On Tuesday, July 12, 2022, his grace James, bishop of Sonora, made an historic visit to the St. Herman of Alaska Orthodox Church in Show Low, AZ. His grace was welcomed with parish girls throwing flower petals before his path up to, and into, the church building.
The community of St. Herman of Alaska gathered to welcome and greet his grace, who is touring satellite mission parishes in northern Arizona. The service of the Blessing of the Beginning of a Good Work was sung beautifully by the mission congregation, led by Mka. Georgia Vallecillo and Mka. Deborah Peck.
This would mark the first time in history an Orthodox bishop has travelled to Show Low, and the first time a bishop has conducted a service.
