Spruce Island Books Pledges 50% of Revenue to Native Alaskan Families

SITKA — From now until Friday, Spruce Island Books will donate half the revenue collected from its Kickstarter to the Western Alaska Relief Fund.

The Kickstarter was launched to support the publication of Spruce Island’s first book, Daily Prayers of the Orthodox Church. So far, the Kickstarter has raised more than $22,000—exceeding its $15,000 goal. Until November 21 (when the Kickstarter ends), 50% of revenue will go to supporting those affected by Typhoon Halong.

Earlier this year, Halong displaced over 1,500 residents and damaged homes and churches on the Alaskan coast. Some villages may be uninhabitable until 2027. Nearly all of those affected by the storm are Native Alaskans, the majority of whom are members of the Orthodox Church.

Daily Prayers of the Orthodox Church features Morning and Evening Prayers, plus Akathists to St. Herman of Alaska and St. Olga of Alaska—and more. Its red-and-black illustrations are inspired by traditional Yupik sacred art.

Donors to the Kickstarter may also receive:

Prayer ropes from Mt. Athos
Spruce Island Books beanies
Icons of St. Herman blessed against his relics

Spruce Island Books is the official publisher of the Diocese of Alaska (OCA), which is often called the “Mother Church of the New World.” The relief fund assists elders and families in remote areas still recovering from the typhoon’s impact.

Recently, the UOJ published an update on the devastation caused by Halong.