Holy Virgin Mary Russian Orthodox Cathedral

Holy Virgin Mary Russian Orthodox Cathedral Holy Virgin Mary Cathedral is a parish of The Orthodox Church in America, founded in 1923. All generations worship here in both English and Slavonic. Mr.

Holy Virgin Mary Russian Orthodox Cathedral is a parish of the Diocese of the West, Orthodox Church in America (OCA). The Rector of the parish is Very Reverend Archpriest Nazari Polataiko. Our ruling bishop is His Eminence Archbishop BENJAMIN, of San Francisco and the West (one of 13 such dioceses in the OCA). The ruling Bishop of the Diocese of Washington, DC, His Beatitude, Metropolitan TIKHON h

olds the first place in the Holy Synod of all the ruling Bishops in the OCA. Our parish is named after an Icon of the All-Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, called "Rescuer of the Perishing," and our annual Parish Feast-day is held on the Sunday closest to February 5-th. The parish was begun in 1923, while the building in which we are now worshiping was built and consecrated by Metropolitan Platon and Bishop Alexis in 1928. Our Church building, or Temple, is, with the exception of not having a separate porch or narthex, constructed and furnished according to Orthodox monumental Tradition; accordingly, there are only a few chairs, for the infirm in body and/or spirit, but not for the young and healthy. Unusual behavior is discouraged, since this distracts the Faithful from worship and glorification of God (our purpose in being in Church to begin with!). Distracting clothing, standing with hands in pockets, conversing, excessive and flamboyant bows, as likewise careless and hurried signs of the Cross-are such distracting and unusual behavior. We dispense candles and prosphora (offering breads) for the Faithful, but our Candlestand, where these are dispensed for a nominal fee, is not a place to change large bills. Since the 1960s, there are normally two Priests and one Deacon assigned to our Cathedral. The leading member of the Laity in our parish holds the title of Starosta, (a Russian word meaning Warden). Andrey Aristov is our Starosta. We have a well-stocked English language church library and a very large Russian language library (temporarily without a librarian). In addition we hold a decent video/audio archive in English and Russian for devotional and educational uses of our parishioners. Most importantly, we have one of the best stocked Orthodox bookstores on the West Coast. The bookstore and the building where it and the libraries are located is called the Kiosk. It is the small building next to the Parish Hall. Visit it after Liturgy! Here are the names of other Church organizations at our Cathedral: 1) The Sisterhood, 2) L.O.V.E.S., and 3) the Choirs. We also have a five-hour church school on Saturdays for Russian-speaking children and a Sunday school after the early Liturgy on Sundays. New members are most welcome in all these organizations.

Paschal Divine Liturgy
04/12/2026

Paschal Divine Liturgy

Christ is Risen! — Truly He is Risen!In the stillness of the night, our parish gathered in joyful expectation and went f...
04/12/2026

Christ is Risen! — Truly He is Risen!

In the stillness of the night, our parish gathered in joyful expectation and went forth in the Cross Procession, proclaiming the victory of life over death. With candles lit and hearts uplifted, we followed the light of Christ, Who has shattered the darkness and opened for us the gates of eternal life.

This radiant and blessed feast fills us with uncontainable joy, uniting heaven and earth in praise of the Risen Lord.

Blessed and radiant Feast of Holy Pascha to all!
May the light of the Resurrection dwell in your hearts and homes!

🕯️ Matins of Holy Saturday – Lamentations & Procession with the ShroudOn this sacred and solemn night, we gathered in pr...
04/11/2026

🕯️ Matins of Holy Saturday – Lamentations & Procession with the Shroud

On this sacred and solemn night, we gathered in prayer for the Matins of Holy Saturday. Together we chanted the Lamentations before the Tomb of Christ, reflecting on His burial and the mystery of salvation.

With reverence, we carried the Holy Shroud in procession around the church — a powerful and moving witness of our Lord’s descent into the tomb and His victory over death.

“Do not lament Me, O Mother, seeing Me in the tomb… for I shall arise.”

May this night prepare our hearts to receive the radiant joy of the Resurrection. ☦️🙏

💙 Vigil of the Feast of the Holy Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos ✨“Today is the beginning of our salvation, and ...
04/07/2026

💙 Vigil of the Feast of the Holy Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos ✨

“Today is the beginning of our salvation, and the revelation of the eternal mystery…”

On this evening, the faithful gathered in prayer at Holy Virgin Mary Orthodox Cathedral to celebrate the Vigil of the Great Feast of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos.

In stillness and reverence, we remember the moment when the Archangel Gabriel brought the good tidings to the Virgin Mary—that she would become the Mother of our Lord. Through her humble and faithful response, “Behold the handmaiden of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word,” the mystery of our salvation began to unfold.

🌿 Palm Sunday at Holy Virgin Mary Orthodox Cathedral 🌿“Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord! Hosanna in the h...
04/05/2026

🌿 Palm Sunday at Holy Virgin Mary Orthodox Cathedral 🌿

“Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”

Today we joyfully celebrated the Great Feast of the Entry of our Lord into Jerusalem. With palm branches and hearts full of reverence, we welcomed Christ the King—Who enters not in earthly glory, but in humility, riding upon a c**t.

The faithful gathered in prayer, lifting their voices in praise and thanksgiving, holding branches as a sign of victory and life. As we enter Holy Week, may we remain steadfast in faith, walking with Christ through His Passion, so that we may also rejoice in His glorious Resurrection.

🌿 Blessed Feast to all!

On Thursday, April 2, at the Holy Virgin Mary Orthodox Cathedral, the sacred Sacrament of the Holy Unction was prayerful...
04/04/2026

On Thursday, April 2, at the Holy Virgin Mary Orthodox Cathedral, the sacred Sacrament of the Holy Unction was prayerfully celebrated.
The service was presided over by His Grace Bishop Vasiliy of San Francisco and the West, together with the clergy of the cathedral and brother parishes in the presence of many faithful who gathered to receive healing of soul and body.
Holy Unction is one of the Holy Mysteries of the Church, offered especially during Great Lent, through which the grace of God is invoked for the restoration of spiritual and physical strength.
We give thanks to God for this blessed evening of prayer and ask that the Lord grant healing, peace, and salvation to all who participated.

On Thursday, April 2, at the Holy Virgin Mary Orthodox Cathedral, the sacred Sacrament of Holy Unction was prayerfully c...
04/03/2026

On Thursday, April 2, at the Holy Virgin Mary Orthodox Cathedral, the sacred Sacrament of Holy Unction was prayerfully celebrated.

The service was presided over by His Grace Bishop Vasiliy of San Francisco and the West, together with the clergy of the cathedral, in the presence of many faithful who gathered to receive healing of soul and body.

Holy Unction is one of the Holy Mysteries of the Church, offered especially during Great Lent, through which the grace of God is invoked for the restoration of spiritual and physical strength.

We give thanks to God for this blessed evening of prayer and ask that the Lord grant healing, peace, and salvation to all who participated.

04/01/2026
With heartfelt gratitude, we would like to thank each and every one of you who came today to help clean and prepare our ...
04/01/2026

With heartfelt gratitude, we would like to thank each and every one of you who came today to help clean and prepare our holy temple for the radiant feast of Pascha.
Your time, effort, and loving care for the House of God are a true witness of your faith and devotion. Through your hands, the church has been made ready to receive the joy of the Resurrection, and your quiet labor has become a beautiful offering to the Lord.

03/31/2026

This is episode 4 of our Q&A series "Pastoral Talks" with Father Nazari - One on one with everyone. Thank you all for submitting your questions, please follo...

Address

650 Micheltorena Street
Los Angeles, CA
90026

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 8pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 8pm
Sunday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+13236617000

Website

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