St. Herman Seminarians Begin Pilgrimage to Irkutsk

IRKUTSK, RUSSIA — A group of seminarians from St. Herman Orthodox Theological Seminary has arrived in Irkutsk for a pilgrimage designed to deepen their spiritual formation while strengthening their connection to the missionary heritage of Orthodox Christianity in Alaska.

The visit retraces, in reverse, the historic journey of St. Innocent, Enlightener of Alaska, who left the Irkutsk region in 1823 to serve as a missionary in Unalaska. During his ministry, St. Innocent learned local languages, translated Scripture and liturgical texts, established churches, and trained indigenous clergy, laying the foundation for the Orthodox Church in North America. Seminary leaders said the pilgrimage offers future clergy an opportunity to encounter the roots of that enduring missionary tradition.

While in the Irkutsk Diocese, the seminarians will participate in divine services, visit churches and monasteries, venerate holy sites, and meet local clergy, seminarians, and Orthodox youth. They will also observe the diocese's pastoral, educational, and charitable ministries as part of their preparation for future service in Alaska.

The pilgrimage follows Metr. Maximilian of Irkutsk and Angarsk's visit to the Diocese of Alaska and St. Herman Seminary last autumn, which encouraged closer ties between the two dioceses. Abp. Alexei said experiencing the places associated with St. Innocent will help the seminarians return to Alaska with a stronger commitment to serving the Church and the communities entrusted to their care.

Previously, the UOJ reported that “A Song From Her Children: The New Akathist to Our Lady of Sitka” was published.