Akhiok Orthodox Parish Celebrates 100 Years Under Protection of the Theotokos

AKHIOK, AK — The Russian Orthodox Diocese of Sitka and Alaska celebrated the centennial of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos Church in Akhiok, honoring a century of Orthodox worship, sacrifice, and witness in the Alaska Native community.

During the centennial celebration, Abp. Alexei reflected on Akhiok’s connection to St. Peter the Aleut, an Alaska Native martyr from nearby Kaguyak. His witness, together with the faith preserved by generations of Akhiok elders, has become part of the community’s Orthodox inheritance.

Akhiok’s first church, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, was destroyed by fire twice. The parish was eventually placed under the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos, or Pokrov, a dedication understood as invoking the Mother of God’s protection over both the church and the village.

Community members recalled efforts by outside religious groups to gain converts, but said Akhiok’s Orthodox faithful remained committed to the faith handed down by their ancestors. Barbara Amodo described confronting one such group by emphasizing the community’s deep Orthodox roots.

Following the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, Abp. Alexei presented diocesan awards to Sbdn. Bernard Stallard, Amodo, and Anna White for their work restoring and preserving the historic church. The restoration, supported by tribal entities and community members, was described as preserving not merely a building, but a place of worship and the spiritual memory of the community.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the Yukon conference brought prayer, ordination, and rejoicing to Alaskan faithful.