Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, May 26, 2026
Holy Virgin of Vladimir Orthodox parish in Saipan, led by Fr. Nectarios Yangson. Photo: orthodoxsaipan.org
The Holy Virgin of Vladimir Orthodox Church in Saipan, the first and only Orthodox parish in the entire Micronesia region, is leading a grassroots effort to provide emergency relief following the devastation of Super Typhoon Sinlaku.
The parish is led by Fr. Nectarios Yangson, custodian of the wonderworking Hawaiian Iveron Icon.
The Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. Commonwealth territory in the western Pacific Ocean, suffered a direct hit from the super typhoon during April 13-16. The islands of Saipan and Tinian experienced catastrophic damage, with the entire electrical grid rendered non-operational and many communities left without water. Officials have provided no timeline for restoration of power, with some estimates extending up to six months, according to the parish’s GiveSendGo campaign.
The island of Tinian, home to approximately 1,000 people including 300 children, faces the most severe conditions. Residents have no water, food, or fuel. Many who lost their homes have been sleeping in their cars, and some have gone without meals for days.
With Fr. Nectarios’ blessing, the Orthodox community is funding fuel for relief vessels operated by traditional navigator captains from the Caroline Islands. These captains have dedicated their power boats, many converted from former military vessels, to transport supplies to affected communities. The vessels can carry up to 5,000 pounds of supplies per trip and have been making daily voyages since the storm passed.
A roundtrip circuit from Saipan to Tinian, Rota, and Guam—where supplies are most readily available—costs approximately $4,000 in fuel. Trips between Saipan and Tinian alone cost less. The parish is collecting funds exclusively for fuel purchases to sustain these relief missions, which are expected to continue for several months given the extent of infrastructure damage.
As of this writing, the parish has raised $23,100 toward its goal of $40,000. Those wishing to contribute or learn more may visit orthodoxsaipan.org. Donations can be made through the campaign page on GiveSendGo.
The Orthodox community asks for prayers for the people of the Northern Mariana Islands and support for this ongoing relief effort.
Follow OrthoChristian on Facebook, Twitter, Vkontakte, Telegram, WhatsApp, MeWe and Gab!
