Vladimir Putin Meets with Abp. Alexei of Alaska
The Russian president presented the Archbishop of Alaska with two icons: one of St. Herman of Alaska and one of the Dormition of the Theotokos.
ANCHORAGE — Following his historic summit with Donald Trump, Russian president Vladimir Putin also met with Abp. Alexei of Sitka and All Alaska.
Putin extended greetings on behalf of Pat. Kyrill of Moscow and All Russia. Putin said that he had visited Kyrill shortly before his visit to the United States, and that the Patriarch had explained to Putin the history of Orthodoxy in Alaska and his fond memories of serving there many years ago.
Putin then presented Abp. Alexei with two icons: one of St. Herman of Alaska — whom he called "the patron of Orthodoxy in America" — and one of the Dormition of the Theotokos. Putin and Vladyka then venerated the icons together.
Abp. Alexei then presented Putin with a gift of his own, an icon given to him by the monks of Mt. Athos on the day he was elevated to the episcopacy. Noting that it has been his companion in prayer for four years, Vladyka explained that the gift was an expression of the "gratitude the native Alaskan people have for [previous] leaders of Russia, who sent missionaries [to Alaska]. For us, Russia has given us what is most precious of all, which is the Orthodox Faith, and we are forever grateful." In response, Putin stated that it was the Orthodox faith which brings Russia and America together, "it is the foundation of our relations."
The Archbishop of Alaska said that for the priest of his diocese, returning from pilgrimage to the holy places of Russia, often remark that they have been home, and that he himself receives great spiritual benefit from his pilgrimages to Russia. Mr. Putin reiterated that the Archbishop of Alaska — and by extension the Orthodox of America — "are always welcome, and when you come, please feel at home."
Before departing from Alaska, Putin also visited the graves of Soviet pilots who died during World War II while training in Alaska. He made the Sign of the Cross, knelt down, and laid flowers at each of the graves.
