From this minute, let us strive above all else to love God and do his holy will.St. Herman of Alaska

Synaxis of All Saints of Alaska

Commemorated on September 24 , also December 12

On September 24, 1794, the first formal Orthodox Mission in North America was established in Kodiak.

St. Herman of Alaska, the Venerable Wonderworker, and First Saint of America – Commemorated December 13, November 15 and August 9

One time, St. Herman was asked, “How do you, Fr. Herman, manage to live alone in the forest, don’t you get bored?” He answered “No, I’m not alone there! There is God, and God is everywhere! There are holy angels! How can one be bored with them? With whom is it more pleasant and better to converse, angels or people? Angels, of course!”

“And I, a sinner, have been trying to love God for more than forty years, and cannot say that I perfectly love Him. If we love someone we always remember him and try to please him; day and night our heart is occupied with that object.

Is that how you, gentlemen, love God? Do you often turn to Him, do you always remember Him, do you always pray to Him and fulfill His holy commandments? ‘For our good, for our happiness at least let us make a vow that from this day, from this hour, from this minute we shall strive to love God above all else and to fulfill His holy will.‘”

+ St. Herman of Alaska

St. Juvenal first Martyr of America who arrived with St. Herman and was martyed by the local Indians in 1796.Commemorated on September 24.

St. Peter the Aleut who was a native convert martyed by Catholics in California (+1815).Commemorated on September 24.

St. Innocent (Veniaminov) of Alaska Equal to the Apostles and Enlightener of the Aleuts  who arrived in 1823 and did extensive evangelization and organizational work.Commemorated on March 31.

St. Jacob(Netsvetov) Enlightener of the Peoples of Alaska who was the first native born Orthodox priest (+July 26,1864 -Sitka, Alaska).Commemorated on July 26.

Troparion — Tone 4

Today Alaska rejoices and America celebrates,  For the new world has been sanctified by martyrdom  Kodiak echoes with songs of thanksgiving,  Iliamna and Kenai observe the festival of faith.  The Apostle and martyr Juvenaly is glorified,  And Peter the Aleut is exalted by his voluntary sacrifice,  In their devotion and love for the Lord They willingly endured persecution and death for the Truth,  Now in the Kingdom of Heaven they intercede for our souls!

Troparion of St. Herman

Blessed ascetic of the northern wilds And gracious intercessor for the whole world,Teacher of the Orthodox Faith And good instructor of piety, Adornment of Alaska and joy of all America, Holy Father Herman Pray to Christ God that He save our souls.

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