The newly-ordained Hieromonk Iriney, flanked by two bishops: Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco (left) and Bishop Theodosy of Seattle

It is with great joy that we can announce that Deacon Matthew Steenberg, formerly the deacon of St Nicholas Parish has received monastic tonsure, being given the name Irenei in honour of the Holy Hieromartyr Ireneus of Lyons.  On Sunday 10th March, the Sunday of St John of the Ladder, Hierodeacon Irenei was ordained to the holy priesthood at the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow”, San Francisco, California by His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco and Western America (ROCOR).  Fr Irenei will be attached to the Russian Orthodox Parish of St Tikhon of Zadonsk, also in San Fransisco, as well as continuing in his role as the principal of the St John of San Francisco Orthodox Academy.