St. Olga of Alaska Officially Glorified in Her Hometown of Kwethluk
First North American female saint honored in historic vigil attended by hundreds of pilgrims and hierarchs.
KWETHLUK — In a historic moment for Orthodox Christians in North America, Matushka Olga of Alaska was officially glorified among the saints during an All-Night Vigil on June 19 at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in her native village of Kwethluk. Her relics were placed at the center of the church as clergy, monastics, and pilgrims from across the continent gathered to celebrate.
St. Olga, revered for her healing and spiritual care, was canonized by the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) in November 2023, becoming the first female saint of North America. A mission parish in her name opened in Edmonton, Canada, in early 2024. Her glorification comes months after her relics were solemnly uncovered in Kwethluk on November 16, 2024 – eight days after the 45th anniversary of her repose.
The vigil was attended by OCA Primate His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, His Eminence Archbishop Alexei of Sitka and Alaska, and several other hierarchs from across the U.S. and Canada, along with Bishop James of Sonora of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR). The Diocese of Alaska live-streamed the event, including the formal reading of her canonization and the first public singing of her magnification hymn.
Photo: Screenshot of Russian Orthodox Diocese of Sitka and Alaska livestream
St. Olga is now liturgically commemorated as “holy and righteous Mother Olga,” venerated as a healer and intercessor before God.
Previously, UOJ reported on the live-streaming of each service related to St. Olga's canonization throughout the weekend.
