Convening of Canonical Commission of the OCA in Alaska

FEAST OF THE MEETING OF THE LORD, CHANCERY OFFICE, ANCHORAGE: The Canonization Commission of the Orthodox Church in America and the Orthodox Diocese of Sitka and Alaska convened from February 15 to February 18 in order to make preparations for the canonization of our beloved Arrsamquq, Blessed  Matushka Olga Michael of Kwethluk. This solemn endeavor was initiated following the formal proclamation at the 2023 Regular Fall Session of the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church in America where the sanctity of the Matushka of all the first peoples of Alaska and by extension all Orthodox peoples was recognized by the Church, thus marking the commencement of the canonization process for the Blessed Matushka Olga of Alaska.

His Eminence, Archbishop Daniel of Chicago and the Midwest, Chairman of the Canonization Commission, commenced His visit to Alaska on Thursday, February 15, where he was warmly received by our Vladika, Bishop Alexei of Sitka and Alaska. His Eminence was accompanied by Father Alexander Koranda, Dean of Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral in Chicago, Illinois.

The clergy of the Kuskokwim warned the hierarchs that blizzard conditions made travel to Kwethluk dangerous and unadvisable. Respecting both the weather and the voice of the concerned clergy,  the hierarchs postponed their travel to Kwethluk, the home and resting place of Arrsamquq. In Kwethluk, the plan was set to have a gathering of the local faithful of the region to discuss the logistics of the glorification celebrations and Matushka Olga’s final resting place. Bishop Alexei has sent a message to the region ensuring the faithful of his plan for an archpastoral visit to hear their voices before the Spring Session of the Holy Synod.

Over February 16^th and 17^th, several meetings were held at the Diocesan Chancery office in Anchorage. Present on the first day of meetings were Vladyka Alexei, Vladyka Daniel, Father Daniel Charles (Chancellor), Father Alexander Koranda, Father Simeon Johnson (Vice-chancellor), and Father Deacon Thomas Rivas. During these meetings, various subjects were discussed and planned. The location of the glorification service and the final resting place of Matushka Olga were discussed extensively. The possibility of building a beautiful new, Orthodox temple on the Kuskokwim in honor of Matushka Olga of Alaska was explored. In addition to a new temple fit to house her holy relics, there was also a discussion of building a place for hospitality where future pilgrims from the diocese and from those abroad could stay when in pilgrimage to Kwethluk.  To the glory of God, Bishop Alexei agreed to commission an official icon of Blessed Matushka Olga of Alaska that will serve as the standard icon for her throughout the Diocese of Alaska.



Following these meetings, Archbishop Daniel and Father Alexander were guided on a tour of Saint Tikhon of Moscow Russian Orthodox Church in South Anchorage. Archpriest Thomas Andrew welcomed both hierarchs for an afternoon visit to this beautiful parish. The day concluded with the uplifting and prayerful hierarchical concelebration of the All-night vigil at Saint Innocent Russian Orthodox Cathedral.

The following day, Zacchaeus Sunday, His Grace, Bishop Alexei presided over the concelebration of the hierarchical divine liturgy at Saint Innocent Russian Orthodox Cathedral. Bishop Alexei delivered an edifying homily on being attentive, listening, moving, being open, and changing as the course of every Orthodox Christian life that mirrors the story of Zaccheus who would not let anything stand between him and Christ, internally or externally. His Grace’s words encouraged the faithful to rejoice in the glad tidings that the time of repentance is drawing near, a time of change, a time of joy, and a time of God’s mercy that endureth forever.

After the hierarchical Divine Liturgy, Bishop Alexei officially welcomed his brother hierarch, the Most-reverend Archbishop Daniel and asked for His Eminence to speak to the faithful about the canonization process for Blessed  Matushka Olga and the purpose of his visit to the sacred mother Diocese of Sitka and Alaska. “Matushka Olga is not only being glorified for the faithful of Alaska, or even the faithful of America, but for the entire Orthodox Church. Her story of constant and steadfast faith and peace will be an inspiration for all of those who walk along the path of Christ.” His Eminence also spoke on the need for her story to be collected and reported so that the Commission in particular, and the Orthodox Church in general, will have the fullest account of her life. This is an important labor as her life will be read for generations as a source of inspiration for all seeking Christ.

Following the veneration of the Precious Cross, the faithful broke bread together, providing an opportunity for them to share their stories and thoughts on Blessed Matushka Olga. Several elders, who had the great privilege of personally experiencing the holiness and love of Matuhska Olga, shared their heartfelt reflections on the impending canonization. Each of the elders attested to Matushka Olga’ love and care for her people, never turning away anyone in need. She was a constant source of the light and comfort of Christ within Kwethluk. Matushka Anna Andrew, Matushka to Mitred Archpriest Jonah and local of Kwethluk spoke on the necessity of pilgrimage to the place where the Saint lived, which can open people’s hearts and minds to the life of the Yupik people. She spoke about how she met her husband, Father Jonah, and how important living in the village of Kwtheluk was for her in understanding how Matushka Olga was able to live a life sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Matushka Xenia Oleska spoke of how important it is for her to continue to be with her people as a healing presence for a region with much pain and suffering. The hierarchs concluded by encouraging those with memories, stories, or testimonies of miracles attributed to Matushka Olga to submit them to the Diocese of Alaska for the edification of the Church.
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Bishop Alexei expressed his gratitude for Archbishop Daniel's visit, stating that it was a blessing that facilitated many fruitful discussions regarding the forthcoming stages of Saintly Matushka Olga's glorification process. From here, His Grace will be releasing plans in the near future for an archpastoral visit to the Kuskokwim region and the immediate commission of a new icon of Matuhska Olga of Alaska. His Grace has also appointed Archpriest Martin Nicholai and Archpriest Maxim Isaac to begin the composition of the liturgical texts in Yupik. Bishop Alexei prays that all liturgical services for the Blessed Olga will be available in Yupik, Church Slavonic, and English. In his concluding words, Bishop Alexei told the elders that we are blessed to have them and that they have a blessed task before them: to tell us everything about Blessed Matushka Olga, so that those who were not so blessed to know her in life can know her now, even as we know our Lord in part through the Holy Gospel, the heart of our very lives.