Religion

Individuals and representatives of organizations that supported the glorification of St. Olga pose with certificates of merit from the Orthodox Diocese of Sitka and Alaska at the St. Sophia Russian Orthodox Church in Bethel on

Orthodox Church recognizes KYUK and others for support in glorification of St. Olga

Evan Erickson

Archbishop Alexei, the head of the Russian Orthodox Diocese of Sitka and Alaska, personally presented ornate certificates of merit, known as Diocesan Gramotas, in a short ceremony at the St. Sophia Russian Orthodox Church in Bethel on June 28.

Jesuit priests bow toward the congregation during a ceremony at Immaculate Conception Church in Bethel honoring the order’s long history in Alaska.

Arts, Culture & Community Features

Jesuits say goodbye to Alaska at Bethel ceremony

Ben Townsend, KNOM - Nome

The complicated legacy of the Jesuits' nearly 140 years in the state was honored at an event at Bethel’s Immaculate Conception Church on June 16.

The St. Sophia Russian Orthodox Church choir sings as part of Slaviq celebrations at the YK Elders Home in Bethel on Jan. 7, 2026.

Arts, Culture & Community Features

Slaviq star begins its journey through Bethel at the YK Elders Home

Evan Erickson

The St. Sophia Russian Orthodox Church choir kicked off Orthodox Christmas celebrations in Bethel by honoring Elders first. The spinning star at the center of Slaviq will be working its way through a dozen homes in the community through Sunday, Jan. 11, accompanied by hours of feasting and singing.