Kodiak, Alaska, August 18, 2025
Photo: odosa.or
The Orthodox Church in America’s Diocese of Alaska hosted its annual pilgrimage in honor of the glorification of St. Herman of Alaska, the patron saint of North America, on August 7–9.
The celebrations began on the evening of Thursday, August 7 when His Eminence Archbishop Alexei of Sitka and All Alaska arrived in Kodiak, welcomed by local priests and parishioners and pilgrims, the Alaska Diocese reports.
An Akathist to St. Herman was read that night at Holy Resurrection Cathedral.
“The following morning, by the mercy of God and through the prayers of Saint Herman, seasonable weather allowed clergy and pilgrims to travel by boat to Spruce Island,” where the saint labored during his lifetime. Abp. Alexei celebrate the Divine Liturgy with several assisting clerics.
Photo: odosa.org
During his homily, the Archbishop drew parallels between St. Herman and the newly glorified St. Olga of Kwethluk:
Two lives, one spirit. Two paths, one Gospel. One was sent from Russia, the other born in Alaska. But both bore the same flame of divine love, the same courage, the same humility. They stand together now before Christ, not just as saints of the Church, but as the spiritual mother and father of the Alaskan land.
He also reflected on the importance of pilgrimage:
You have come to Spruce Island by boat, but do not leave the same way in your soul. Let your footsteps in this holy place echo in eternity. Go home with lighter hearts, with softer words, with stronger prayers. Begin now: in your homes, light your lampada, read the Holy Gospel, and pray each day before sleep and rising. In your families, speak gently, forgive quickly, and keep the fasts together with joy. In your villages, protect the weak, as Saint Herman did, and give freely to those in need. In your churches, come to the services, confess your sins, receive the Mysteries, and support your priest. In your hearts, remember the words of Saint Herman: From this day, from this hour, from this very minute—let us love God above all and do His holy will.
Photo: odosa.org
Following the Liturgy, the clergy and pilgrims enjoyed a picnic on the beach, provided by the faithful of Ouzinkie.
The pilgrimage then continued back in Kodiak with the All-Night Vigil that evening and the Divine Liturgy for the feast of St. Herman the next morning.
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