Abp. Alexei Leads Feast of the Cross Services in Nanwalek

NANWALEK, AK — Abp. Alexei visited the Orthodox community of Nanwalek for an archpastoral visit coinciding with the Feast of the Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross. Accompanied by Dn. Anthony and Matushka Lucia, the Archbishop traveled from Homer and was warmly received by parishioners. Fr. Ishmael of nearby Port Graham also joined the community for the weekend.

During Vigil and the Divine Liturgy, Abp. Alexei emphasized the Cross as a call to repentance, forgiveness, and unity. He urged the faithful to bring personal and communal wounds beneath the Cross rather than allowing past grievances to divide the parish. He stressed that Christian unity comes through belonging to Christ and His Church.

A community meeting during the visit provided an opportunity for parishioners to speak with the Archbishop, ask questions, and discuss the future of Orthodox life in Nanwalek. Abp. Alexei encouraged the faithful to preserve the Orthodox faith received through generations of Alaskan saints and believers, including St. Herman, St. Innocent, and St. Yakov.

The visit also resulted in concrete steps for the parish’s future. A parish council was established, along with a building committee tasked with working toward construction of a new Orthodox church. The initiative was presented as a sign of the community’s desire to continue Orthodox worship and life in Nanwalek to its fullest.

The visit concluded with Abp. Alexei returning to Homer by boat, after services, fellowship, and discussions focused on strengthening the local Orthodox community.

Previously, the UOJ reported that OCA and ROCOR hierarchs concelebrated at an Old Rite parish in Alaska.