Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, Juneau

Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, Juneau (must see)

Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church is a remarkable testament to the blending of Native Alaskan spirituality and Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Built in 1894 with funds and religious artwork sent from Russia, the church stands out with its unique octagonal architecture and traditional Orthodox iconography. While no Russian settlers lived in Juneau at the time, the church was founded by and for the local Tlingit population, who had requested baptism and religious instruction after facing cultural suppression from Protestant missionaries during the gold rush era.

The decision to embrace Orthodoxy was deeply personal and spiritual for the Tlingit leaders. Having been denied the use of their language in Protestant services, they turned to a faith that had already been practiced in Tlingit for decades in nearby Sitka. A powerful dream shared among the leaders鈥攐f a short, bald, white-bearded man who urged them to seek instruction鈥攍ed them to the Orthodox bishop in Sitka, where they recognized the man from their dream in an icon of Saint Nicholas of Myra. This profound experience inspired them to name their new church in his honor, and his image remains an important feature in the church鈥檚 icon screen.

Today, Saint Nicholas Church continues to serve a small but vibrant Orthodox Christian community in Juneau. With around 50 families in the parish and more in nearby villages, the church has experienced renewed growth in recent years, offering youth programs and Sunday School for the first time in over three decades.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church
Sight Location: Juneau, USA (See walking tours in Juneau)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Juneau Introduction Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Juneau, Alaska

Create Your Own Walk in Juneau

Creating your own self-guided walk in Juneau is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Historical Buildings Walking Tour

Juneau鈥檚 architecture tells a story as rich as its gold-laced past. Scattered across the downtown area and nearby neighborhoods are buildings that reflect the city鈥檚 beginnings, its role in Alaska鈥檚 territorial history, and the strength of the local community over time. These landmarks, preserved and repurposed, offer a unique way to trace Juneau鈥檚 past through its physical spaces.

With... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles

Juneau Introduction Walking Tour

Alaska鈥檚 capital city is one of the most scenic places in the state, and among the most visited. Long before government buildings and cruise ships arrived, the land was home to the Tlingit people. They built permanent villages along the coast and rivers, thriving through fishing, trading, and a way of life deeply rooted in the region鈥檚 natural rhythms.

The modern chapter of Juneau鈥檚 story... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles

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