On Saturday, March 28, the feast of the Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos, at the cathedral of the Western American Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia in San Francisco, California, Archimandrite Peter (Karakozov) was consecrated Bishop of Seattle, vicar of the Western American Diocese, at the Divine Liturgy by a host of bishops led by the First Hierarch, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York.
Taking part in the service was the Dean of the Western States of the Patriarchal Parishes and sacristan of St. Nicholas Cathedral in San Francisco, Priest Michael Kozyrev, who conveyed to the newly consecrated bishop the greeting of Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, Temporary Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA and Canada:
“Your Grace, beloved brother and concelebrant, dear Vladyka Peter!
I cordially greet you on the day of your episcopal consecration.
Sharing the joy with all your flock and loved ones, I prayerfully wish you blessed labors for the good of the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who, through the election of God-wise archpastors, has raised you to the highest degree of the priesthood.
I sincerely wish you, in your new calling as well, to remain a kind and attentive helper to your abba, His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill, and to be a sensitive and responsive father to the clergy and faithful children of the Seattle vicariate entrusted to you.
May the Protection of the Queen of Heaven, in whose cathedral your consecration took place on the feast of the Akathist to Her, and the prayerful intercession of St. John the Wonderworker, always inspire you to zealous service for the joy of all who sorrow and await the consolation of Christ.”