On the weekend of September 19-20, 2026 the 12th Annual Russian Orthodox Festival took place at St. Vladimir Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Over the course of two days, thousands braved extremely rainy weather to enjoy the food, entertainment, and education that this festival offers. A very telling statistic that captures the reality of the weather is this: 63 cars were pushed from the field that acts as the parking lot for the festival because they were stuck in the mud. Another helpful statistic: 60 bales of straw were spread on the festival grounds to mitigate the muddy festival field (not the parking lot). Those 60 bales were spread with love and zeal, but did little to aleviate the chronically aquatic situation.

DESPITE ALL THAT, the food tent was full. The entertainment tent was full. The tours of the parish church and parish school were well attended. There were many lectures in addition to the entertainment and food – and these were very popular too! Many intrepid souls braved the elements because this festival has become more than an interesting opportunity for local people to touch an exotic culture. This festival has become an integral part of people’s lives. The third weekend of September each year people gather to learn about Russian Orthodox Faith, Culture, and Food, and to be educated in all things Russian Orthodox – apparently no matter the weather!

This year marked a milestone for the parish when Bishop Spyridon of Chicago & Mid-America attended the festival. Vladyka’s visit added another layer of Orthodox life to the festival, and his leading of the first ever hierarchal liturgy in the history of the festival brought the parish church to full capacity. In this way the festival was also solidified as something that it was never envisioned to be, but which the Lord saw fit to make it: a pilgrimage. The parish church is open throughout the entire festival. People from all over the country, many of whom are not located anywhere near a Russian Orthodox Church, come to the temple to pray, light candles, and even ask for memorial services for departed loved ones. Vespers is held in a full to overflowing church on Saturday evening, followed by a church tour led by one of the parish clergymen. Then on Sunday SO MANY people come to the church that they can hardly fit into the building. This is only one of many reasons the parish is building a new church.

You can learn more about that here: https://tinyurl.com/newstvinfo

If you would like to see pictures of the festival, please visit this link: https://stvladimirchurch.smugmug.com/2026/Ann-Arbor-Russian-Orthodox-Festi

If you would like to see videos, please visit this link: https://stvladimirchurch.smugmug.com/2026/Ann-Arbor-Russian-Orthodox-Festi-1

And if you would like to see the festival web site, please visit this link: https://tinyurl.com/a2rusfest

You will see at the festival web site that next year’s festival is set for September 18-19, 2027. Please join us!