St. Herman Pilgrimage

St. Herman Pilgrimage

August 9 and two adjoining daysThe St. Herman Pilgrimage takes place for three days on and near August 9 on Kodiak Island and nearby Spruce Island in Alaska. The pilgrimage marks the anniversary of the canonization of St. Herman by the Russian Orthodox Church in 1970. It is attended by the church's clergy and faithful Christians from Alaska, the lower 48 states, and often from other countries. The event includes services at the Holy Resurrection Cathedral in Kodiak, as well as a boat trip to Spruce Island, where St. Herman lived as a hermit in the first half of the 19th century, lovingly serving the native people and God. At Spruce Island, divine services take place at the chapel of Ss. Sergius & Herman, which was founded by St. Herman himself. Pilgrims may drink from a spring thought to be invested by St. Herman with miracle-working properties. They also pray at the remains of St. Herman, where the saint's hat and his cross and chain are displayed. In Kodiak, other pilgrimage activities include tea with the bishop and a grand banquet. Also on offer are educational talks and displays.
Saint Herman was born in Russia in 1756. As a hermetic monk, he was asked in 1793 to join a mission to North America. The group traveled to Kodiak Island to spread the news of Christianity to the native Aleut people. Eventually Herman moved to Spruce Island, where he prayed, fasted, built a chapel, and devoted himself to serving the people. His deep spirituality and healing powers led to his glorification as a saint in 1970. The first canonized American saint, Herman was also known as the Wonder Worker of Alaska.
CONTACTS:
Russian Orthodox Diocese of Alaska
P.O. Box 210569
Anchorage, AK 99521-0569
907-279-0025; fax: 907-279-9748