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Russian Orthodox Sacred Sites in Alaska (ROSSIA) is dedicated to the preservation of Alaska’s Russian Orthodox Churches and iconography
Wind, weather, and time are slowly eroding many of Alaska’s most distinctive landmarks – Russian Orthodox Churches. These churches, from Juneau to St. Paul Island and from Unalaska to Eklutna, date from the 19th century and hope for their rehabilitation comes from ROSSIA, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of Alaska’s Russian Orthodox Churches and iconography.
Our Mission
Started in 2002 by preservation-minded Alaska Native corporation leaders, Orthodox clergy, government officials, architects, and historians, ROSSIA has helped initiate several restoration projects over the past 18 years. Our mission is to preserve Alaska’s historic Russian Orthodox churches and the historic articles and furnishings therein.
Meet our Board
Exciting News!
The National Park Service and Department of the Interior recently announced the distribution of $1,395,234 from the Historic Preservation Fund for the State of Alaska. ROSSIA has been awarded a $350,000 grant to restore the Old St. Nicholas Church in Eklutna which was built ca. 1870.
Work will begin this summer!
Our Top Priority
in 2020: Fire suppression for Holy Ascension Cathedral and historical Bishop’s House in Unalaska, Alaska
Together with the Holy Ascension parish and the community of Unalaska, we have plans to complete historic renovations on the Bishop’s House and install a similar hi-fog mist fire suppression system in the Cathedral. The Cathedral houses some of Alaska’s oldest and most sacred icons, and it is our pleasure to launch a project that would ensure the preservation of the property, a National Historic Landmark, in the event of a fire.
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The History of Russian Orthodox Churches in Alaska
Russia laid claim to Alaska in 1741, following Vitus Bering’s pioneer voyage across the Pacific from Siberia.
