September 24: Alaskan Saints and Martyrs

The Empress Catherine the Great sent a delegation of ten monastics and priests from the Valaam Monastery to evangelize the new world. On the anniversary of the arrival of these Russian missionaries in Alaska (1794), we remember the New Martyrs St Peter the Aleut, Protomartyr of America, and St Juvenaly.

Troparion - Tone 4

Today Alaska rejoices and America celebrates,
For the new world has been sanctified by martyrdom
Kodiak echoes with songs of thanksgiving,
Iliamna and Kenai observe the festival of faith.
The Apostle and martyr Juvenaly is glorified,
And Peter the Aleut is exalted by his voluntary sacrifice,
In their devotion and love for the Lord
They willingly endured persecution and death for the Truth,
Now in the Kingdom of Heaven they intercede for our souls!