About Us

Welcome to our Cathedral!

Our Cathedral is named in honor of the icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow”. The Cathedral’s feast day is celebrated on November 6th. There are many auxiliary structures at the Cathedral that are vital to the life of the parish.

St. John, the Wonderworker of Shanghai & San Francisco, was serving in our cathedral since 1962 till 1966.

A Moleben (service of intercession) or panihida (memorial service for the reposed) may be served by making prior arrangements with the priests.

According to Church rules, confession for faithful who wish to receive the Holy Gifts must be heard the night before they wish to commune. Typically, confession is conducted during the evening services.

For any needs such as baptisms, weddings, funerals, visitation of the sick at home or at a hospital, molebens, panihidas, blessing of a house or car, etc., please contact the cathedral clergy directly.

The Holy Virgin Russian Orthodox Cathedral is a San Francisco Landmark #28, Built 1880

This building, in the German-Renaissance style, was originally an Episcopal church. In 1931, the Russian Orthodox Church bought the building and made it the principal cathedral of the International Russian Orthodox Church. It served in this capacity for over thirty years when it was replaced by a new and grander cathedral in the Richmond District.

3D View of Old Holy Virgin Russian Orthodox Cathedral