The Diocese

We are the mother diocese of the Orthodox Church in America. Our beginnings date back to the 18th century, when Catherine the Great of Russia sent monastic missionaries to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the native peoples of Alaska.

The Great Commission (Matt 28:16-20) remains the sole purpose of the diocese today.  Through its seminary, the diocese  prepares spiritually mature Orthodox Christian men for ordination to the Holy Diaconate and Priesthood. The seminary also provides the necessary theological, liturgical, and moral foundations nurturing various vocations. Therefore, the seminary curriculum is arranged to prepare readers, catechists, religious educators, and counselors, as well as deacons and priests.

The diocese along with the seminary have integrated the preservation of native Alaskan heritage with the Great Commission. Seminary students receive an introduction to Alaska native liturgical languages such as Yup’ik, Alutiiq/Sugpiaq, Unangan/Aleut, Tlingit and others. Introduction to conversational Yup’ik is also being offered. Church Slavonic, a rich part of the religious experience of the peoples of Alaska, is also being taught. The seminary will continue to expand its native language offerings as resources become available.

We have a large number of Yup'ik, Tlingit, and Alutiiq texts right here on the website for viewing.

The diocese is also committed to meeting the material needs of her flock. The Orthodox Care Network of Alaska is a program that enables anyone to help provide for the basic needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ across the state.

We invite you to learn more about the diocese and the ancient Orthodox Christian faith. Please feel free to contact our office if you have any questions.

Consider supporting the work of the Diocese of Sitka and Alaska. Donate today.

May the Lord God bless and keep you always!