Centennial Anniversary of Pilgrimage to
Fort Ross
Saturday, October 4, 2025
His Eminence Kyrill, Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America (ROCOR), and His Grace Vasily, Bishop of San Francisco and the West (OCA), invite Orthodox Christians, family, and friends to the Centennial Anniversary of Pilgrimage to Fort Ross on Saturday, October 4, 2025. Since 1925, Orthodox clergy and faithful have conducted services annually at the Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas Chapel, making this the longest continuous place of pilgrimage in the lower forty-eight! We will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and go in procession to the historic cemetery where the names of our ancestors in the faith buried there will be commemorated. The celebration will conclude with a festive luncheon on the ocean bluffs. Pilgrims are encouraged to sign up for the optional luncheon on this website. Please join us in this holy and festive day!
NOTE: There is a $10 parking fee at the gate (cash).
historic concelebration
The highlight of our pilgrimage will be the celebration of the Divine Liturgy in the very place where the first divine mysteries were served in the lower forty-eight and where the faithful have come in pilgrimage annually for 100 years. His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon of the Orthodox Church in America and His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia will lead hierarchs, clergy, and devoted faithful in prayer. This historic divine liturgy and pilgrimage is hosted by the Western American Diocese of ROCOR and the Diocese of the West of the OCA.
Participate in this beautiful, celebratory moment to thank God for the gift of Holy Orthodoxy in our land and to prayerfully invoke the Lord's bounties on the next 100 years, if that is His will for us! The Divine Liturgy will begin at 10 am. For the most up-to-date information about this pilgrimage, the festive meal, or for the "Fort Ross- Then and Now" conference on October 3rd, 2024, please see the complete schedule.
One Day Conference
The Story of Orthodoxy at Fort Ross – Then and Now
St. Seraphim of Sarov Cathedral
Friday, October 3rd, 2025
90 Mountain View Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95407
We look forward to your arrival to this once in a lifetime moment celebrating 100 years of continuous pilgrimage to Fort Ross.
Here is a list of details to please keep in mind:
- Parking will be challenging, so we suggest you carpool and arrive early. Arrive with enough time to pay the $10 parking fee in cash, time to park, and time to walk down to the fort for the services.
- The greeting of His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon and Divine Liturgy is at 9:30 am.
- Bring a sun hat. Wear layers of clothes as it gets warm throughout the day
- Remember, this is a State Park, and all state park rules apply.
- No smoking in or near the bluffs, the buildings, or areas with tree debris
- Those with limited mobility are allowed to drive to the fort area for parking, but not in front of the fort.
- If you are purchasing a delicious catered lunch, please do so no later than September 24
- Please know that it is NOT necessary to purchase lunch to come to the services. Bring your own food and a blanket.