Yukon Deanery Conference Unites Faith, Tradition, and Generations in Russian Mission

RUSSIAN MISSION, Alaska — Starting August 1/July 19, His Eminence Archbishop Alexei led the 2025 Yukon Deanery Conference in Russian Mission, a gathering marked by reverence, cultural memory, and childlike faith. Held as fishing season ended and berry season began, the conference brought together clergy and faithful from across the region for days of worship, fellowship, and spiritual formation.

Russian Mission — formerly Ikogmiut — was founded by Russian explorers in the 1800s and chosen in 1843 by Saint Iakov Netsvetov as the site of the Yukon’s first Orthodox church. Upon arriving at the present-day Church of the Elevation of the Holy Cross, His Eminence was greeted by faithful with warm embraces and by children bearing armfuls of fireweed, in a silent, heartfelt offering. Their gesture embodied this year’s theme: “But Jesus said, suffer little children and forbid them not to come unto Me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt. 19:14)

The conference opened with a Moleben and Akathist to newly canonized Saint Olga of Alaska, sung for the first time by Archbishop Alexei with his Yukon clergy. In his opening remarks, he reflected on the importance of childlike holiness: “If we follow Him,” Vladyka said, “He will guide us, He will teach us how to forgive, and how to change our hearts to attain the heart of a child.”

Clergy in attendance included Archpriests Daniel Charles, Stephen Heckman, Peter Askoar, Nicholai Isaac, and Maxim Isaac; Priests Ishmael Andrew and Luke Levi; and Rev. Deacon Innokenty.

Hierarchical Divine Liturgies were celebrated on Saturday and Sunday, with faithful traveling by boat and ATV from neighboring villages to take part. Preaching on the Prophet Elijah, Archbishop Alexei spoke of the prophet’s “unyielding zeal for the true faith,” “heartfelt repentance,” and “fervent, effectual prayer.”

A highlight of the weekend was the Blessing of the Headscarves, during which Vladyka reflected on the veil’s meaning as “a spiritual vestment, a ‘helmet of salvation,’ and a quiet proclamation of dignity, beauty, and faith.” He recalled the uncovering of Saint Olga’s relics, revealing three head coverings that symbolized her devotion to culture, marriage, and Christ.

Evenings featured an all-night Vigil, heartfelt singing of “Khvalite Imya Gospodne,” and warm hospitality at local homes. After Vigil, each attendee received a prayer rope from His Eminence, who encouraged them in the Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.”

On Sunday afternoon, the community gathered at the local recreation center for the General Meeting. Reports were offered by Father Daniel and Father Maxim on their recent pilgrimage to Russia, and words of encouragement were shared by Matushka Rebecca Askoar and Elder Alexandra Kozevnikoff, who addressed the gathering in Yup’ik, urging all to preserve the Orthodox faith, churches, and language.

The conference closed with a Moleben and a final group photo of clergy and children. As families departed with blessed scarves and fireweed petals scattered on the ground, Father Maxim offered parting words to the children and mothers, sending them forth with grace, strength, and the joy of living Orthodoxy in everyday life.