in San Francisco is that I get the opportunity to visit this city several times a year.
But my visit this time was capped by a visit to the Holy Virgin - Joy of All Who Sorrow Cathedral on Geary Street.
This cathedral was built in 1966, under the guidance and blessing of St. John Maximovich fo Shanghai and San Francisco - the Wonderworker.
Tonight I attended a Vesper service at the Cathedral. Although the service was entirely in Russian - I was moved deeply and felt as if I was truly in the presence of St. John - a very-much venerated modern-day saint of the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Entering the interior of the church is like stepping back through time into 19th century Russia. It is filled with Icons lit by candles of the faithful. I felt surrounded by the prayer energy of all who have poured out their worship to the Holy Trinity over the years.
The Iconastasis and interior of the Cathedral
This picture does not communicate the true beauty of this place.
I'm going to try and visit again before I leave on Friday.
7 comments:
you did not take me with you!
todd
This is one of the greatest Orthodox Cathedrals on West Coast. I recomend to visit this Center of Spirituality to everyone. Closed on Mondays. Also, may I suggest you guys to visit a book store (the largest selection of the Orthodox books I've seen) next to the Cathedral.
My one visit there (August 2006) was in the evening, for a Vespers service. It was dark, very dark - your photo doesn't even look like the same place! We venerated all the icons, and the body of St. John Maximovich.
The bookstore next to the Cathedral was closed, but later that week I was able to take the train/rail to a great Orthodox bookstore, Archangel Bookstore
It's staffed by volunteers, and they have lots of books, icons, music, etc. From the Website:
Archangel Bookstore is in the Sunset District on
1352-A Ninth Avenue (between Judah and Irving)
San Francisco, California 94122
phone 415-242-9698
You may also call Anna by cell (707-321-0893) to schedule appointments outside of our usual business hours.
Normal Business Hours:
Sunday Closed
Monday By appointment
Tuesday through Friday 1:00pm to 8:00pm
Saturday 11:00am to 5:00pm
Hey Evtyxos, nice plug for your bookstore!!
I worshiped at Holy Virgin from 1995-1997. It is the most beautiful church I have ever been in. The moment you walk through the front door and enter the Narthex, the lovely smell of sweet incense gives one the real presence of God. For a truly wonderful spirituality and closeness to God, go to Holy Virgin for Pascha (Easter). It is truly glorious!
I only wish there were more services than one a month in English at this Cathedral, especially as St. John had an apostolic burden toward America and wanted the light of Orthodoxy to shine here. Worshipping "in spirit" only was hard for me as I understand no Russian.
However, St. John's relics more than made up for the sense of cultural isolation I felt in the services,
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