Wednesday, March 23, 2011

St. Nicholas Churches Around the World - Eklutna, Alaska, USA

St. Nicholas Orthodox Church
Images all Courtesy: St. Nicholas Orthodox Church
Located about twenty miles outside of Anchorage this is an especially lovely St. Nicholas Church. This current building was built in 1962 and took the place of an older structure that still sits opposite of it. But please let the writer of the church's website tell the story. It concerns a man named Chief Mike Alex of Eklutna...

The story goes that Chief Mike Alex was sick, so the Bishop came to visit him.  The Bishop then told Chief Alex to get well and build a church.  He took him literally, got well, and built the new St. Nicholas Church building.  

What an amazing legacy. As the pictures below show, this church not only has lots of adults in the congregation but many many children that love to attend.
The many different faces of this beautiful church...
In the winter

In the summer...

And up close...

Theophany (Epiphany) 2011and the Blessing of the Waters
And children at Theophany...

The Altar at Easter 2010
And children at the Easter Service

One last smiling face...
Another beautiful house of worship built, with much love, in St. Nicholas of Myra's honor...and in a land so far from St. Nicholas's hometown of Patara...

Many thanks to the website of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Eklutna, Alaska for sharing their church - and all the photos - with us! There are many more photographs on the website so do stop by!

And many many thanks to Elaine of Arctic View for telling me about the many churches named in St. Nicholas's honor in her beautiful state of Alaska! Visit her website - you will be in for a real "arctic view"(and treat)!

32 comments:

Carol said...

What a quaint and adorable little church. Si pretty in it's natural setting ♥♥♥♥♥

Bethany said...

I think this is my favorite one of all the St. Nicholas churches you've shown. There's just something about churches in small towns...

Sherry Sikstrom said...

A simple country church! Just like the one I first attended, and the type I much prefer

Lois Evensen said...

What a beautiful little church!

Dorothy said...

What a charming little church!

imac said...

Cute kiddy there, but what a church, its beautiful, and thanks for sharing.

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Oh, what a BEAUTIFUL PLACE and those children...so darling!!! Ann dearest, how is sir Edward? WE MISS HIM!!! Anita

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Hello Ann
Oh I see dear Anita here..
I love this church.. So very inviting.. Yes, how is little Edward doing.. I hope he is well.
Blessings,
Penny

troutbirder said...

We actually saw a lot of Orthodox churches on our camping trip to Alaska a few years back. :)

Elaine said...

That's a charming church and a lovely post! If we get down towards Anchorage, it might be well worth a little side trip to see it. Thanks for the link to my blog!

Zuzana said...

This must be the cutest little church I have ever seen. Like in a fairy tale. Absolutely adorable, cute kids as well.;)
On another note, thank you so much for you very kind and poignant comment on my Monday post, it warmed my heart.
xoxo

k said...

alaska!! interesting :)

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Good morning Ann!!! Thank you for coming over with an update on our feline friend. I do hope he starts to nibble on his favorite fishy treats again. BON COURAGE À TOUS!!!! Have a great day dear friend, Anita

My Mind's Eye said...

Ann what a beautiful church in one of my favorite places...Alaska!!!

I love the simplicity of the building, the sky blue trim and the domes are the topping on this beautiful cake.

Hugs to you and Edward,
Madi and Mom

Colleen said...

How beautiful Ann! I always love the look of Orthodox churches...they have such character!

This is always so interesting to read that I love stopping in to learn more about these churches (and dream more about traveling the world!:)

Have a lovely day!

Out on the prairie said...

I love small churches, they have a unique story to tell how they have survived.

Daily Grace said...

I love the quaintness of this little church. The pictures of it in the differnt seasons is really special and the smiles on the childrens faces...priceless.

Thank you.

animal lover, quilt lover said...

Hi Anne,
I came over b/c I saw your comment on Madi blog and wanted you to know that I am praying for Edward !!!
I wish with all my heart that he comes through this fine!!!!!
xx, Fern

Dogwood said...

What a lovely and oh so beautiful church. I especially like this one since my brother lives in Alaska.

I really like the snow scene picture.

Thanks...Dogwood

Pat said...

So very pretty - and lovely photos xx

Anonymous said...

Hi Ann

Thanks for posting some very interesting information and beautiful photos. I never realized there are so many St. Nicholas churches. I learned something new today :-)

Christmas-etc... said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
LisaShaw said...

Hi Ann,

I so enjoyed my visit with you this morning. Beautiful photos and information you shared. Thank you!

And thank you for your warm words and prayers on my blog. I appreciate your heart!

Blessings over you dear one!

Sara Bentley said...

That really is beautiful and sweet! Utterly lovely -- such a kid-friendly church too! :)

Sherry Sikstrom said...

Hi Ann, came to see about Edward, I can't find the post .Is all OK?

Mary N. said...

I love the charm of this church! I think it's beautiful in its simplicity. The photos were great too!

June said...

Ann I think those little children are so darling. I imagine they love their church alot, because of the sense of community they feel there.
It is a beautiful one that's for sure. Thank you for bringing me the lovely church. I need to go visit their website to learn a little more about it.
sending hugs

Zuzana said...

Dear Ann, stopping by to read Edward's post but can not find it - the link tells me the post does not exist.
Have a lovey Sunday dear.;)) Even though we loose one hour.;)
Much love from me and Batcat

Arti said...

A beautiful place, looks very good in all seasons!! The conical dome though is unusual, have not seen till now, it it normal?
Have a lovely day:-)

animal lover, quilt lover said...

So so glad to hear Edward is doing fine. It hurts me when an animal is sick!! I believe God wants me to take care and care about all the animals I can b/c I feel so strongly about all of them!!
xx, Fern
PS Always love your visits!!

Unknown said...

These small Churches are Impressive. They are warm and welcoming, and so are the People. The people are so very close to each other.

Michele said...

i love the simple beauty of this church! so i'm reading your posts out of order but want to say how glad i am for you that edward is on the mend. he is such a handsome guy and i know he brings you lots of joy. be well. xo