ANCHORAGE, AK [DOEPA]

From June 19-22, 2025, with the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Mark, a delegation from the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania was sent to Alaska to attend the Canonization Services of the Righteous Olga of Kwethluk.

On Thursday, June 19, His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, together with a delegation of hierarchs and other clergy, traveled by air to Bethel, AK. Archbishop Mark's Kelenik, Nicholas Hojnicki, traveled with His Beatitude. They continued by boat to the village of Kwethluk, St. Olga’s home, where hundreds of pilgrims had gathered together with the local faithful.

Shortly after arriving in Kwethluk, His Beatitude celebrated the final Panikhida for St. Olga at the cemetery. Following the Panikhida, her relics were carried in procession by priests to St. Nicholas Church, and placed in front of the doors of the Church where His Eminence Archbishop Michael, Secretary of the Holy Synod of Bishops, read the official Proclamation of Glorification.

His Beatitude then presided at the celebration of the All-Night Vigil. Concelebrating with His Beatitude were His Eminence Archbishop Alexei, His Grace Bishop James of Sonora (ROCOR), His Eminence Archbishop Michael, His Eminence Archbishop Daniel of Chicago, His Grace Bishop Nikodhim of Boston, His Grace Bishop Andrei of Cleveland, and His Grace Bishop Gerasim of Fort Worth, Archpriest Daniel Charles, Diocesan Chancellor, Archpriest Vasily Fisher, parish priest of St. Nicholas Church, and various other diocesan clergy.

Before the Litiya, Archbishop Alexei blessed the faithful with the new icon of St. Olga, and brought it in procession before placing it beside her relics in the center of the Church.

On Friday, June 20, His Beatitude presided at the celebration of the Primatial Divine Liturgy. Concelebrating with His Beatitude were the other hierarchs and clergy. Archbishop Alexei delivered the homily.

Following the service, the people of Kwethluk hosted the hierarchs, clergy, and pilgrims for a festive banquet at the local school.

Later that afternoon, the hierarchs and their staff returned to Bethel by boat and flew back to Anchorage.

From June 21-22, services at St. Innocent's Cathedral in Anchorage, AK, continued the celebration of St. Olga’s glorification. Archpriest Timothy Hojnicki, Vice-Chancellor of Eastern Pennsylvania, Dean of the Frackville Deanery and Rector of Holy Apostles Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, and the Mitred Archpriest Nicholas Molodyko-Harris, former Dean of St. Innocent's Cathedral in Anchorage, AK, joined the clergy and faithful in prayer and celebration.

Together, the delegation of Fathers Timothy, Nicholas, and Reader Nicholas represented the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania. The delegation would like to extend its gratitude and appreciation to His Eminence Archbishop Alexei of Sitka and Alaska, and Priest Thomas Rivas, Dean of St. Innocent's Cathedral, for their kindness and hospitality.

St. Olga of Kwethluk, pray unto God for us!

Issued by the Diocesan Media Office