2nd Sunday after Pentecost

Христос међу нама! Christ is in our midst! Cristo esta entra nosotros!

Homily on the Second Sunday of Pentecost

Fr. Basil Zebrun

Each year, two weeks after Pentecost (this year June 22), Orthodox Christians celebrate the feast of All Saints of North America. Along with the Venerable Herman of Alaska, eighteen other men are specifically remembered by the faithful, in addition to unnamed saints whose blessedness is known only to God. 



Furthermore, according to one list there are as many as twelve Orthodox Christians not yet glorified (canonized), but whose sacrificial efforts in America merit serious consideration in order to begin the formal process. At least one is a woman, Matushka Olga Michael of Alaska (reposed November 8, 1979). She is revered especially for her humility, charitable works, and for helping victims of abuse.       

The significance of these commemorations is multi-faceted but denotes significant development on the part of our local territorial Church. The celebration of North American Saints is a comforting sign of the Spirit’s activity in the “New World.” Equally important, however, the feast celebrates people on this continent who responded to the prompting of the Spirit, paving the way for future generations. Their receptivity to the Spirit’s presence indicates ecclesiastical maturity, a spiritual awareness among people of genuine faith and love, “who hear the Word of God and keep it” (Luke 11:28). 

It has been said that, “you cannot save what you do not love,” or conversely “you can only save what you love.” The North American Saints bear witness to this truth. In their missionary efforts they were motivated by love for God, for those made in His image, and for this country. Emulating Christ they embodied the New Commandment to, “love one another (love the world) as I have loved you” (John 13:34-35; John 3:16). They identified with those to whom they preached and as a result, “thousands around (them were) saved” (St. Seraphim of Sarov).  

In a March, 1972 editorial, as the OCA was still embracing its identity as an Autocephalous Church, Fr. John Meyendorff shared his thoughts on love as the foundation of missionary activity in America. He stated that, “Mission is not only ‘preaching,’ not only talking about God, or promoting ‘our thing.’ Mission is not a Christian commercial. It is a witness and an act of love. It implies love for those to whom it is directed, and love means self-giving, not simply giving something.”

Fr. John went on to say, “The Orthodox mission in Alaska had been successful in the past not so much because it was financially supported from Russia, but mainly because St. Herman stayed with his Aleutians until his death, and because a few real missionaries, like St. Innocent Veniaminov, gave their whole life to the people they wanted to evangelize.” (Meyendorff, John, Witness to the World, St. Vladimir Seminary Press, Crestwood, NY, 1987, pages 188-189). 

As a further example, the blessed Tikhon the Confessor, Enlightener of North America, publicly articulated his compassion for the American people in very personal terms. Upon his arrival to New York on December 12, 1898, he lamented leaving behind his motherland, friends and family. He reassured his new flock, however, with words from the prophet Hosea, "I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people..." (Hosea 2:23). He told them essentially that, just as I was one with the people of Russia, and loved them, so I am now one with you, and I love you also. (Orthodox America: 1794-1976, Orthodox Church in America, Dept. of History and Archives, Syosset, NY. 1975, p. 90).    

In our day, wherever the American Church reaps the spiritual rewards of evangelism, the sincerity and kindness of her missionaries are almost certainly evident. Conversely, that which often hinders the contemporary Christian witness is lack of love, lack of identification among the faithful with that which they seek to transform. An ever-present temptation is to remain aloof not only from specific individuals, but from the public square, positioning the Church against society and society against the Church. The implicit message – to the detriment of Christ’s followers – is often understood in black and white terms: i.e., the Church, and therefore those within it are good; society however, is evil. 

Such an approach is counter-productive to the Church’s mission. It meshes well with modern tendencies toward individualism and isolationism, while ignoring a basic fact: that society, like the Church, is not a faceless, anonymous entity. It is not a “thing” to be converted. Christians help make up society, as well as the world in need of repentance that Christ came to redeem. The faithful who daily “work out their salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12) are intimately connected to that which is often squared off against the Body of Christ itself. Candidly speaking, the world that crucified Christ is our world.

While remaining vigilant, discerning, and faithful to the Gospel, it would seem that part of a Christian’s responsibility in America is to embrace that which is good in the neighbor and within American culture, building upon these positives, enriching and fulfilling them in the light of Orthodoxy. A quote from St. Paul's letter to the Philippians comes to mind: 

“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8).

This attitude of openness was evident in the Apostle’s preaching to the men of Athens when he revealed to them the identity of their “unknown god” (Acts 17:16-33). It assuredly characterized the approach of the North American Saints who became “one” with the people of this continent. While laying the foundation of Faith in this new land, St. Herman, St. Juvenaly and those with them, and later St. Innocent, sought commonalities -- points of contact -- with the indigenous population that could facilitate the dissemination of the Good News. (See especially Fr. Michael Oleksa’s impressive work, Orthodox Alaska: A Theology of Mission, St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, Crestwood, NY, 1992).

Appealing to the above passage from Philippians Fr. Alexander Schmemann commented on Orthodox activity in America: “…we must, without denying any genuine value of our Eastern cultural and spiritual heritage, open ourselves towards Western culture and make our own whatever in it ‘is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious’" (Philippians 4:8). (The Task of Orthodox Theology in America Today, September 1966).

This spirit of sensitivity remains a guiding principle to those who follow in the Saints’ footsteps. It is a sign of ecclesiastical maturity within parishes and dioceses whose members seek to identify with those around them, while imparting the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Commemorating St Cyril Archbishop of Alexandria, St Columba of Iona Enlightener of Scotland, Martyrs Thecla, Mariamne, Martha, Mary and Ennatha Five Nuns beheaded in Persia, Venerable Cyril, Iguman of White Lake, Venerable Alexander Iguman of Kushta Vologda, St John of Shavta-Gelati, St David Gareji and Venerable Lucian spiritual son of St David

RESURRECTIONAL TROPARION — TONE 1

When the stone had been sealed by the Jews, while the soldiers were guarding Your most pure body, You rose on the third day, O Savior, granting life to the world. The powers of heaven therefore cried to You, O Giver of Life: “Glory to Your Resurrection, O Christ! Glory to Your Kingdom! Glory to Your dispensation, O Lover of mankind!”

HOLY FATHER NICHOLAS TROPARION — TONE 4

Truth revealed you to your flock as a rule of faith, an image of humility and a teacher of abstinance . Your humility exalted you; your poverty enriched you. O Father and Bishop Nicholas, intercede with Christ our God that our souls may be saved.

ALL SERBIAN MARTYRS TROPARION — TONE 8

Because of your faithfulness to God and His Truth, you suffered in the body, the earth grieved, but your souls were saved, the heavens rejoiced, and your ancestors sang, meeting you at the heavenly gates with the song: “Your names are in the Book of Life, enter paradise, O children of Immortality.” We your kinsmen cry out to you on earth: O New Martyrs, pray to God for us!

ALL SAINTS OF NORTH AMERICA TROPARION — TONE 8

As a bountiful harvest of Your sowing of salvation, the lands of North America offer to You, O Lord, all the saints who have shone in them. By their prayers keep the Church and our land in abiding peace, through the Theotokos, O Most Merciful One!

RESURRECTIONAL KONTAKION — TONE 1

As God, You rose from the tomb in glory, raising the world with Yourself. Human nature praises You as God, for death has vanished. Adam exults, O Master! Eve rejoices, for she is freed from bondage and cries to You: “You are the Giver of Resurrection to all, O Christ!”

HYMN TO THE MOTHER OF GOD KONTAKION — TONE 6

Steadfast Protectress of Christians and constant Advocate before the Creator; despise not the cry of us sinners, but come speedily to help those who call on You in faith. Hasten to hear our petition and to intercede for us, O Theotokos, for You always protect those who honor You!

READERS:

This Week: Matins: Nicholas Ressetar Epistle: Teddy Sukhernik

Next Week: Matins: Milan Radanovic Epistle: Ruby Cangialosi

EPISTLE: Romans 2:10-16

DEACON:      Let us pay attention. 

PRIEST:        Peace be unto all!

READER:      And with your spirit!

DEACON:      Wisdom.

READER:      The Prokeimenon in the First Tone: Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us as we have set our hope on You!

CHOIR:          Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us as we have set our hope on You!

READER: v: Rejoice in the Lord, O your righteous! Praise befits the just!

CHOIR: Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us as we have set our hope on You!

READER: Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us ...

CHOIR: … as we have set our hope on You!

DEACON: Wisdom!

READER: The Reading is from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Romans.

DEACON: Let us attend!

READER: Brothers and Sisters, glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God. For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.

PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader!

READER: And with your spirit! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

READER: God gives vengeance unto me, and subdues people under me.

CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

READER: He magnifies the salvation of the King and deals mercifully with David, His anointed, and his seed forever.

CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

АПОСТОЛ: Римљанима 2:10-16

Ђакон:           Пазимо

Свештеник: Мир свима!

Читач:           I Духу Твоме!

Ђакон:           Премудрост

Читач : ПРОКИМЕН- глас 1 Нека буде милост Твоја, Господе, на нама, као што се уздасмо у Тебе.

Хор: Нека буде милост Твоја, Господе, на нама, као што се уздасмо у Тебе.

Читач: Веселите се, праведници, пред Господом, праведнима доликује похвала.

Хор: Нека буде милост Твоја, Господе, на нама, као што се уздасмо у Тебе.

Читач: Нека буде милост Твоја, Господе,

Хор: на нама, као што се уздасмо у Тебе.

Ђакон: Премудрост

Читач: Читање је од посланице Светог апостола Павла до Римљанима

Ђакон: Пазимо

Читач: Браћо, слава и част и мир свакоме који чини добро, а најприје Јудејцу и Јелину; Јер Бог не гледа ко је ко. Јер који без закона сагријешише, без закона ће и изгинути; а који под законом сагријешише, по закону ће се осудити. Јер нису праведни пред Богом они који слушају закон, него ће се оправдати они који испуњавају закон. Јер кад незнабошци немајући закона чине од природе што је по закону, они немајући закон сами су себи закон; Они доказују да је у срцима њиховим написано оно што је по закону, пошто свједочи савјест њихова, и пошто се мисли њихове међу собом оптужују или оправдавају, на дан када Бог узасуди тајне људске по јеванђељу мојему кроз Исуса Христа.

Свештеник: Мир свима Читачу!

Читач: I Духом Твоме! Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа

Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа

Читач: Бог ми даје освету и покорава ми народе.

Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа

Читач: Славно избављаш цара свога и чиниш милост помазанику своме Давиду и потомству његовом до вјека.

Хор: Алилуиа, Алилуиа, Алилуиа

~Prayers for the Faithful~

In Our Prayers

Metropolitan Paul, Archbishop Youhanna, Protinica Ljubica Jockovic, Protopresbyter Rodney Torbic, V. Rev. Protostavrofor Ilija Balach, V. Rev. Protostavrofor Joseph Fester, Father Gabriel Rochelle, Protinica Ana Stepanov, Popadija Sara Golic, Matushka Barbara Ealy, the child Katie Elizabeth and her parents Mileva and Michael Repasky, the child Louise Bare and her parents Zachary & Elizabeth, Catherine Lewis and the newborn Caleb Ereno, Jessica Crowe and the newborn Maverick Archer, Emma Howell and the newborn Evelyn Caryn, Bethany Peterson and the child to be born of her, Mileva Repasky and the child to be born of her, Jensen Swartz and the child to be born of her, Kyranna Baker and the child to be born of her, Michelle Adams, Addy Andy, Kevin Appleby, Lori Bare, Elijah Barnett, Christina Berchock, Dori & Doug Bert, Jonathan Bertsch, Carole Blitva, Stephan and Barbara Blitva, Jason Brill, Voni Brown, Guiliana & Aleksandar Carricato, Maria Chigrintseva, Susan & Jim Cibort, Leann Cox, Victoria Cox, Tommy & Kara (Blitva) Dorsey, Edward Dry, JoAnn Filepas, Anaya Garvin, Eric Garvin, Christian & Melanie Geib, Michael Geppert III, Dr Andrea Govelovich, Nick & Terry Govelovich, Kata Gruich, George Gutshall, Dan Hazlett, Travis Heilman, Adam Herigan, Edith Herigan, Kay Himes, Nicole Stefan Imschweiler, Susan Jacobs, Slobodan Jovicic, Tony Kepp, Myong Sook Kim, Caryn Kiraly, Nadine Klipa, Dorothy Krnjaich, Dragica Kuzmanovic, Henry Laichak, Peter Lalic, Dragan Lalovic, Stella Wren Lappas, Sue Leis, Jovan Lemajic, Dick Livingston, Maggie Livingston, Stephen Lundingrin, Penny MacDonald, Dianne & Jim Martin, Jean & Paul Martin, Rowan Martin, Jack McFall, George Milakovic, Slavka Miljevic, Marija Miljkovic, Daria Milletics, Rosanda Mitrovic, Diane & Slobodan Momic, George Myers, Patty Navarro, Bosiljka Ninkovic, Lila Packer, Daniel Paddock, Vid & Marica Pejcic, Hope Pesner, Kobe Petrovich, Duke & Sue Petrovich, Tracy Petrovich, Milena Pilipovic, Christopher Radanovic, Marilynn “Chi Chi” Rapasky, Logan Roszkowski, Chloe Ruff, Michael Schaffner, Maryann Seiders, Greg Selman, Steven Semic, Benjamin Shaffer, Tessa Shaffer, John Sheaffer, Milan Shumkaroff, Branko Smitran, Zorka Starcevich, Karen Stefan, Tim Stefan, Michael Stepanovich, Stevan & Mary Stojic, Patricia & Joseph Sypniewski, Linda Szeerba, Leonard Tepsich, Leroy Tepsich Jr, Savka Trivun, Edie & Michael “Bo” Venesevich, Michael Vishnesky, Magdalen Vloutely, Rita Vorkapich, Kristina Vukalo, Traci Weaver, Paula Werner, Draga Worman, Tosh Yanich, Dewey Yetter, Mila “Millie” Yezdimir, Marija Zabrodnaya, Jason Zeigler, Ashley Ziobrowski, Miriam “Mim” Codan Ziolkowski

Those Who Need Special Care 

ECUMENICAL (COUNTRY MEADOWS) Jane Rush, HOMELAND: Draga Donato; MASONIC HOME: Ray Foltz; RS: Cedo Lukic

Those to be Baptized

Caleb Ereno Lewis, Barrett Scott, Nora & Maeve Van Huysen, Sloane & Šeren York

Our College Students

Sophia Adams, Cameron Barber, Kyle Barber, Michael Geppert, Anastasija Gligorevic, Natalija Gligorevic, Matthew Hoover, Faith Kingsbury, Sophia Mummert, Christina Radanovic, Luis Antonio Radanovic, Madison Vorkapich, Anastasija Vukalo

Our Seminary Students

Elizabeth Bare

Our Dearly Departed Loved Ones

Vasil Mihailoff, Fyodor Kochnev, Donald Semic, Alexandra “Soni” Dimond Martorano, Julian Naumenko, Eleni Ziogas, Miloš Balać, Milan Pejčić, Stephen Vulich, Djordje Gajovic





~Congratulations~

We humbly offer congratulations in joyous celebration of the birth of Evelyn Caryn Howell to Emma and Josh, as well as to big sister Ana.  Živeli I Mnogoja I Blagaja Ljeta!

~Vigils Offered~

BRIAN LEWIS JR Offered in joyful celebration of our son’s birthday (June 22). Much love from Mom & Dad and family. Ziveli! Mnogaja Ljeta!

BRIAN LEWIS JR Offered in joyful celebration of my wonderful grandson’s birthday (June 22).  God’s blessings for many many more! Mnogaja Ljeta! Much love from Baba. 

MICHAEL KRNJAIC Offered in joyful celebration of his birthday (June 26). God’s blessings for many more! Mnogaja Ljeta! Much love from Kat & family.

TOOTSIE KRNJAICH Offering vigils and prayers for our Kuma Tootsie. May God’s blessings be with her during her rehab period. From her Godchildren, Kat and families.

MICHAEL GEPPERT Offered prayerfully by Mom & Dad for improvement in health and God’s blessings and loving care during his recovery.

Please continue to pray for all of those currently being persecuted for Christ's sake in Kosovo, Metohija, Montenegro, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gaza, West Bank, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Egypt, the Sudan, China, North Korea, for all of our brothers and sisters in Christ suffering throughout the world, especially in Ukraine and Russia, that they might be comforted with the Joy of our Lord, and for those who are unjustly persecuted that they may be strengthened by the love of Christ which knows no race. 

We also pray for the Orthodox clergy in Alaska, that the Lord might grant them more than enough to feed their families.

LET US PRAY TO THE LORD!

Stewardship Offering Information

Date 6/15/2025

Collection: $2,550.00

Date 6/8/2025

Collection: $3,710.00

Date 6/1/2025

Collection: $2,025.00

June Birthdays

Nikolas Lukic (June 1), Kolton Myers (June 2), Danica Mitrovic (June 2), Theodore Havalchak (June 3), Nora Van Huysen (June 5), Danilo Yanich (June 6), Marie Hernjak (June 6), Luke Jacobs (June 8), Jim Martin (June 9), Guiliana Carricato (June 10), Kyranna Radanovic (June 11), Jimmy Hernjak (June 11), Russell Heilman (June 13), Baylor Hook (June 13), Braydon Fithian (June 16), Xenia Grabbe (June 20), Aleksandar Bracale (June 20), Seren York (June 20), Brian Lewis Jr (June 22), Christopher Baker Jr (June 25), Cayden Healy (June 26), Michael Krnjaic (June 26), Matthew Hoover (June 28), Wayln John (June 28)

June Anniversaries

Christopher & Martha Rakowski (June 1), Dr. James & Liliya Moses (June 1), Brian & Nikki Lewis (June 4), Mike & Terra Heilman (June 4), Fr Christopher & Protinica Andreja (June 13), Mike & Janet Krnjaic (June 14), Nick & Carole Blitva (June 16), Meghan & Brad Livingston (June 25), Mike & Samantha Stefan

FEAST OF VIDOVDAN

Saturday, June 28, we celebrate the Feast of Vidovdan with Liturgy at 9.



SAINTS OF OUR FRESCOES SERIES

The lecture series on the saints of our frescoes continues after Liturgy today (June 22). Mrs. Martha Rakowski will speak today on the the Feast of Vidovdan.

SOTAYA GIFT CARD FUNDRAISER

Thinking of a gift for someone, a special occasion, birthday or a reward for yourself? Gift cards are a good choice! And there is no need to go to the store, SOTAYA is selling Texas Roadhouse and Darden Restaurant Group cards (which includes Olive Garden, Longhorn, Cheddar’s, Yard House, Bahama Breeze and Seasons 52) at a face value of $50. Just see any SOTAYA member or Sladjana for a purchase. Thanks for your support!



FOOD SURPLUS FOR SHADELAND

A generous donor has given us a gift of surplus food. PLEASE visit the table in the Social Hall and take what you or someone you know can use. Donate what you can, help someone in need and save money at the same time! Remember to check the table every time you are at church as supplies will change frequently. ALL proceeds will go to support our St. Sava Shadeland Camp!!!

SHADELAND COLLECTION

The operation of our St. Sava Shadeland Camp has been subsidized by the Diocesan Endowment for the Future. This endowment was based upon the royalties we received from natural gas and oil wells and is now depleted. Currently, we no longer have any reliable income from these wells. Camp fees have been kept artificially low due to these royalties. This means that there is a deficit of $150,000 to run the camp each year. Additionally, there are approximately $225,000 in repairs and maintenance that will be necessary in the next 3 years. The Diocese is asking for donations to offset the operating costs. These donations may be given directly to the Diocese, to our local church here at St. Nicholas, by renting Shadeland Camp for your event, or purchasing a hunting license, thus increasing annual revenue. Checks can be made payable to St. Nicholas Church with Shadeland in the memo and given to our Church, or go to easterndiocese.org to donate directly to the Diocese.

PLEASE HELP - BETHESDA MISSION WOMEN’S SHELTER OUTREACH

On the second Saturday of every month, volunteers from our four Orthodox churches prepare and serve lunch for shelter residents. We also help with various projects and activities that assist with shelter operations. If anyone would like to volunteer or learn more about this important program, please contact Andrea Gunther.

2025 ORGANIZATIONAL DUES

To pay your 2025 dues (or if you still owe 2024 dues) please see Daria Milletics for KSS/Mothers Club, Jovanka Shaffer for Seniors, Jason Milletics for Choir and Protinica Andreja for Serb Club.

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS (THIS WEEK)

Office hours are Wednesday thru Friday from 9 am until noon. You may call the office during these hours at (717) 939-3872 or come by the office in person. Office hours will be adjusted when services are occurring during those hours.

BULLETIN DEADLINE

Please send all Bulletin Requests to the Church Office at office@stnicholassteelton.org

You may also call (717) 939-3872

CONDOLENCES OFFERED 

It is with sadness, yet great hope in the Resurrection, that we offer condolences to the Wiedeman family on the falling asleep of †Dennis L. Wiedeman. “Denny” passed away on Monday, June 16. He served our community throughout his life as a funeral director. May his soul dwell with the righteous, be numbered among the just, and may God keep his memory eternally.

June Charity

Orthodox Christian Charities of Greater Harrisburg

The Orthodox Christian Charities of Greater Harrisburg, Inc. (OCCGH,) was formed in October of 2009 as a non-profit organization comprised of clergy and faithful from five local Orthodox Churches of the greater Harrisburg metropolitan area. Our goal is to provide opportunities for the citizens of the greater Harrisburg area to come into contact with Orthodoxy, to serve as an educational support to our local parishes, and to develop projects that witness to our Faith, as well as provide financial assistance to organizations and individuals who are in need. 

Glorification of the Holy Righteous Olga of Kwethluk

Today, the Orthodox Church has glorified a newly revealed saint in our lands: the Holy, Righteous Mother Olga of Kwethluk and all Alaska. After the Liturgy, we will sing the troparion and kontakion honoring St. Olga.

A Real Person in the Eyes of God and Man

In the wide stillness of the Alaskan tundra—where the sky stretches open like a prayer and the rivers flow between worlds—God planted a soul full of hidden beauty. On February 3, 1916 (January 21, Julian Calendar), in the village of Kwethluk, at the meeting of the Kwethluk and Kuskokwim rivers, a daughter was born to the Native Yup’ik people. Her name in the Yup’ik language was Arrsamquq, a name meaning lowly, hidden, or unadorned—like the seed sown quietly in the earth. It was a name that would prophetically mark her life, for she lived not in boastfulness or acclaim, but in humility, reverence, and love.

From childhood, she was formed both by the land and by the Church. Her hands learned the ancient skills of Yup’ik women—sewing, cooking, preparing food for winter, raising children, and keeping the home. But her soul was formed by the divine grace that had come to Alaska with the Orthodox missionaries from Russia. The faith of Saints Herman and Innocent had taken root in her village, and in her heart. Her home life, the seasons, and the services of the Church were woven together, creating in her a seamless garment of earthly service and heavenly longing.

As she matured, she married Nicolai Michael, the village storekeeper and postmaster, who would later be ordained to the holy priesthood. In time, she would become known not only as Olga, but as Matushka Olga—a mother to thirteen children of her own, and a spiritual mother to an entire village. Quiet, gentle, and strong, she became a pillar of warmth and grace in Kwethluk.

In Yup’ik culture, to be called a real person—ella tanqilria—is the highest praise. It means one who lives in harmony with the land and with others, who does not set themselves above others, but who listens deeply, works quietly, and carries the burdens of others as their own. Matushka Olga was just such a person. She did not preach. She did not boast. She simply lived with such goodness that the land, the people, and the Church would not forget her. Read the rest of her “Life” at:

https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2025/10/27/100561-righteous-mother-olga-of-kwethluktanqilria-arrsamquqwonderworker

Troparion to St. Olga, Tone 4

God has chosen a humble mother from Alaska

to be an example for all the servants of God;

He has given us Saint Olga as a helper in afflictions

and as a guide to leading a life of sacrificial love.

Therefore we entreat you, O holy mother Olga:

pray that we, your sinful children, may be saved

and rejoice with you in the Kingdom of Heaven.