Saint Tikhon of Moscow Russian Orthodox Church in Anchorage, Alaska
Saint Tikhon's was founded as a slavic speaking mission and is blessed with parishioners from many slavic nations. As such the faithful use Church Slavonic, one of the ancient liturgical languages of the Orthodox Church, as much as possible. Every year the faithful of Saint Tikhon's gather for their Nativity festival, where the children perform a Christmas play and sing carols in both English and Russian. This time together inspires the fellowship and community built at Saint Tikhon's where both English and Slavic speakers come together to welcome the Nativity of Christ! Starring and children's Nativity performance for the faithful in Anchorage, Alaska
Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Kodiak, Alaska
Under the peaceful warm glow of the candle lit church, the faithful were blessed to keep Vigil, and receive Holy Communion at the relics of Saint Herman of Alaska on the evening of December 13th/25th for the Feast Day of Saint Herman. This spiritual oasis in the middle of the Nativity Fast served to strengthen the community and extended a special grace to the catechumens in preparation for Holy Illumination. The Fathers were blessed to baptize one infant the Sunday before Nativity and 9 adults and children on the Eve of Nativity. Sharing in this joy of the growing community gave new energy to the joyous proclamation, Christ is Born! Glorify Him! Even before starring began parishioners gathered to feast and spend the entire Nativity Feastday together. The faithful followed the star after Nativity Vespers to the rectory and after many homes throughout the week concluded the Sunday after Nativity by Starring with Elders at the Elder House and praying with them as they were being communed.Newly illumined faithful on the Eve of Nativity Starring in one of the homes in Kodiak, Alaska A little girl ascends the steps to the temple for the celebration of Our Lord's Birth!
Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Juneau, Alaska
In preparation for our Lord’s Nativity, the parish was adorned with two Christmas trees harvested by parish youth, along with lights and other festal decor. An atmosphere of warmth, joy, and expectation filled the space as the faithful celebrated the Royal Hours, Vesperal Liturgy, and Vigil on Christmas Eve. After Divine Liturgy on Nativity, hymns and carols were sung with great joy. The parish gathered later that evening for Vespers where Father Maxim made new catechumens from a nearby island. The Starring began following the service. Carols were sung in Slavonic, Tlingit, Unangam Tunuu, Yugtun, and English, incorporating the traditions of those participating with origins in multiple Alaskan villages. Starring began at the Church, and then proceeded to the cemetery to announce the glad tidings of Christ’s Incarnation to those resting there. They continued the evening and successive nights following the Star like the Magi, celebrating the good news of Christ’s birth in many homes in the community. In each of the homes, the group was received warmly with food and fellowship. The faithful also visited nursing homes, sharing the joy of the season with Orthodox and non-Orthodox alike. The light and joy of our Lord’s birth has shone brightly and warmly on the faithful in Juneau this Nativity season.Father Maxim Gibson celebrating the Festal Vigil on Nativity Eve Starring at the cemetery in Juneau, Alaska, joyously announcing the Savior's incarnation Saint Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Sitka, Alaska
In Sitka, in addition to the festal divine services three longstanding traditions are observed. Every year on the feast day of Saint Nicholas, a decorating party is held in which the children have the honor of decorating the Cathedral, with a little guidance from the adults. After the Divine Liturgy on the morning of Our Lord’s Holy Nativity, the Saint Michael’s sisterhood hands out gift bags to all the children that they have lovingly prepared. These gift bags are put together via donations and various fundraising efforts.Then, on the evening of the feast, the faithful gather for Great Vespers, followed by the tradition of Starring, which first happens at the rectory, where a large meal is served, and then goes to the homes of the faithful, the senior center, the hospital, the clan houses, and various other places over the course of the next week. One house that everyone especially looks forward to each year is the beloved Tlingit Elder Herman Davis’ house, where after the starring hymns, which he knows by heart, Herman sings “The Little Drummer Boy” and everyone joins in.Altar boys spinning the star following the Divine Liturgy on Nativity "Sacred Alaska" Film poster presented at Elder Herman Davis' house