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 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. Because of its history, it was named a special National Historic Landmark in 1970. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places soon after. Today, it is part of the Orthodox Church in America Diocese of Alaska.
Contents
History of the Church
Early Days of the Church in Alaska
Alaska became a special church area, called a diocese, for the Russian Orthodox Church in 1840. The church became very popular in the Kenai Peninsula. Many local Native people, especially the Kenaitze, joined the church.
A church leader named Bishop Innocent set up six church communities, called parishes, in Alaska. One of these was for the Kenai region. The first small church building, called a chapel, was built in 1840. It was near the village of Kenai, inside a place called Fort St. Nicholas.
The first priest, Igumen Nikolai Militov, arrived in 1844. He served the church until he passed away in 1869.
Building the Church and Its Role
Igumen Nikolai oversaw the building of a new church in 1849. This church was on a different part of the land. In the early 1860s, he also opened a school. Because of this, the Russian language became very important for both learning and business.
The church was a vital way for the Native people to learn about Russian culture. Besides religious and educational purposes, the church also helped manage the region. It even served as a place for solving legal issues.
The current church building was constructed between 1895 and 1896. It replaced the older 1849 structure. The church was built from logs in a special style called Pskov, which means it looks like a ship. The bell tower was added later, in 1900. Inside, the church has a beautiful screen covered with religious pictures, called an iconostasis.
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 site of the very first chapel. It is across the street from the main church. It sits on a high bank overlooking where the Kenai River meets Cook Inlet.
The priest's house, called the rectory, was built in 1881. It is thought to be the oldest building still standing in the Kenai Peninsula.
In 1970, the entire church site was recognized as a National Historic Landmark. This includes the church, the rectory, the cemetery, and the chapel.
Important Priests
In the early days, priests from Russia served the Kenai parish. Two important figures were Nikolai Militov and Makary Ivanov. The Chapel of St. Nicholas was built in their honor. From 1860, they traveled around the region. They even helped vaccinate thousands of Dena'ina people against smallpox. Militov passed away in 1867.
Here are some of the priests who have served the Holy Assumption Orthodox Church:
- 1844-1867: Igumen Nikolai Militov (Abbot Nicholas)
- 1867-1877: Songleader Makary Ivanov
- 1896-1908: Father John Bortnovsky
- 1906-1952: Father Paul Shadura
- 1974-1991: Father Macarius Targonsky
- 2020–present: Father Peter Tobias
See also
