Finding Common Ground

Russians and Native Alaskans took early steps toward mutual understanding in the Russian Bishop's House, where the bishop lived alongside Tlingit students and Native and Kryol men studying to become Orthodox priests. Russian priests in Alaska learned Native languages and often helped develop their first written forms, translating religious texts and teaching Native children to read and write in their own language. Native Alaskans found similarities between their customs and ceremonies and Russian Orthodox traditions and beliefs, allowing clan members to continue practicing Native traditions in a Christian world and helping explain why the Orthodox Church in America remains strong in Alaska today.

Sitka, Alaska · United States