Story

a native orthodoxy

Native Alaskan Peoples and Orthodox Christianity have been intertwined for hundreds of years. From the Native perspective; the land, the water, the animals and plants – all creation is sacred and connected. Orthodox Christianity holds a similar worldview. In this film we will explore how the Christian faith was presented to the Native People as the true fulfillment of what they already knew. This Orthodox faith was not something alien to them, but became their own. A faith that connected to and expanded what they already believed about what it means to be human. To this day Native Alaskan Orthodoxy is alive, being passed down and spread through generations.

sanctifying the land

The documentary will explore the stories and lives of some of the first Russian monks who came from the island monasteries in Valaam, Russia, across Siberia and the treacherous Bering Sea, to the Alaskan islands and mainland.

Featuring Father Herman and Bishop Innocent, the film will show how these first missionaries had the central goal of “sanctifying the land” by spreading the Gospel, which they accomplished through their actions and their love of the Native Alaskans.

native saints

Along with the stories of Father Herman and Bishop Innocent, you’ll hear about Father Yakov (Jacob), an Aleut and the first Native Alaskan to be ordained to the priesthood. He learned many languages, embraced new peoples and cultures, devised alphabets, built churches and Orthodox communities throughout Alaska.

And we’ll tell the story of Matushka Olga, a Native Alaskan of Yup’ik origin, who was a midwife and who in simplicity and humility served and cared for those suffering from poverty and abuse.

the storytellers

The film will be narrated by priests, authors, and scholars with some of the most extensive and intimate knowledge on the subject. It will feature Aleut, Yupik, and Tlingit elders and clergy, as well as monastics who are following in the footsteps of the saints.

be here now

The story is not merely a historical look back but also explores what we can learn from Alaskan Orthodoxy alive today. It instructs us on being present, on becoming fully human, and on how we should care for the land, the animals, and one another.

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a story of adventure, faith and sacrifice

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