Abp. Alexei Visits Bethel, Honors Legacy of Righteous Matushka Olga

BETHEL, AK — His Eminence Abp. Alexei of Sitka and Alaska made an archpastoral visit to St. Sophia Russian Orthodox Church in Bethel, where clergy and faithful from across the Yukon-Kuskokwim region gathered for prayer, recognition of pastoral service, and reflection on the enduring legacy of the newly glorified Righteous Matushka Olga of Kwethluk.

The visit began with a pilgrimage stop in Kwethluk, where Abp. Alexei was welcomed by Archpriest Martin Nicolai and Priest Stephen Epchook. Together, they offered prayers and hymns from the Akathist to Righteous Matushka Olga, whose glorification in 2025 continues to draw pilgrims from across North America. During an earlier visit to Anchorage, Archbishop Alexei had received a hand-sewn scarf from Ivana Stankovic and her family of Chicago, who had hoped to make a pilgrimage to Kwethluk. Unable to complete the journey, they entrusted the scarf to the archbishop as an offering in honor of Matushka Olga and as an object of veneration for those seeking healing and God's mercy.

The archbishop's visit to Bethel then brought together Orthodox faithful from communities throughout Western Alaska for Hierarchical Vigil and Divine Liturgy. Concelebrating with Abp. Alexei were Priest Michael Trefon II, Archpriest Ishmael Andrew of Oscarville, Dn. Anthony Lekanof of Anchorage, and Dn. Andrew Mesak of Oscarville. Sacred music was provided by a choir directed by Anastasia "Ana" Hoffman and joined by singers from Bethel, Napaskiak, and Oscarville, including former U.S. Representative Mary Peltola.

During the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, Abp. Alexei recognized the ministry of two Alaska clergy. At the Little Entrance, Fr. Ishmael Andrew was elevated to the dignity of archpriest in recognition of his years of service among the people of the Yukon-Kuskokwim region. The Archbishop also awarded Fr. Michael Trefon II the right to wear the gold cross, honoring his pastoral leadership at St. Sophia Parish.

A major focus of the visit was the recognition of individuals and organizations whose efforts contributed to the historic glorification of Righteous Matushka Olga. Abp. Alexei presented diocesan gramotas to numerous recipients, including KYUK, the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, Bethel Search and Rescue, Donlin Gold, community leaders, volunteers, benefactors, and local residents whose work supported last year's celebrations. The awards recognized not only those present but also the many volunteers whose efforts helped make the glorification a landmark event in the history of Orthodox Alaska.

Following the Divine Liturgy, Abp. Alexei delivered a presentation on the Icon of the Last Judgment, emphasizing its theological significance and its traditional role in the spiritual life of Alaska's Orthodox communities. Local elders reflected on the Yup'ik concept of Ukaniku, meaning "in the near future," recalling how previous generations viewed the icon not as a source of fear, but as a reminder to live each day in preparation for eternity.

Concluding the gathering, Abp. Alexei thanked the faithful for what he described as the strongest participation he had yet witnessed in the region and expressed his hope of returning to the Kuskokwim for the second anniversary of the glorification of Righteous Matushka Olga.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Abp. Alexei delivered the commencement address at St. Herman Seminary.