His Grace Bishop Benjamin has given the blessing for the OCMK to now be called St. Juvenaly Orthodox Mission.
St. Juvenaly is our American Proto-martyr.
He worked intimately with native Americans.
He will be a wonderful heavenly patron for our Mission.
He is commemorated (with St. Peter the Aleut, another American martyr) on September 24...so the naming of our Mission is timely.
Here is the OCA's official Troparion for the Feast (sometimes referred to as All Saints of Alaska...that's the date in 1794 that the ship with the Valaam Misisonaries arrived at Kodiak):
Troparion - Tone 4
Today Alaska rejoices and America celebrates
for the New World has been sanctified by martyrdom.
Kodiak echoes with songs of thanksgiving,
Iliámna and Kenái observe the Festival of Faith.
The apostle and martyr Juvenaly is glorified
and Peter the Aleut is exalted by his voluntary sacrifice.
In their devotion and love for the Lord
they willingly endured persecution and death for the Truth.
Now in the Kingdom of Heaven they intercede for our souls.
Kontakion - Tone 4
Today Valaam joins Alaska in celebrating this joyous feast,
as her spiritual son Juvenaly embraces the New Martyr Peter with love.
Together they suffered for the Lord in America
and united the Old World with the New by their voluntary sacrifice.
Now forever they stand before the King of Glory and intercede for our souls.
"This is great news! Ever since I heard about the discussion of the name, I've been thinking and praying about this. It's a big step for the Mission. I do think St. Juvenaly is perfect -- his missionary zeal, his connection to the travels of Captain Cook, his love for the native peoples, etc. all make him ideally suited for the OCMK. And one of his feasts (Sept. 24th) is coming up so soon!" Fr. John Schroedel
Join us at St. Paul's for our weekly reader service. We give thanks for St. Juvenaly