Abp. Alexei Reaches Remote Aleutian Parish After Weather Delays

NIKOLSKI, AK — After three weather-delayed attempts to reach one of the nation's most remote Orthodox communities, Abp. Alexei arrived in Nikolski this month, where he praised the enduring faith and resilience of the village's residents and reaffirmed the importance of preserving Orthodox life in Alaska's Aleutian Islands.

The visit to St. Nicholas Orthodox Church highlighted a parish that has endured isolation, devastating fires, and decades of population decline while remaining a center of spiritual life on Umnak Island. Founded during the Russian era by explorer John Kriukov, the parish was rebuilt after earlier fires, including under the guidance of St. Innocent Veniaminov. The current church, completed in 1930 by Sergei Sovoroff and Joseph Krukoff, continues to serve generations of Orthodox Christians who have worshipped, celebrated baptisms, and buried loved ones there for nearly two centuries.

Abp. Alexei was joined by Julia (Yulita) Dushkin, Starosta Gregory Shapsnikoff of Holy Ascension Cathedral, and Dcn. Anthony Lekanof, all of whom share deep ties to Alaska's Orthodox communities. During the trip, the Archbishop blessed Nikolski's newly completed community center, a project made possible through the Aleutian Pribilof Island Community Development Association and the Native Village of Nikolski. Although poor weather prevented the celebration of Divine Services, he emphasized that sustaining villages like Nikolski preserves not only homes, but also the faith, culture, and traditions that have shaped Orthodox life in the Aleutians for generations. Abp. Alexei also expressed hope of visiting additional communities throughout the Aleutian Deanery, including Akutan, False Pass, King Cove, and Sand Point.

Previously, the UOJ reported that an Alaskan diocese continued its search for the relics of St. Yakov Netsvetov.