What does a pious Orthodox life look like? For those of us in North America, who so often come from diverse, non-Orthodox backgrounds, this normative pattern of life is difficult to acquire in and must be sought out. As a result, we often find ourselves full of pious feeling, but without a normative expression of this piety being in our experience, we fall into a state of spiritual disorientation—what the Holy Fathers sometimes call prelest, or delusion—when our zeal is not yet formed by the mind of the Church.
ANCHORAGE, AK – His Eminence, +Archbishop ALEXEI of Sitka and Alaska, has announced that the following Synodal awards have been bestowed upon the clergy of the diocese:
His Grace, +Bishop Alexei gives an account of all that took place during the Uncovering of the Holy Relics of Tanqilria Arrsamquq, (Blessed Matushka Olga) in the Village of Kwethluk, Alaska on November 3rd/16th, 2024
Please join us in watching the Uncovering of the Holy Relics of Saint Olga (Arrsamquq) of Alaska that took place on November 16th, 2024 in Kwethluk, Alaska
On November 16th, 2024, His Grace, +Bishop Alexei along with Clergy and Faithful from around the Diocese embarked on a pilgrimage to Kwethluk Alaska for the Uncovering of the Holy Relics of Tanqilria Arrsamquq (Blessed Matushka Olga). Click here to read the full account of the Uncovering of the Holy Relics of Blessed Matushka Olga.
His Grace, +Bishop Alexei of Sitka and Alaska has announced that the Clergy Endowment Stipend has successfully reached its $1 Million goal. In recognition of this, His Grace has released a video thanking His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, the Holy Synod of Bishops, and the many generous parishes and faithful who have contributed to the success of the fund.
His Grace spoke at the 20th All-American Council in Baltimore, MD about the difficult situation facing the Alaskan clergy. The council passed a resolution to support the creation of this Clergy Endowment Stipend:
“Whereas Alaska is the cradle of Orthodoxy in America: Be it resolved that the 20th AAC asks the Holy Synod of Bishops to designate annually the Sunday closest to the December feast of Saint Herman, for a free-will collection from each parish in the Orthodox Church in America to support the Diocese of Alaska Clergy Endowment.”
Since successfully reaching the $1 million milestone, the Diocese of Alaska has put a governance policy in place and hired a management firm. The first disbursement is anticipated in October.
Now there are more ways to support the work of the diocese to fulfill the Great Commission. These additional giving options are easy and convenient and provide tax benefits as well.
Click here to learn more and donate today!
In this article, Father Peter writes about the ordination of Father Deacon Spiridon and describes the significance of the various liturgical moments that make up this mystery .