Abp. Alexei Leads St. Herman Feast in King Cove

KING COVE, AK — Orthodox Christians in King Cove gathered to celebrate the feast of their heavenly patron, St. Herman of Alaska, with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy led by Abp. Alexei. Priest Andrei Tepper and Dn. Anthony Lekanof also participated in the services.

During the celebration, Abp. Alexei reflected on St. Herman’s sacrificial service to the people of Alaska, particularly his devotion to isolated communities throughout the North. He reminded the faithful that the saint’s example remains a calling for Christians today, encouraging them to love God above all else and seek to do His will.

Following the Liturgy, representatives of the King Cove Community Health Center received a Diocesan Gramota honoring their dedicated service to local residents under difficult circumstances. Abp. Alexei also voiced the Diocese’s support for the King Cove Road initiative, saying improved access could strengthen the community’s medical services and benefit families, elders, patients, and healthcare workers.

Abp. Alexei later visited Herman “Buddy” Bendixen, a longtime King Cove resident. Bendixen and his late wife, Xenia “Rocky,” were married at the former Holy Resurrection Church in Belkofski, an Aleut village about 12 miles from King Cove. During the visit, Bendixen shared memories of the region and its people before the clergy concluded the gathering with prayer.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the Kuskokwim conference celebrated Orthodox faith among Yupik people.