America's Newest Orthodox Saint!

St. Olga of Alaska, a Mother and Midwife, Who Brought Christ to Her World

The Orthodox Church in America is making final plans for the glorification of Righteous Matushka Olga of Alaska! The Primatial Canonization Vigil led by His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon begins in St. Olga's home village of Kwethluk this Thursday, June 19th at 8pm EST. You can watch the Livestream here:

Here is a wonderful description of her life from Legacy Icons (please support their work)!

“Saint Olga was born on February 3, 1916, in the Yup'ik village of Kwethluk, Alaska. Her family herded reindeer, and Olga (Arrsamquq, her Yup'ik name) loved spending time in the mountains as a child, playing with her six brothers. She married her husband, Nicolai Michael, in January 1935. She gave birth to 13 children, five of which died in childhood.

Olga served her community as a midwife and a healer. Her daughter Anita described her presence as "low-key" and calm, going about her business without making "a big deal out of it." In Yup'ik culture, such women were known to have strong faith, and Olga was no exception, practicing traditional medicine in her village coupled with her Orthodox faith.

In 1962 Olga's husband was ordained a priest, and she gained the title of "Matushka" (priest's wife). She began serving their parish in this important motherly role. She is known to have memorized major church services, baked the eucharistic Prosphora bread, made vestments, organized events in the life of the parish, and provided hospitality for guests.

She continued to care for the children of the village, compassionately providing clothes and food whenever it was needed. Through example, rather than punishment, she taught discipline, and was a true mother and grandmother to the community. She passed on the Orthodox faith to the children of her village, as well as the traditions and stories of their culture.” (Article from Legacy Icons)

“One of her most-loved quotes is depicted on her scroll in the icon. Speaking of the beauty of the Northern Lights, she once said, "God can create beauty out of complete desolation and nothingness."

“In the late 1970s she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Her health returned for awhile, but she declined in 1979. In preparation for her death, she gave away her possessions and instructed her family how to carry on her responsibilities. She reposed peacefully on November 8, 1979, on the feast of the Synaxis of the Angels. Miraculous events surrounded her funeral: being November in Alaska, travel was dangerous and many who desired to attend were not able. But on the day of the funeral, the weather became mild, ice melted, and even thr ground softened so her grave could be dug. Fair weather birds even appeared. The following day, winter weather returned.

Many children born afterwards in the village were named Olga in her memory. In Orthodox fasion, her veneration started from the grassroots, spreading from local veneration in Alaska to the rest of North America and the world. Women who suffered abuse found healing at her gravesite. She has become known as an intercessor for mothers and midwives; many Orthodox women have an icon of St. Olga present while in labor.

On November 9, 2023, Saint Olga's glorification (canonization) was authorized by the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church in America. Her formal glorification service will take place on June 20, 2025. Her feast day was established on November 10.” (Article from Legacy Icons)

Interview with Former Mennonite Who Became Orthodox

Also, my interview with David Bahler is now open to all! Many people have really enjoyed this discussion about the history of the Mennonite faith and why David believes that Orthodox Christianity ultimately fulfills it.

Also, paid subscribers, do not forget to keep up with our Bible study through the Book of Ephesians. There are 3 episodes available and I am currently editing episodes 4 & 5 so stay tuned!

Lastly, my interview with Deacon Nicholas Kotar is still for paid subscribers if you want to check out our wonderful conversation! It was a wonderful time, and he is so thoughtful about a host of topics. Again, the only way Barrel Aged Faith can continue to host interviews, Bible studies, upcoming courses, thoughtful response videos, and more is to have monthly support (only $5 a month!). So if you feel led, jump in the fun, and it would be great to have you on board!

In XC,
Cassian Kyle King