News
Diocese Continues Search for Relics of St. Yakov Netsvetov in Alaska
The Orthodox Diocese of Sitka and Alaska continues its careful search for the hidden relics of St. Yakov Netsvetov, trusting that God will reveal the missionary saint’s resting place at the proper time.
SITKA, AK — The Orthodox Diocese of Sitka and Alaska (OCA) continues its prayerful search for the holy relics of St. Yakov Netsvetov, a renowned missionary priest and enlightener of Alaska’s Native peoples, whose burial place is believed to be near the former site of Holy Trinity Church in Sitka. Although historical records indicate that the saint was buried outside the church doors after his repose in 1864, the exact location of his grave remains unknown.
Over the years, the wooden church and cross that once marked the burial site were lost to Alaska’s harsh climate, leaving the location hidden beneath the earth. The Diocese emphasizes, however, that the absence of a visible grave does not diminish the saint’s continuing spiritual presence or his prayers for the people he served.
The modern effort to locate the relics began in 2015 under the late Abp. David, who authorized the use of ground-penetrating radar at the historic site. After a pause following his repose, the search was renewed with the blessing of Abp. Alexei. Volunteers cleared overgrown vegetation from the area, allowing further investigations to take place.
In cooperation with the National Park Service, the Diocese has since conducted additional ground-penetrating radar surveys and brought specially trained bloodhounds to assist in identifying historic burials. These efforts have helped researchers better understand the former church’s location and possible burial areas, but St. Yakov’s grave has not yet been confirmed.
The Diocese is now exploring additional non-invasive technologies, including LIDAR and magnetometer surveys, while continuing to entrust the search to God’s providence. Church leaders ask the faithful to pray that the saint’s resting place may be revealed if it is God’s will and that it may become a place of pilgrimage, healing, and renewed missionary zeal.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Abp. Alexei visited Bethel and honored the legacy of Righteous Matushka Olga.
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