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Our History
All Saints Orthodox Mission was founded in November 2021 by Priest Elijah Wu (Drake) and Matushka Genevieve, along with a handful of converts who came home to the Orthodox Church after sojourning as Anglicans for a number of years. In 2026, Father Elijah was commissioned to serve as Rector of the new Life-Giving Spring Mission on Kaua'i.
Since June 2026, Father Seraphim Torruella is our Rector. A California native, initially baptized in Oregon, he served as a deacon at Holy Ascension Orthodox Church in Sacramento before being ordained to the priesthood by His Grace Bishop Peter of Seattle at Holy Virgin Cathedral in San Francisco. He was installed as Rector of All Saints by His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill on June 7, 2026.
Timeline of Events
We will update this history as our Mission grows. Be sure to check out our photo page for a chronology in pictures. Glory to God for all things!
July 5, 2026
On the fifth Sunday after Pentecost, Father Seraphim made Tomas, now to be known as George, a Catechumen in the Orthodox Church. Welcome home! Great Martyr George and all saints, pray for George as he grows in the Faith and prepares for Baptism.
June 7, 2026
On our fifth Patronal Feast Day since our founding, at his first hierarchical visit to our parish, His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill commissioned our beloved Father Elijah to be the new Rector of Life-Giving Spring Mission in Kaua'i, Hawaii. There are many Orthodox faithful in Hawaii, but few churches; the pain of losing Father Elijah is lessened by knowing he will be a tremendous blessing to the people of Kaua'i just like he was to us.
Archbishop Kyrill installed Father Seraphim Torruella as All Saints' new Rector. The Divine Liturgy was concelebrated by Bishop Peter of Seattle and Father Paul Volmensky of Holy Ascension Orthodox Church. Parishioner John Rangel was tonsured as a Reader. More than 100 faithful were in attendance. A festive Trapeza was held in the Fellowship Hall prepared by the Sisterhood. Many thanks for the expert barbecuing by the All Saints Brotherhood and food generously donated by guests and visitors. God's grace blessed us abundantly.
With gratitude we look forward to serving God and the Church under our new shepherd and are excited to see what the future holds. Glory to God for all things!
May 31, 2026
On Holy Pentecost, Father Elijah Baptized Isaac, Porphyrios, and Sophrony into the Holy Orthodox Church. May God grant the newly Illumined many years!
May 17, 2026
On the Sunday of the Blind Man, Father Elijah made Seth into a new Catechumen. Glory to God that Seth's eyes have been opened to the True Faith! Join us in praying for him as he grows in the Faith and prepares for Baptism.
Apr. 24, 2026
Parishioners Juan and Cristiana were joined in Holy Matrimony at Holy Ascension Orthodox Church in Sacramento. Officiating at the wedding were Archpriest Paul Volmensky, Priest Elijah Wu (Drake), and Priest Seraphim Torruella. May God grant the new couple many years!
Apr. 19, 2026
On Thomas Sunday, Father Elijah made two new Catechumens: Jaymes and Jordan. Welcome home! Please pray for our Catechumens as they grow in the Faith and in their love for the Lord.
Apr. 4, 2026
On Lazarus Saturday, Father Elijah baptized Gabriel, Markella, George, Joanna, Georgia, and Moses into the Holy Orthodox Church. Please join us in praying for the newly illumined servants of God! May God grant them many years!
Feb. 22, 2026
On Forgiveness Sunday, we welcomed two new Catechumens: Nicholas and Casey. Welcome home! Pray to God for our Catechumens, that they would grow strong in the Faith and in their love for the Lord.
Feb. 8, 2026
On the Sunday of the Prodigal Son, we held the first Divine Liturgy at our new larger location at 1325 West Lockeford Street.
In January, two units in our building became available just a few doors down from our original location. After asking the congregation if they would support such a move (and the additional expenses this would entail) and receiving an overwhelmingly positive response, Father Elijah signed a new lease, and during the first week of February we proceeded to dismantle the altar at 1319 and build a larger one at 1323-1325.
The adjoining unit is our new fellowship hall. We will be adding a fully functional kitchen and beautification to the worship space and fellowship hall, hopefully completed later this year.
We have seen a steady stream of new visitors before and after the move. We can't wait to see what God has in store for the future of the Mission. Glory to God for all things!
Aug. 18, 2025
This evening the Wonderworking Myrrh-streaming "Hawaiian" Iveron Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos visited our humble parish! More than a hundred faithful from parishes all over the Central Valley and the Bay Area came to our little storefront church home to welcome her, with people spilling out of the narthex. Well past midnight she departed for an all-night vigil at our former garage chapel home in Stockton, where from about 01:30 to 07:00 a.m. more than two dozen faithful kept watch to chant prayers and psalms and venerate this Wonderworking Icon. Glory to God!
Aug. 10, 2025
Today we welcomed five new Catechumens to our parish: David, Barry, Amber, Moiraclara, and Dinahlyne. May God grant them good strength for the journey and grow their faith every day!
Apr. 13, 2025
On Palm Sunday, we welcomed two new Catechumens: Erika and Tyler. Welcome home! Pray to God for our Catechumens, that they would grow strong in the Faith.
Apr. 12, 2025
On Lazarus Saturday, Father Elijah baptized Athanasius, Abigail, Theodora, Alfred, Constantine, Pelagia, and Sophia into the Holy Orthodox Church. Please join us in praying for the newly illumined servants of God! May God grant them many years!
Apr. 6, 2025
On the fifth Sunday of Great Lent, Father Elijah made four new Catechumens: Athanasius, Abigail, Theodora, and Alfred. Welcome home!
Mar. 2, 2025
On Cheesefare Sunday, we welcomed three new Catechumens to our parish: Ryan, Bonnie, and Alex. Welcome home! Pray for all our Catechumens, that they would grow in the faith and in their love for the Lord.
Jan. 7, 2025
On the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Father Elijah baptized Mitrophan, Tatiana, Juliana, and John into the Holy Orthodox Church. Glory to God! Saints Mitrophan, Tatiana, and John (Ioann) of the Boxer Revolution, and Great Martyr Juliana, pray to God for the newly illumined servants of the Lord and intercede for us all!
Nov. 24, 2024
Today, Father Elijah made six new Catechumens: Janette, Kaleb, Justin, and the Blackwell family: Jesse, Belle, and Sophialle. Glory to God! Please pray for our Catechumens, that they would grow in the Faith.
Sept. 25, 2024
Today, Father Elijah performed an emergency baptism of Martha and her identical twin sister Mary (our Catechumen Tina) in Paso Robles, CA. Martha is in hospice and preparing to transition from this earthly life to the heavenly one. Saints Martha of Bethany and Mary Magdalene, pray to God for our beloved sisters, who came into this world together, have now entered the Church through the sacrament of Baptism together, and will have to part for a little while. Glory to God for all things.
Sept. 14, 2024
On Church New Year, Old Calendar September 1st (New Calendar Sept. 14) we are officially received into the Eastern Rite by His Eminence, the Most Reverend KYRILL, Archbishop of San Francisco & Western America.
We do not disdain our Western Rite roots, because they brought us to where we are today--into the fullness of the One True Church. We are grateful to God for all of His amazing blessings! From a tiny garage mission that allowed us to learn the "how-to's" of Orthodoxy, to remodeling a dog parlor into a now comfortably packed and unexpectedly beautiful worship space, adorned with numerous icons and many holy relics of the saints. As Monk Ignatius of blessed memory used to say: Our Mission is a miracle! Glory to God.
August 4, 2024
Today we welcome Antonio as a new Catechumen in the Orthodox Church. He will be taking Saint John of Shanghai & San Francisco as his patron saint. Antonio will be known as "John Anthony" because we have so many people in our parish now who are choosing saints named "John". Glory to God! Saint John and all Saints, pray to God for our Catechumens, that they would grow strong in the Faith.
May 4, 2024
At the Holy Saturday Vigil, just a few minutes before midnight, Father Elijah baptizes Anthony, Cristiana, and Juan into the Holy Orthodox Church. Saint Anthony the Great, Saint Christina the Martyr, and Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco, pray to God for the newly illumined servants of the Lord and intercede for us all!
Apr. 28, 2024
On Palm Sunday, the Feast of the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem, we welcome the Zhang Family: David, Lily, Grace, and Daniel, as new Catechumens in the Orthodox Church. Glory to God for all things!
Feb. 18, 2024
Today we welcome Malik, Paraskeva (Nariah), and Mary (Tina) as new Catechumens. Glory to God! Blessed Paraskeva and blessed Mary Magdalene and all saints, pray to God for our Catechumens!
Jan. 7, 2024
On Nativity morning, Father Elijah baptizes Jason and Nicholas into the Holy Orthodox Church. Glory to God! Saint Jason the Apostle and Saint Nicholas of Japan, pray to God for the newly Illumined servants of the Lord and intercede for us all!
Oct. 1, 2023
Today we welcome nine new Catechumens: Mallory, Roland, Elowyn, and Caspian; Nick, Ryan, Elijah, Shane, and Robert. We now have 17 Baptized members and 20 Catechumens. Glory to God! Please pray for our Catechumens as they grow in the Orthodox faith.
Sept. 28, 2023
Recently Baptized parishioner Gabriela (Nancy Grace) reposes in the Lord. May her memory be eternal.
Sept. 18, 2023
On the feast day of the Holy Prophet Zacharias and Righteous Elizabeth, the parents of St. John the Forerunner, Father Elijah performed an emergency Baptism for long-time parishioner Gabriela, formerly known as Nancy Grace, who took St. Gabriel (Urgebadze) the Confessor as her patron saint. We now have 18 Baptized members and 11 Catechumens. Glory to God for all things!
August 27, 2023
On the Sunday before the end of the Dormition fast, we welcome Seraphim (Joey) and Cristiana (Grace) as new Catechumens. Joined by friends and family from other parishes, we also celebrate Father Elijah’s 40th birthday. May God grant him many years! We now have 17 Baptized members and 11 Catechumens. Glory to God for all things!
May 28, 2023
On Sunday after the Ascension we welcome Ian, Anthony, Justin, and Remi as new Catechumens in the Orthodox Church. We now have 17 Baptized members and nine Catechumens. Glory to God!
April 16, 2023
On Pascha morning, John (*) is Baptized into the Holy Orthodox Church. We now have 17 Baptized members and five Catechumens. Holy Saint John the Theologian (*) and all Saints, pray for the newly Illumined John! May God grant him many years!
Feb. 26, 2023
On Forgiveness Sunday before the start of Great Lent, we welcome Tesa, Doug, Jason, and Sean as new Catechumens in the Orthodox Church. We now have 16 Baptized members and six Catechumens. Holy Evangelist Philip and all Saints, pray to God for our Catechumens!
Jan. 7, 2023
Mark* and Joseph** are baptized into the Holy Orthodox Church by Father Elijah on Nativity morning. Since our founding with seven Baptized members just a little over a year ago, we now have more than doubled our membership, with 16 Baptized believers and two Catechumens at the Mission. Glory to God for all things!
*the Ascetic **the Betrothed
Oct. 16, 2022
We welcome Julian as a new Catechumen in the Orthodox Church. We now have 14 Baptized members and four Catechumens. Holy Evangelist Philip and all Saints, pray to God for our Catechumens!
August 14, 2022
John*, Matrona, David, John**, and Lydia from All Saints Mission, and Bridget from Brookings, Oregon, are Baptized into the Holy Orthodox Church by Father Elijah. We now have 14 Baptized members and three Catechumens. Glory to God!
*the Wonderworker **the Silent
July 31, 2022
We hold the first official Divine Liturgy & Grand Opening Celebration at our Mission's new home at 1319 West Lockeford Street in Lodi. In addition to a worship space, it features a bookstore, icons for sale, and a place to hang out and talk to the Priest. Glory to God for His provision and protection!
July 12, 2022
Archpriest Paul (Volmensky) Baptizes Father Elijah's and Matushka Genevieve's new daughter, Maria, into the Orthodox Church at Holy Ascension Russian Orthodox Church, on the Feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul, and in the presence of the Myrrh-streaming Wonderworking Iveron Icon visiting from Hawaii this week. We now have nine Baptized members and eight Catechumens. Thanks be to God!
July 3, 2022
With much joy we welcome Bob as a new Catechumen just before the start of our first Divine Liturgy at our new location. (It's a "soft" opening as many items for the Nave are still under construction!) We now have eight Baptized members and eight Catechumens, in addition to several regular visitors.
June 11, 2022
Renovations begin at our Mission's future home on West Lockeford Street in Lodi. Major tasks include removing walls, re-plastering and texturing, painting, and installing new floors and baseboards. Later we will add curtains, shelves for the bookstore, and a countertop. We are also building much of our own furniture (chant stands, benches, altar panels). It's a labor of love!
May 5, 2022
Five new Catechumens are received: John, Melissa, Peyton, Cooper, and Lydia. We now have eight Baptized members and seven Catechumens, plus inquirers and several regular visitors who are exploring Orthodoxy at our Mission.
Apr. 23, 2022
On Holy Saturday, Arthmael is Baptized into the Orthodox Church by Father Elijah at Holy Ascension Russian Orthodox Church in Sacramento. All Saints Orthodox Mission now has eight Baptized members and two Catechumens.
Mar. 12, 2022
All Saints Orthodox Mission starts holding Vespers services on Saturdays where we are frequently joined by "Ortho-curious" visitors.
Mar. 6, 2022
Two new Catechumens, Steve and Mark, are received. We now have seven Baptized members and three Catechumens.
Nov. 14, 2021
All Saints Orthodox Mission starts holding Sunday Matins and Divine Liturgy at Father Elijah’s home in Stockton, California. This is our humble "Garage Chapel" beginning, with seven Baptized members, one Catechumen, and a few regular visitors.
Nov. 7, 2021
Father Elijah Baptizes the first new members of our Mission, Raphael and Nina, and receives one new Catechumen, Chaz, at a Baptismal service held at Saint Andrew Orthodox Church in Carson City, Nevada.
Oct. 14, 2021
Father Elijah is ordained into the Orthodox Priesthood by Metropolitan Jonah of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church in Mountain Home, Arkansas.
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