Ninilchik, Alaska, August 25, 2026
The Transfiguration of Our Lord Russian Orthodox Church in Ninilchik, Alaska, is asking for support from the faithful for ongoing restoration work. Their goal is $30,000.
“Our beloved church… has stood for generations as a place of faith, community, and shared history – and today, it needs your help,” the organizers write on their GoFundMe.
Among the organizations involved in the fundraising and restoration efforts are the Diocese of Sitka & Alaska (OCA), Russian Orthodox Sacred Sites in Alaska (ROSSIA), the National Park Service, the parish’s own Historic Preservation Committee, and dedicated parishioners.
The church is cruciform in shape, built in the traditional Russian-Alaska style. It sits on a picturesque property featuring a cemetery and overlooking the winding Yukon River. The parish does not currently have permanently assigned clergy.
The early church community was composed primarily of Russians who had married Indigenous Alaskan women, and their mixed-race of “creole” children. The dialect “Alaskan Russian” was widely spoken in the village for almost 200 years. It featured an archaic form of the Russian language, mixed with Native Alaskan (Aleut, Alutiiq, Yup’ik), and later English influences. Due to the community’s isolation, this Russian dialect continued much in its 19th century fashion. In 2013, a few elderly speakers were still alive.
Archpriest Vasily Fisher – dean of the Kenai/Prince William Sound Deanery – noted, “I am encouraged that there is interest in supporting the renovation efforts for Holy Transfiguration Church in Ninilchik. This historical area grew the seeds of faith planted by the holy missionaries, among whom was St. Peter the Aleut, who was from a village in this Kenai Peninsula Deanery. May God multiply the seeds of generosity shown by every donor!”
Through funds already raised, the parish has been able to replace the failing roof and modernize the electrical system. Parishioners are now turning their attention to a critical next phase: replacing the white protective fence that has long surrounded and safeguarded the property. Over time, it has deteriorated significantly and is now collapsing, leaving the grounds vulnerable and unsafe.
The church is seeking support to restore this essential feature, preserve the integrity of this cherished landmark, and ensure it continues to serve future generations.
“Every contribution—no matter the size—will help protect this piece of living history and keep its legacy strong.”
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