Please join in prayer and fellowship for Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 9, 2025 at Saint Paul Greek Orthodox Church, 4949 Alton Parkway, Irvine, CA. His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco will lead this beautiful service marking the first Sunday of Great Lent. He will be joined in prayer by fellow hierarchs: His Eminence Archbishop Benjamin of the Diocese of the West of the Orthodox Church in America, His Grace Bishop Maxim of Los Angeles and the Western American Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church, and welcoming His Grace Bishop Anthony of the Antiochian Diocese of Los Angeles and the West for the first time to this Pan-Orthodox gathering, who will also serve as the homilist. His Grace Bishop Ioannis of Phocaea, Chancellor and Auxiliary Bishop of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco will also participate in this service.

This gathering will also provide the opportunity for all Orthodox faithful to honor His Eminence Archbishop Benjamin upon his forthcoming retirement after many years of distinguished service.

“Sunday of Orthodoxy is a special time in our faith that marks the triumph over iconoclasm and the restoration of holy icons as windows into heaven, drawing us into the beauty and mystery of God's Kingdom,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco. “It will be an extra blessing for this gathering to honor His Eminence Archbishop Benjamin, an esteemed Hierarch in the Orthodox Church in America, who will be retiring later this year. His presence at our many Pan-Orthodox gatherings has always brought forth great wisdom, a prayerful heart, and his sincere desire to serve the Lord. May God grant him many more years!”

Following the Vespers service, all are invited to a Lenten reception offered by the parish of Saint Paul to continue sharing in faith with fellow Orthodox Christians.