Benjamin

Benjamin Peterson (born Vincent Peterson (born June 1, 1954)) is retired Archbishop of the Orthodox Church in America. He served as ruling hierarch of Diocese of the West from 2007 to 2025.

Early life and biography Peterson was born Vincent Peterson in Pasadena, California on June 1, 1954. He was baptized into the Orthodox faith on April 27, 1972. He enrolled in Saint Vladimir's Seminary, graduating with a Master of Divinity in 1978. Before entering the clergy, he was chairman of the Orthodox Church in America’s Department of Liturgical Music and served as choirmaster at several parishes in Detroit, Michigan, and in Los Angeles.

On November 15, 1987 Peterson was ordained to the deaconate by Bishop Tikhon, and tonsured a rasophore monk in the following year. Later, he was further tonsured to the rank of lesser schema by Archbishop Herman at Saint Tikhon Monastery in South Canaan, Pennsylvania. He was elevated to rank of Archbishop on May 9, 2012. In addition to his roles, he also served as administrator of the Diocese of Alaska from 2008 to 2009, and as locum tenens from 2009 to 2014.

Health and retirement

In April 2021, he announced he was diagnosed with early stages of Parkinson's disease. On December 8, 2024 he announced his upcoming retirement, taking effect on July 15, 2025. Under his tenure, the diocese grew by 18%.

He was succeeded by Bishop Vasily Permiakov.