Bishop Benjamin nominated by Diocese of the West

On January 31, 2007, His Grace, Bishop Benjamin receives the news of his nomination as a candidate for the office of Bishop of San Francisco, Los Angeles, and the West.

LAS VEGAS, NV [OCA Communications/DOW Communications] — His Grace, Bishop Benjamin of Berkeley, administrator of the Diocese of the West, was unaninously nominated as a candidate for the office of Bishop of San Francisco, Los Angeles, and the West.

The nomination took place during a special convocation at Saint Paul the Apostle Church here on Wednesday, January 31, 2007, at the direction of His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman, locum tenens of the diocese. His Grace, Bishop Seraphim of Ottawa and Canada, oversaw the proceedings.

According to the Rev. Peter Tobias, communications director of the Diocese of the West, the day began with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, at which Bishop Seraphim presided. Serving with Bishop Seraphim were the Very Rev. Ian Mackinnon, chancellor, Diocese of the West; the Very Rev. Michael Dahulich, dean of Saint Tikhon’s Seminary; the diocesan deans, the Very Revs. Joseph Hirsch, John Pierce, Lawrence Russell, and Matthew Tate. The Rev. Eric George Tosi, rector of Saint Paul Church, and Deacon Brendan Doss of Holy Trinity Cathedral, San Francisco, CA, also served.

Following the Divine Liturgy, delegates enjoyed a brunch prepared and served by the Holy Myrrhbearers of Saint Paul Church. Afterwards, clergy and lay delegates from across the diocese convened in the temple to register for the assembly. A service of intercession was celebrated by Bishop Seraphim formally opened the assembly.

Recording secretaries, the Very Rev. David Brum, rector of Saints Peter and Paul Church, Phoenix, AZ, and Ms. Nadine Wood of Saint Paul Church, Las Vegas, NV, reported 50 lay delegates and 50 clergy delegates present. Many observers were also present.

After Bishop Seraphim read aloud the voting procedures, delegates cast their votes by dropping their ballots into the ballot box. The votes were then tallied in the altar by Father Tosi and two assistants.

Once the tally had been completed and the results announced, Bishop Benjamin was invited into the temple. Father Hirsch informed him that the delegates had unanimously nominated him as a candidate for the office of diocesan hierarch.

Bishop Benjamin’s nomination will be submitted to the members of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America who, during their spring session, will elect a hierarch to fill the vacancy of the episcopal see of San Francisco, Los Angeles, and the West.

The convocation closed with the celebration of a service of thanksgiving.

Photos of the Diocese of the West nomination