Holy Assumption of the Virgin Mary Church facts for kids
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Holy Assumption Orthodox Church
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 Location in Alaska
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| Location | Mission and Overland Streets, Kenai, Alaska |
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| Area | 13.47 acres (5.45 ha) |
| Built | 1894 |
| MPS | Russian Orthodox Church Buildings and Sites TR (AD) |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000898 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 10, 1970 |
| Designated NHL | April 15, 1970 |
The Holy Assumption Orthodox Church (Russian: Свято-Успенская церковь) is a very old and important church in Kenai, Alaska. It is also known as the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. This church is part of the Russian Orthodox faith. It was finished in 1896, making it the oldest Russian Orthodox church still standing in Alaska!
For many years, it was a key place for local Native people to learn about Russian culture. In 1970, it was recognized as a special historical place called a National Historic Landmark. It was then added to the National Register of Historic Places. Today, the church is part of the Orthodox Church in America Diocese of Alaska.
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Church History in Kenai
The Russian Orthodox Church became very popular in Alaska starting in 1840. Many people, especially the Kenaitze, who are the native people of the Kenai Peninsula, joined the church. A leader named Bishop Innocent created six church areas in Alaska. One of these was for the Kenai region.
The very first chapel was built in 1840. It was put up by the Russian-American Company near the village of Kenai. The first priest for this area was Igumen Nikolai Militov. He arrived in 1844 and served the church until he passed away in 1869.
Building the Church
Igumen Nikolai Militov helped build a new church in 1849. This church was on a different part of the land. He also started a school in the early 1860s. At this time, the Russian language became very important for both school and business.
The church played a big role in helping native people learn about Russian culture. Besides religious and educational activities, the church also served as a center for managing the region. It even helped with legal matters.
The current church building was constructed between 1895 and 1896. It replaced the older 1849 structure. This church was built from logs in a special style called Pskov. This means it was shaped like a ship! The bell tower was added a few years later in 1900. Inside the church, you can see a beautiful iconostasis, which is a wall covered with religious paintings.
Other Important Buildings
The Chapel of St. Nicholas was built in 1906. It stands over the graves of Igumen Nikolai, his helper Makari Ivanov, and another monk. This chapel is on the spot where the very first chapel was built. It's across the street from the main church. It sits on a high spot overlooking where the Kenai River meets Cook Inlet.
The building where the priest lives, called the rectory, was built in 1881. It is thought to be the oldest building on the Kenai Peninsula. The entire church area, including the rectory, the cemetery, and the chapel, was named a National Historic Landmark in 1970.
Notable Priests
Over the years, many priests have served the Holy Assumption Orthodox Church. In the early days, some priests came from Russia. Two important figures were Nikolai Militov and Makary Ivanov. The Chapel of St. Nicholas was built in their honor.
From 1860, these two traveled around the region. They even helped vaccinate thousands of Dena'ina against smallpox. Igumen Nikolai Militov passed away in 1867. Many other priests have served the community since then, guiding the church through different times.
See also
