Orthodox Diocese of Alaska to Hold Week of Prayer for U.S. – Russia Talks

St. Michael's Cathedral in Sitka. Photo: Alaska.org

SITKA — The Orthodox Diocese of Sitka and Alaska will host a week of prayer from August 12–15, seeking peace and a fruitful outcome to planned talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, August 15.

“In this hour we ask our Lord Jesus Christ to guide these talks with mercy, to calm enmity, and to end the shedding of blood,” said His Eminence Archbishop Alexei of Sitka and Alaska. He noted the historic significance of Alaska as “a bridge between Russia and America" that was first formed spiritually by the Orthodox faith planted there by Saints Herman, Innokenty, and Yakov.

The diocese emphasized that praying for leaders is a spiritual duty rooted in Scripture, not a political act, and that Christian hospitality includes interceding for wisdom, restraint, and justice.

His Eminence asked the whole diocese to make a "three-day ascent of intercession" and announced the structure of those three days:

"... Beginning with the healing of hearts in the homes and families of Ukraine and Russia through the intercessions of Saint Olga; rising to the protection of those in harm's way through the intercessions of Saint Herman; and culminating in the intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos, our Protectress, whose icon was given to Alaska through the Russian mission. Because the hour of talks on Friday is undisclosed, we will observe that day as a general day of prayer for peace."

Schedule of services (all in local time)

• Tuesday, Aug. 12, 6 p.m. – Akathist to Saint Olga of Kwethluk, Matushka of All Alaska; a special service in Kwethluk before the relics of St. Olga will also be held.
• Wednesday, Aug. 13, 6 p.m. – Akathist to Saint Herman of Alaska; here will be a special service in Kodiak at Holy Resurrection Cathedral before his relics.
• Thursday, Aug. 14, 6 p.m. – Akathist to the Sitka Icon of the Mother of God; a special service before the wonderworking icon will be held at Saint Micahel's Cathedral in Sitka.
• Friday, Aug. 15 – Day of Prayer for Peace; churches open for quiet prayer where feasible, with bells rung at noon.

"Those unable to attend services are encouraged to pray the Akathist to the Theotokos or the Jesus Prayer at home," Archbishop Alexei stated.

The services are open to all.

Previously, UOJ reported that U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold talks in Alaska on ending the War in Ukraine.

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