Photos: Bering Sea island village celebrates Russian Orthodox holiday with Alaska bishop

St. George Day was celebrated May 6 around the world in the Russian Orthodox tradition.

By Nathaniel Wilder
Updated: May 10, 2023 Published: May 10, 2023

Bishop Alexei of Alaska splashes holy water around the graveyard above the village of St. George, May 6, 2023. This honoring of those who have "fallen asleep" (died) was requested by the community during the Bishop's visit. (Nathaniel Wilder / nathanielwilder.com)

Bishop Alexei of Alaska and other Russian Orthodox dignitaries from around the state visited the Bering Sea island of St. George for five days in early May for St. George Day, celebrated May 6 around the world in the Russian Orthodox tradition. Five services were held in the St. George Russian Orthodox Church during their time on the island, and the bishop blessed homes of residents who requested it.

The choir sings in Church Slavonic (liturgical language) during an evening ceremony to celebrate St. George Day at the St. George Russian Orthodox Church, May 6, 2023. (Nathaniel Wilder / nathanielwilder.com)

Kiana Melovidov from St. Paul Island holds her daughter, Anaiya, as the Bishop Alexei of Alaska anoints oil on her forehead during a service to celebrate St. George Day at the St. George Russian Orthodox Church. (Nathaniel Wilder / nathanielwilder.com)

Subdeacons Anthony Lekanof (raised on St. George) and George Pletnikoff (residing on St. Paul) after the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy service (the Feast of St. George) at the St. George Russian Orthodox Church on St. George Day, May 6, 2023. They're preparing for a bumpy ride through town on their way to the graveyard. (Nathaniel Wilder / nathanielwilder.com)

Bishop Alexei of Alaska and fellow clergy walk to the graveyard above the village of St. George to "honor those that have fallen asleep." (Nathaniel Wilder / nathanielwilder.com)