Anchorage, Alaska, November 26, 2024
Photo: dzeninfra.ru
The relics of St. Olga (Arrsamquq) of Alaska were solemnly uncovered in Kwethluk, Alaska, on Saturday November 16.
The joyous event follows the November 2023 decision of the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church in America to canonize Matushka Olga, and comes in preparation of her liturgical glorification, planned for June 2025.
His Grace Bishop Alexei, head of the Orthodox Church in America’s Diocese of Sitka and Alaska, who presided over the ceremony with St. Olga’s relics, recently spoke about the uncovering in a video published on the diocesan YouTube page:
Bp. Alexei describes how several dozen participants gathered for the momentous occasion. Despite previous blizzard conditions, the weather proved favorable for the event, which many interpreted as a blessing from Matushka Olga herself.
The uncovering process, which took approximately five hours, was marked by continuous Gospel readings and careful excavation work by local priests. In a particularly moving moment, the casket was discovered just as the words, Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, were being read.
Remarkably, despite being in water for 40 years, the relics showed no signs of decay or odor, and Matushka Olga’s head covering remained intact. The relics were successfully transferred to a new casket crafted by nuns.
The formal glorification ceremony will take place in Kwethluk in mid to late June, with approximately eight bishops expected to attend. Altogether, this significant event will be celebrated three times: the main canonization in Kwethluk, followed by a second celebration at the cathedral in Anchorage, and culminating in a third celebration at the All-American Council in Phoenix in July.
The wife and children of the Fr. Michael Oleska, a great missionary priest in Alaska who was instrumental in promoting Matushka Olga’s glorification, and who reposed in the Lord one year ago, also shared testimonies about his life and dedication to the Church, while also expressing their appreciation for the community’s support following his passing.
The gathering concluded with the distribution of gifts, including icons, crosses, and earth from the site in Kwethluk where the relics were uncovered.
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