On Sunday, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the Immaculate Conception Parish in San Francisco experienced a day that will always be remembered by the faithful. By God’s providence, on this special feast the community received a new spiritual shepherd.
Before the Divine Liturgy, Fr. Roman Bobesiuk read the decree of Bishop Benedict Aleksiychuk, Eparch of the St. Nicholas Eparchy in Chicago, appointing Fr. Oleh Kepeshchuk as the new parish administrator of Immaculate Conception Parish. After his introduction, the newly appointed pastor led the Divine Liturgy together with Deacon Oleh Zatvarskyy and Fr. Roman Bobesiuk.
During the Liturgy there was a spirit of joy and deep prayer. The Cross — a sign of sacrifice and victory — also became a symbol of a new beginning for the parish family. After the service, the faithful warmly greeted Fr. Oleh, giving thanks to God for their new pastor, and also expressed gratitude to Fr. Roman for his service.
This was a historic moment: for the first time since their founding, both Immaculate Conception Parish in San Francisco and St. Volodymyr Parish in Santa Clara now have their own priest. It is a gift of God’s providence, showing His care for the Church and renewing it with new strength.
From now on, Sunday services in Santa Clara will follow a new schedule:
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Confession at 9:30 AM
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Divine Liturgy at 10:00 AM
May the Lord bless Fr. Oleh’s ministry, granting him wisdom, strength, and zeal in his pastoral work. And may this moment mark a new stage of growth in faith, love, and unity in Christ for the whole parish community.