This year the United States of America celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence from England on July 4, 1776, and the beginning of the formation of the new Republic. In the capital, Washington, the festivities on this day were especially solemn. As always, the finale of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture...
Tag: Russian Empire
USA 250: Reliving History at Mount Vernon
“Give me liberty, or give me death!” is one of the main slogans of the American Revolution. Back then, in 1775, at the Virginia Convention, delegate Patrick Henry proclaimed his readiness to die for the ideals of freedom. Another slogan of the American Revolution is “No taxation without representation!” This symbolic phrase expressed a protest...
Centennial Liturgy Celebrated at Fort Ross
On October 4, 2025, Fort Ross welcomed around a thousand Orthodox pilgrims from across the country. They gathered for a Divine Liturgy marking one hundred years since services were renewed in the chapel of what is recognized as the first Orthodox parish on the North American mainland. The liturgy was concelebrated by three Metropolitans together...
California’s Russian River: A Name Forged in the Past
During their exploration of Northern California, millions annually come across a sign that reads “Russian River.” This prompts them, at some juncture during their travels in the heart of Sonoma’s wine county to ponder about the origins of the name of this splendid waterway. Why is this major artery, flowing southwest for 110 miles from...



