The Congress of Russian Americans wishes our members, friends, patrons, and their families a Merry Christmas and a joyful, prosperous New Year 2025! May this festive season bring warmth, happiness, and success to all.

CRA was one of the sponsors of the Slavic Children’s Holiday Faire, annual pre-Christmas event, held on December 7 at the Russian Center of San Francisco (where CRA office is headquartered).  The event was organized by Alexandra (Sasha) Sabelnik-Whooley, Russian Center’s Executive Director and a long-time member of CRA.  In addition to a wonderful program of music, singing and dancing from various slavic countries, MC’d by Sasha, the event featured games for children of all ages, authentic ethnic food and desserts and vendors selling arts & crafts, jewelry, books, collectibles and other items.  Traditional Cossack and Russian costumes were provided by the All Cossack Union for photo opportunities with Santa.   CRA 1st Vice President, Marina Soboleva and President, Natalie Sabelnik organized and staffed a CRA table with information, member applications etc. for visibility and sold various books donated by CRA members.  Participation in these events, not only supports our community organizations, raises awareness of CRA’s work, but also helps promote and preserve Russian culture to our children and youth.

His Eminence Archbishop Peter of Chicago and Mid-America, a revered figure within the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR), entered eternal rest unexpectedly on Friday, November 8, 2024, the feast day of the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica.

Born on August 9, 1948, in San Francisco, Archbishop Peter had a deep connection to the Church from a young age. He served as an altar boy for the renowned Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco. He later attended Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville, NY, where he pursued his theological studies.

Throughout his life, Archbishop Peter held various significant positions within the ROCOR. He served as head of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem and as administrator of the Diocese of Chicago and Detroit. In 2016, he was elevated to the rank of archbishop and appointed as the Ruling Bishop of the Diocese of Chicago and Mid-America.Known for his profound theological knowledge and his unwavering dedication to the Church, Archbishop Peter will be deeply missed by the clergy, monastics, and faithful of the Diocese of Chicago and Mid-America, as well as the broader Orthodox community.Memorial service at the coffin of Archbishop Peter, was held on Friday, November 15, 2024,  at the Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral in Des Plaines, IL. Divine Liturgy and funeral was on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at the Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral. The casket was then transported to the Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY, where he will be buried. His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, officiated at the Divine Liturgy at the Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral on November 16-17, after which he departed for the Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville.

We extend our sincere condolences to his family, the faithful of his diocese, friends, and all who were touched by his life and work.  Archbishop Peter was a staunch supporter of the Congress of Russian Americans, the national board, as well as the Chicago Chapter.  May the Lord grant His servant, the newly-reposed Archbishop Peter, rest with the saints in the Kingdom of Heaven and memory eternal! 

31^st Annual Orthodox Musician’s Conference was held in Los Angeles at the Holy Transfiguration Cathedral from October 2-6, 2024.  Lodging for the conference as well as the lectures, rehearsals and meals were held at the Four Points by Sheraton Los Angeles Westside with transportation to and from the church provided for the participants. The conference brought together talented musicians, clergy and participants from the US and throughout the world, including many from Canada and Europe. Among the speakers were Larissa Doohovskoy, educator and choral director, with over 25 years of experience as a teacher of voice for both children and adults. In 2018, Ms. Doohovskoy joined the faculty of the Synodal School of Liturgical Music in Jordanville, NY. Also, speaking were Protodeacon Ioann Drobot of the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Paris, Protodeacon Alexander Kedroff, archdeacon of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Paris, France, Vladimir Krassovsky, conductor of the Holy Virgin Cathedral Pontifical Choir in San Francisco, Dr. Vladimir Morosan, one of the leading experts outside Russia in the field of Orthodox liturgical music and founder and president of Musica Russica and Kurt Sander, Professor of Music and Composition and Coordinator of Music Theory and Composition at Northern Kentucky University.  The conference concluded with a bountiful banquet on Sunday in the church hall following the liturgy with all participants. Irene Orloff, choir director at the Holy Transfiguration Cathedral and Committee Chair of ROCM thanked all donors and sponsors of the event. Victoria Sabelnik, CRA Exec.Secretary represented Congress of Russian Americans, one of the sponsors of the conference and was instrumental in getting the youth group together at the banquet.

Please join us for our Annual ZOOM fundraising event on Sat Oct 19, 2024  from 11 am to 12 pm (PDT). 

You are playing an important part in supporting our Mission to uphold St. John’s legacy to care for those with lack of means and provide assistance to orphans, destitute children and elderly.

This year, the keynote speaker will be His Grace Bishop Irinei of London and Western Europe (ROCOR), and our guests will be Mother Maria from Bethany and Mother Seraphima from Ukraine.

Please register to join.

If you chose to make a donation, your contribution is tax deductible and goes toward the cause you choose.

Participation is not limited to those who support us financially. Your attendance, prayers, and constructive feedback also provide support and encouragement.

 Sincerely,

 the Board of Directors