His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon Presides at the Glorification of the Righteous Olga of Kwethluk
On June 18, 2025, His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon traveled to Alaska to preside at the services for the glorification of the Righteous Olga of Kwethluk, where hundreds of pilgrims gathered for the event from across Alaska and North America.
His Beatitude and his delegation, which included Archpriest Alessandro Margheritino, Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America and Deacon Alexander Woodill, were greeted at the Anchorage airport on Wednesday, June 18, by His Eminence Archbishop Alexei of Sitka and Alaska, along with diocesan clergy and faithful.
On Thursday morning, June 19, His Beatitude, together with a delegation of hierarchs and other clergy, traveled by air to Bethel, AK. They then 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 from 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), 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 Litya, 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 the morning of 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, where the celebration of St. Olga’s glorification will continue this weekend at the Diocesan Cathedral.
Recordings of the livestreams for the Vigil and the Divine Liturgy are available on the Diocese of Alaska’s YouTube channel.
Holy and Righteous Mother Olga of Kwethluk, Wonderworker, Matushka of All Alaska, pray to God for us!