OCA to Take Third Annual Collection for the Diocese of Alaska
On December 15, 2024, the Sunday closest to the feast day of Saint Herman of Alaska, the Orthodox Church in America will hold its third annual collection for the Diocese of Alaska.
At the 20th All-American Council in Baltimore, MD, His Grace Bishop Alexei of Sitka and Alaska spoke about the challenges faced by Alaskan clergy, prompting the council to pass a resolution establishing an annual collection:
“Whereas Alaska is the cradle of Orthodoxy in America: Be it resolved that the 20th AAC asks the Holy Synod of Bishops to designate annually the Sunday closest to the December feast of Saint Herman, for a free-will collection from each parish in the Orthodox Church in America to support the Diocese of Alaska Clergy Endowment.”
Thanks to the generosity of the faithful around the OCA, the Clergy Endowment Stipend Fund successfully reached its $1 million goal earlier this year. In recognition, His Grace released a video expressing gratitude to His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, the Holy Synod of Bishops, and the many parishes and individuals who contributed.
The endowment, named the Blessed Matushka Olga Endowment for Clergy Stipends, provides critical financial support for the Alaskan clergy. A governance policy is now in place, and the first disbursement was made in October 2024. This year’s collection will add to the existing endowment, ensuring that clergy in the Diocese of Alaska continue to receive the support.
Since the arrival of St. Herman and the first missionaries in 1794, Alaskan Orthodox Christians have been an important witness of the gospel to all of North America and the upcoming glorification of Blessed Matushka Olga Michael is a testament to God’s continual presence there.
In gratitude and love for our brothers and sisters in Alaska, all parishes of the Orthodox Church in America are encouraged to give generously on December 15, 2024.