Abp. Alexei Leads Pilgrimage to Spruce Island Honoring St. Herman of Alaska
Faithful gather in Kodiak for annual commemoration of North America’s first canonized saint.
KODIAK — His Eminence Abp. Alexei arrived in Kodiak on Thursday, August 7 (July 25, Old Calendar), to lead the annual pilgrimage to Spruce Island in honor of St. Herman of Alaska, the first canonized saint of North America. He was welcomed by Archpriest John Dunlop, Dean of Saint Herman’s Seminary; Archpriest Innocent Dresdow, Dean and Rector of Holy Resurrection Cathedral; and local faithful.
The pilgrimage, held each August, commemorates the Glorification of St. Herman, who labored in prayer and service on Spruce Island—known in his lifetime as New Valaam—for more than 40 years. Favorable weather on Friday allowed clergy and pilgrims to travel by boat to the island, where Abp. Alexei presided at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy with several priests and deacons from the diocese.
Photo: odosa.org
In his homily, Abp. Alexei drew a parallel between St. Herman and the recently glorified St. Olga, calling them the spiritual “mother and father of the Alaskan land.” He also exhorted the faithful to let their pilgrimage inspire daily transformation:
“You have come to Spruce Island by boat, but do not leave the same way in your soul. Let your footsteps in this holy place echo in eternity… In your homes, light your lampada, read the Holy Gospel, and pray each day before sleep and rising… In your villages, protect the weak, as St. Herman did, and give freely to those in need.”
Following the Liturgy, the rain lifted as pilgrims shared a picnic provided by the faithful of Ouzinkie. Local captains, including Archpriest Innocent Dresdow, ferried participants back to Kodiak, concluding a day marked by prayer, fellowship, and the enduring legacy of St. Herman.
Previously, UOJ reported that Abp. Alexei had responded to criticisms of his brief meeting with Vladimir Putin.
