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On December 14, 2025 the Sunday closest to the feast day of Saint Herman of Alaska, the Orthodox Church in America is asking for an 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 initial $1 million goal and has continued to grow. This year’s collection will add to the existing endowment.
The endowment, named the Blessed Matushka Olga Endowment for Clergy Stipends, provides critical financial support for the Alaskan clergy.
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.
In gratitude and love for our brothers and sisters in Alaska, all parishes of the Orthodox Church in America are encouraged to give generously tomorrow.
