Orthodox Faithful Make Annual Pilgrimage to St. Herman of Alaska

KODIAK, AK — Orthodox faithful from across Alaska and beyond gathered Aug. 7–9 for the annual pilgrimage honoring St. Herman of Alaska, whose life and missionary legacy helped lay the foundation for Orthodoxy in the region.

The pilgrimage brought together faithful from Kodiak, Sitka, Anchorage, Atka, and other communities for several days of prayer, fellowship, and worship. Abp. Alexei led the pilgrimage, which began with an Akathist before the fragrant relics of St. Herman at Holy Resurrection Cathedral.

A highlight came Aug. 8, when pilgrims crossed to Spruce Island and gathered at Monk’s Lagoon, known as St. Herman’s New Valaam. There, beneath the ancient spruce trees, Abp. Alexei celebrated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Hymns were sung in English, Church Slavonic, Unangaam Tunuu, and Tlingit, reflecting the diverse peoples and languages united in Alaska’s Orthodox faith.

The pilgrims were later welcomed with a traditional meal in Ouzinkie, a village associated with descendants of orphans once cared for by St. Herman. The weekend concluded with an All-Night Vigil, the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, and a banquet celebrating the saint’s continuing spiritual legacy.

During the festivities, Abp. Alexei also called for new clergy to serve the diocese, urging the faithful to continue the missionary work begun by Alaska’s saints. Young pilgrims, including some considering future pastoral service, found particular encouragement in the pilgrimage.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the Kuskokwim Conference celebrated the Orthodox faith among the Yup’ik people.