Saint Jacob Netsvetov of Alaska

Saint Jacob Netsvetov 1802-1864

Enlightener of the Peoples of Alaska

Jacob may be spelt Jakob, Iakov, Iakovos, Yakov, James.

Yegor may be spelt Georgiy, George.

Early life of Jacob Georgievich Netsvetov

Jacob Georgievich (Yegorovich) Netsvetov of Alaska was born to pious parents in 1802 on Atka Island, in the Aleutian Archipelago (often called the “Aleutian Chain”) to the west of mainland Alaska. At that time, this region was part of Russian-America, and it was within the Russian Empire.

His father, Yegor (George) Vasil’evich Netsvetov was a Russian citizen, from Tobolsk in Siberia. His mother, Maria Alekseevna, was an Aleut (Unangan) of Atka Island.

Yegor Netsvetov was one of the first Russian-American Company workers to arrive in 1818 at Saint George’s Island as a manager. The company had been chartered as a joint-stock company in 1799 by Emperor Paul I for the purpose of controlling trade in Russian-America. Before this, trade had not been regulated. Although there were many troubles associated with traders and with the company, particularly regarding the maltreatment of the indigenous employees, there were nevertheless opportunities for some indigenous persons within the company.

Yegor and Maria Netwvetov had 4 children who survived infancy : Jacob was the first-born, followed by Osip (Joseph), Elena, and Antony. Yegor and Maria were devoted to their children and, although of meagre means, they did all they could to provide them with the education which would help them in this life as well as in the life to come.

Osip and Antony were eventually able to study at the Saint Petersburg Naval Academy in the capital of the Russian Empire, where one became a naval officer and the other a shipbuilder. Their sister, Elena, married a successful and respected clerk who worked for the Russian-American Company.

However, Jacob yearned for a different sort of success, a success that the world might consider failure for “the righteous live forever, and their reward is with the Lord” (Wisdom of Solomon 5:15).

Higher education

Therefore, when the family moved to Irkutsk in Siberia in 1823, Jacob enrolled in the Irkutsk Theological Seminary of the Russian Orthodox Church and placed all his hope in Christ by seeking first the Kingdom of God (see Matthew 6:33).

Irkutsk Theological Seminary

Marriage, 1825

In 1825, Jacob Georgievich Netsvetov was married to Anna Simeonovna Terentiev, a Russian woman (perhaps also a Creole).

Further steps in serving in the Church

On 1 October, 1825, Jacob Georgievich Netsvetov was tonsured as a reader, and he was ordained to the Holy Subdiaconate.

In 1826, Jacob graduated from the seminary with certificates in history and theology.

Diaconal ordination, 1826

On 31 October, 1826, Subdeacon Jacob Netsvetov was ordained to the Holy Diaconate in Irkutsk by Archbishop Michael (Burdukov).

Diaconal service

Deacon Jacob Netsvtov was assigned to serve in Holy Trinity-Saint Peter Temple in Irkutsk.

Holy Trinity-Saints Peter and Paul Temple, Irkutsk

Presbyteral ordination, 1828

On 4 March, 1828, Archbishop Michael (Burdukov) (who had earlier ordained Father John Veniaminov (Saint Innocent)) ordained Deacon Jacob Netsvetov to the Holy Priesthood.

Pastoral service

This, however, was no ordinary ordination. In the manner of Saint Patrick of Ireland, Father Jacob felt a mystical call of his distant flock, and he yearned to return to his native Alaska. The all-good God heard the prayer of His servant.

Archbishop Michael provided Father Jacob with 2 antimensia : one for the new Temple which would be dedicated to the glory of God in honour of Saint Nicholas the Wonder-worker in Atka, and one to be used for missionary activity. Atka was his mother’s birthplace, and the place of his father’s retirement.

On 1 May, 1828 a Moleben for Travellers was served, and Father Jacob, his father, Yegor, (now tonsured as a reader for the Atka Church), and his matushka, Anna, set out for Alaska.

Missionary labours in Alaska : Atka and the archipelago, 1829

It can almost go without saying that the journey included perils and trials. Travel in those days was never easy, either over land (traversing bridgeless rivers, and roads and tracks on the edge of precipices) or over the waves of the sea. Especially on the stormy North Pacific Ocean, there was no guarantee of safe arrival.

Nevertheless, aided by prayer and confidence in God’s providence, the Netsvetov family arrived safely in Atka over a year later, on 15 June, 1829. However, they had first sailed to New Archangel (Sitka) to meet with Mr. P Chistiakov, the Russian-American Company Governor. He was a profit-minded, anticlerical and racist person who seems to have resented being required to support the work of this new priest. Nevertheless, Father Jacob and his family sailed from there in May towards their new assignment.

New Archangel (Novo-Arkhangelsk)

The new assignment for the newly-ordained Father Jacob proved to be a great challenge. The Atka “parish” comprised a territory stretching for nearly 3,220 km (2,000 mi) and included the Amchitka, Attu, Cooper, Bering and Kuril Islands.

This did not deter the godly young priest, for when he was clothed in the garments of the priesthood, he was found to be “clad with zeal as a cloak” (see Isaiah 59:17), and so he threw himself wholly into his sacred service. To his parishioners, his deep love for God and for his flock was evident in everything that he did. Both in Atka and in the distant villages and settlements which he visited, Father Jacob offered himself as a “living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1). Having “no worry about his life” (Matthew 6:25 ff), the holy one endured manifold tortures of cold, wet, wind, illness, hunger and exhaustion, for to him life was Christ (see Philippians 1:21). Showing himself as a “rule of faith,” his example brought his people to a deep commitment to their own salvation.

Because he was fully bilingual and bicultural, Father Jacob was uniquely blessed by God to care for the souls of his fellow Alaskans

The scriptural references given in the original form of this text are truly expressive of the sort of person he is, and of the single-minded and single-hearted care that he took in serving the Lord’s rational flock. The texts are not present as a mere formality.

When he arrived at the settlement on Atka Island, Father Jacob found 7 buildings that belonged to the Russian-American Company, while all the Aleuts and Creoles lived in their own style of homes. All the local people had already been brought into the Orthodox Christian Faith and baptised by Orthodox laymen in 1790 and afterwards. It remained only for Father Jacob to chrismate them all and to enlighten them with the details of their Orthodox Faith. The Temple of Saint Nicholas had not yet been constructed. Therefore, with his own hands, Father Jacob constructed a large tent (Acts 18:3) in which he conducted the services.

Saint Nicholas Church, Atka

For Father Jacob, the services of the Church were life : life for his people, and life for himself. It was in the worship of God that he found both strength and joy. Later, when this tent was no longer required on Atka, he transported this same tent with him on his missionary journeys, and as Moses in the wilderness, the Grace of God was found wherever this tent was taken (see Numbers 4:1 ff ; 9:15 ; 10:11 ff). The tent provided a shelter in which the Divine Liturgy and other services could be offered appropriately. Nevertheless, this tent could not be used but for the briefest of times. The well-known winds that assault this island absolutely required the rapid construction of a more solid structure. Later that year, he went by "baidarka" to Amlia Island to regularise marriages and to baptise and chrismate.

When he had completed his first 6 months of pastoral service (at the end of 1829), Father Jacob recorded that he had baptised 16 persons, chrismated 442 persons, married 53 couples, and buried 8 persons. Being bi-lingual and bi-cultural, Father Jacob was uniquely able to care for the souls of his community.

Once the Temple had been constructed and blessed (in 1830), Father Jacob turned his attention to the building of a school in which the children would learn to read and write both the Russian and Unangan-Aleut languages. This 2-room school was completed in 1831. There were 20 students, and Baron Ferdinand von Wrangel, the new Governor of the Russian-American Company, assigned John Galactionov (a Creole) to assist in the teaching. Father Jacob taught catechism, ethics, and biblical studies, and John taught reading. The Russian-American Company provided some of the economic support initially, with the students providing the remainder. This continued until 1841, when it was reorganised as a parish school, and ties with the company ceased. Father Jacob proved to be a talented educator and translator whose students became distinguished Aleut leaders in the next generation. In 1833, Father Jacob built a new house for his family. When it was completed, he began the construction of a chapel at Amlia.

Father Netsvetov led an active physical and intellectual life, as well as looking about and gathering for his own subsistence needs. As a priest, he would not be killing animals to eat ; others would bring him what they had caught. He also prepared specimens of fish and marine animals for the natural history museums of Moscow and Saint Petersburg. He corresponded with Father John Veniaminov (Saint Innocent) on matters of linguistics and translations. He laboured over the creation of an adequate alphabet for the Unangan-Aleut language, and the translation of the Holy Scriptures and other appropriate literature into that language. Father Veniaminov praised the young pastor for his holiness of life, his teaching, and for continuing this work of translating which he, himself, had begun earlier amongst the native peoples. As a result, Father Jacob produced alternate translations of the Gospel according to Saint Matthew in the Atkan dialect, and he produced the largest Unangan dictionary ever made. From 1842, the Unangan language began to be used in the worship in Atka and in Unalaska.

Awards acknowledging his faithful service

After 15 years of service, Father Jacob was awarded the Nabedrennik, Kamilavka, and Gold Cross.

Later, he was elevated to the dignity of archpriest, and he received the Order of Saint Anna.

However, these ecclesiastical awards do not tell of the personal sufferings of this warrior for Christ.

Bereavement, 1837

In 1836, his wife, Anna became sick. It was clear, after a time, that this was very serious. Therefore, she travelled to Sitka, to the hospital for diagnosis and treatment. The news was not good. She was told that she was suffering from cancer ; and in those days, there was little to be done. She fell asleep in the Lord in March.

Suffering

In July, 1836, his home had burned to the ground. In 1837, his dear father, Yegor, died of an undetermined illness, and his body was interred on Atka Island. Who can utter the depth of sorrow felt by this God-pleaser ? Yet, he lifted up his voice, as it were with that ancient sufferer, the Long-suffering Job, and he cried out, “shall we indeed accept good from God and shall we not accept adversity ? In all this he did not sin with his lips” (see Job 2:10/2:15, LXX).

In addition to this, in May, 1937, Matushka Catherine Veniaminov (wife of Father John Veniaminov) stopped at Atka on her way to Siberia. Father Jacob communicated her with the Holy Mysteries while she was there. Later, she also fell asleep in the Lord because of illness.

In his journal, Father Jacob attributed everything to “the Will of Him whose Providence and Will are inscrutable and whose actions toward men are incomprehensible”. He patiently endured hardships and sufferings in the manner of the Holy Apostle Paul. He saw in these adversities not a victory by the hater of the souls of human beings (i.e. the devil), but rather a call from God to even greater spiritual struggles.

With this in mind, Father Jacob petitioned his ruling bishop to bless his return to Irkutsk in order to enter monastic life. A year later, word reached him that permission was granted contingent upon the arrival of a replacement. None ever came.

Volunteers to do such missionary work were scarce. Nevertheless, there was some consolation in the arrival on the island of his brother-in-law Gregory Terentiev, and in the fact that the new governor of the Russian-American Company was a personal friend, as was the new bishop, Bishop Innocent (Veniaminov).

Father Jakob did not, in fact, leave the mission field. Bishop Innocent (Veniaminov), now likewise a widower, soon came to Atka and asked Father Jacob to accompany him on a voyage by ship to Kamchatka. Who can know the heavenly discourse enjoyed by these 2 Christ-loving men as they travelled over the waves ? This, however, is clear : the holy archpastor was able to accomplish 3 things in Father Netsvetov. First, he applied the healing salve of the Holy Spirit with words of comfort; second, he dissuaded Father Jacob from entering the monastery ; and third, he revealed to the godly priest the true plan of the Saviour for his life : that he might "preach Christ amongst the Gentiles" (see Galatians 1:16), deep in the Alaskan interior. By this Scriptural allusion, Saint Innocent was indicating that Father Jacob should bring the Gospel of Christ to the peoples who until then had not yet heard it.

In 1841, Father Jacob encountered a group of women from his flock in Amlia who had fallen victim to certain demonic influences and teachings. Blaming himself for the seduction and fall of his spiritual children by the evil one, he informed the leader amongst them that he was going to pay them a visit.

Upon arriving, he found one of the women paralysed, semi-conscious and unable to speak. He ordered that she be removed to another house apart, and on the next day when this was accomplished, he lit the lampada (vigil or votive lamp) before the icons of the "beautiful corner", vested himself in his priestly epitrachil (stole), sprinkled holy water throughout the room, and began the first prayers of exorcism. Then, he left.

During the night, he was notified that the woman had begun to speak but incoherently. He came immediately to her and performed a second exorcism. This time, she sprang out of her bed and stood next to the saint, joined her prayer to his, and accompanied them with prostrations. When the prayers were finished, Father Jacob again sprinkled her with holy water and he gave her the precious Cross to kiss. She regained consciousness fully, a state of health and true reason – that is, even the false teachings of the evil spirits had no more part in her.

Kvikhpakh and the Yukon, 1844

Father Jacob continued to serve his far-flung flock of the Atka parish until 30 December, 1844. A new zeal had taken hold of him, and it was then that Bishop Innocent (Veniaminov) assigned him to be the pastor of the new Kvikhpakh Mission (also spelt "Quihpak", "Quinhagak").

This mission was on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, where he began to bring the light of Christ to the people of the Yukon. Here, aided by 2 young Creole assistants, Deacon Innocent Shayashnikov (a former student at Atka) and Constantine Lukin, together with his young nephew, Vasily Netsvetov, Father Jacob “settled” in the wilderness of Alaska.

He learned new languages, embraced new peoples and cultures, devised another alphabet, built another Orthodox Temple and community ; and for the next 20 years, until his health and eyesight failed, he continued to be an evangelical beacon of the Grace of God in southwestern Alaska.

The Kvikhpakh region extended north to the Arctic at that time. The territory would have included places as distant as Nome and Fairbanks, which since then have established Orthodox Christian communities. At present, there is no evidence, however, that Father Jacob managed to reach such places.

Winter travel

Establishing his headquarters in the Yup’ik Eskimo village of Ikogmut (also Ikogmiute, today’s “Russian Mission”), he travelled to native settlements hundreds of miles up and down Alaska’s longest river (the Yukon) as well as the Kuskokwim River region. At the insistence of Alaskan Athabaskan leaders, he travelled as far as the middle of the Innoko River, where he baptised hundreds of Athabascans from various, and often formerly hostile, tribes. “Behold now, what is so beautiful, or what is so delightful, as for brothers to dwell as one” (Psalm 132:1/133:1). He built the first Christian Temple (Elevation of the Holy Cross) in this region, and he dedicated it to the Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross. Here Father Jacob, despite his failing health, joyfully celebrated the Church’s cycle of services, including all the services prescribed for Holy Week and the Feast of Pascha.

Father Jacob’s diaries demonstrate how active and how prominent the indigenous peoples were in business and trade in this region, as well as in communications, in administration, and in pastoral service. This was before the drastic changes that came with the sale of Alaska to the USA in 1867.

Until 1861, in addition to all their other labours, Father Jacob along with Constantine Lukin saw to the vaccination of the indigenous peoples of the Yukon region against smallpox. Their main annual range of travel was from Saint Michael to Shageluk.

Once, in November of 1845, Father Jacob was preaching in the village of Kalskag, where the local chief was also the head shaman. He spoke for all the villagers and he resisted the Word of God forcefully. However, the saint, calm and full of the Holy Spirit, continued to sow the seeds of right belief and piety. After many hours, the chief fell silent and finally came to believe. The villagers, in solidarity with their leader, also joyously expressed their belief in the Triune God and they sought Holy Baptism.

In 1849, in answer to Father Jacob’s request for assistance, the Hieromonk Filaret was sent to Saint Michael’s Redoubt to meet the need. However, he was not at all suited to the task. He had apparently been sent for the convenience of others, because he hated this place and his work. He may well have been insane. He became violent, and he was restrained and eventually sent away to Sitka. An even worse situation arose with the arrival of his replacement the Hieromonk Gabriel, who also had to be removed.

Father Jacob was a physician of bodies as well as of souls. He often cared for the sick amongst his flock even to his own detriment. During the winter of 1850-1851, the saint was himself ravaged with illness. Yet, he cared for the sick and dispensed medicine to them every day. Father Jacob’s preaching often brought together in the Holy Faith tribes who were traditional enemies. One example from his journal reads :

 Beginning in the morning, upon my invitation, all the Kol’chane and Ingalit from the Yukon and the local ones 
 gathered at my place and I preached the word of God, concluding at noon.  Everyone listened to the preaching 
 with attention and without discussion or dissent, and in the end they all expressed faith and their wish to 
 accept Holy Baptism, both the Kol’chane and the Ingalit (formerly traditional enemies).  I made a count by 
 families and in groups, and then in the afternoon began the baptismal service.  First I baptised 50 Kol’chane 
 and Ingalit men, the latter from the Yukon and Innoko.  It was already evening when I completed the service.  
 21 March, 1853.

So it was that this apostolic man, this new Job, conducted himself during his earthly course. There are many other deeds and wonders which he performed, many known and many more known only to God.

Elevation of the Holy Cross, First Temple

Slander, 1862

Finally, in 1862, the evil one, who “walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8), sought one last time to get the better of the righteous one. So the devil, the father of lies, (John 8:44), inspired the Hieromonk Gabriel to level spurious and slanderous charges against his master. This resulted in a summons to Sitka, issued by the newly-arrived Bishop Peter (Ekaterinovsky). He relinquished his responsibilities to the Hieromonk Ilarion in the spring of 1862, and he began the long journey towards Sitka. He was helped along the way by very many of the Yupik faithful. When he arrived, the godly pastor was quickly cleared of all charges. However, Constantine had an irregular marriage arrangement (according to the usual rules, but perhaps not according to the ancient ways) which resulted in his dismissal by the bishop. Constantine reposed soon afterwards. Because of his ever-worsening health, Father Jacob remained in Sitka for his final year, and he served in the Tlingit chapel.

Repose, 1864

Father Jacob fell asleep in the Lord on 26 July, 1864, at the age of 62.

On the third day, the Funeral Services for the Burial of a Priest were offered for Father Jacob in Sitka.

Following these services, he was interred at the entry of the Tlingit chapel, and the place was marked by a cairn of stones.

Despite this fact, because of the many changes that took place in that area since his repose, until 2017, the exact site of his grave has not yet been found. Nevertheless, his grave was a few hundred paces distant from his wife’s grave (marked by a large stone that he, himself, placed, which was visible from the door of the Bishop’s House).

Bishop's House, Sitka

Saint Jacob

Glorification, 1994

The Righteous Presbyter Jacob Netsvetov was glorified by the Holy Synod of Bishops of The Orthodox Church in America in March, 1994. He was given the title “Enlightener of the Alaskan Peoples”.

Feast-days

Saint Jacob Netsvetov is commemorated on the day of his repose, 14/26 July.

He is commemorated on the day of his glorification, 3/16 October

Tropar (Tone 4)

O Holy and Righteous Father Jacob,

glory of Atka and the Yukon Delta,

you offered yourself as a living sacrifice

to bring light to a searching people.

O glorious Father Jacob,

scion of Russian America,

flower of brotherly unity,

healer of sickness and terror of demons :

intercede with Christ our God that our souls may be saved.

Kontak (Tone 3)

O Holy and Righteous Father Jacob,

teacher of the knowledge of God,

you manifested your love for your people.

Taking up the Cross and following Christ,

you endured hardships as did the Holy Apostle Paul.

Intercede on our behalf with Christ our God

that He give us His great mercy.

Reflections

This brief history has recounted the basic chronology of the saint’s life and labours, but we must not neglect to relate his other deeds, that the light be not hidden under a basket (see Matthew 5:15).

During his final missionary travels in the Kuskokwim/Yukon delta region, Father Jacob had baptised 1,320 people, and he had distinguished himself as the evangeliser of the Yup’ik Eskimo and Alaskan Athabascan peoples.

Few missionaries in history have had to endure the sort of hardships which Father Jacob encountered, yet he consistently did endure them with patience and humility. His life of faith and piety are the legacy which he leaves to us, his spiritual children in North America, and indeed to all Christians throughout the world.

The successor of Father Jacob, the Hieromonk Ilarion, had carried on the missionary labours in the same energetic evangelical spirit until the sale of Alaska to the USA in 1867. He also wrote in his diaries that he had visited the Quinhagak village, where, he reported, the Hieromonk Juvenaly had been killed by a Yupik hunting party. After his departure, 3 Bel'kov brothers (originally from Saint Paul Island) continued the missionary work in various distinct ways until the end of the 19th century and the arrival of the Priest John Kochurov.

Awards

After 15 years of service, Father Jacob received the awards of Nabedrennik, Purple Skufia, Kamilavka, and Gold Cross.

Later, he was elevated to the dignity of archpriest.

Order of Saint Anna

Writings

‘Extract from the Report of 22 March, 1848’ in “PrTSO”, part 7 (1848), pp. 290-292.

‘Extract from the Journal of the Quihpak missionary Archpriest Jacob Netsvetov’ in “PrTSO”, part 14 (1855), pp. 74-88. (Kingston, ON, 1980)

‘Extracts from the Journal of the Quihpak missionary Archpriest Jacob Netsvetov’ in “prTSO”, part 19 (1856 to July 1857), pp. 95-105.

“The Journals of Iakov Netsvetov”, vol. 1 : ‘The Atkha Years, 1828-1844’ ; vol. 2 : ‘The Yukon Years, 1845-1863’ (Kingston, ON : Limestone Press, 1980).

“The Gospel of Matthew”, translated into the Aleutian (Unangan) language with Saint Innocent (Veniaminov) (Irkutsk, 1840, 1896).

“The Gospel of the first Day of Holy Easter”, translated with Saint Innocent (Veniaminov) (Irkutsk, 1840), p. 189.

“The Beginnings of Christian Doctrine in Three Hours”, part 1 : ‘Introduction, Primer & Prayers’ ; part 2 : ‘A Sacred History’ ; part 3 : ‘Catechism, Conclusion’, (with Saint Innocent (Veniaminov).

“Two Parables from the Atkinsky Island” (Orthodox Church in Alaska, 1842), RKP.

“A Collection of Church Hymns and Prayers in the English-Kuskokwim Dialect” (Irkutsk, 1896) (with priests Zakharia Belkov and John Orlov).

“Prayers and Chants in the Quihpak-Kuskokwim Dialect” (Irkutsk, 1896) (with Saint Z Belkov).

Some of Saint Jacob’s translations of Orthodox Christian texts into the Native Alaskan languages (Aleut, Yup’ik) have been re-transcribed in their original Cyrillic alphabet and made available for download :

Aleut language :

“The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew” (1840)

“Pascha Gospel and Apostle Readings” (1840)

“Beginnings of Christian Teaching and Short Christian Catechism” (1840)

“Two Sermons from St. Nicholas Church in Atka” (1842)

Yup'ik language :

“Sacred History : From the Creation of the World to the Entry into the Promised Land” (1862)

Writings about Saint Jacob Netsvetov by various authors :

Korchinsky, Father I, ‘Kvikhpak Elevation of the Holy Cross Mission on the Yukon River in the “American Orthodox Messenger”, no. 13 (1899), pp. 359-362.

(Afonsky), Bishop Gregory, “History of the Orthodox Church in Alaska, 1774-1914” (Kodiak, AK : St Herman of Alaska Seminary, 1977).

Pierce, Richard A, “The Russian Orthodox Religious Mission in America, 1794-1837”, (Kingston, ON : Limestone Press, 1978).

Pierce, Richard A, “Russian America : A Biographical Dictionary, Alaska History Series 33” (Kingston, ON : Limestone Press, 1990)

Oleksa, M, ed., “Alaskan Missionary Spirituality” (Crestwood, NY : SVS Press, 2010). ISBN : 978-0-88141-340-3.

Oleksa, M, “Orthodox Alaska” (Crestwood, NY : SVS Press, 1992)

‘The Principles of Orthodox Missionary Work : From the Experience of the Church in Alaska’ in “EzhBK 1992-1996” (Moscow, 1996), pp. 261-264.

Nicolai, E P, “Iakov Georgevich Netsvetov : First Aleut-Russian Creole Priest and Missionary to the Native Peoples of the Yukon and Kuskokwim Regions” (1992), dissertation at Saint Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, Crestwood, NY.

“Consecration of Holy Altar Table and Cathedral of Saint Innocent ; Canonization of Saint Yakov of Alaska” (Anchorage, Alaska), 1994.

“Saint Yakov of Alaska, the Enlightener and Baptizer of the Native Peoples of Alaska: His Life and Liturgical Service” (Anchorage, Alaska, 1994) (Materials for Canonization).

Stokoe M, Kishkovsky, L, ‘The Alaskan Mission 1794-1870’ in “Orthodox Christians in North America, 1794-1994”, p. 9.

Russian Mission Elevation of the Holy Cross, second Temple (exterior and Altar)

Akathist to Saint Jacob Netsvetov

Kontak 1

Holy Father Jacob, whose children number more than the stars in the northern sky, whose life and teachings are a ladder reaching from earth to Heaven : you wrestled with temptation and fought the good fight, and thereby became our valiant intercessor before the Lord our God. Pray to Him for us who venerate your sacred memory and who strive to continue your holy work as the New Israel in the New World of America. Thus, we may sing with love and joy to you, the messenger of reconciliation and peace :

Rejoice, Saint Jacob, Baptiser and Enlightener of the Native Peoples of Alaska.

Ikos 1

Born on the island dedicated to the Great Martyr George, O Saint Jacob, you became a warrior for Christ, having vanquished every temptation that arose within your heart and soul. You brought peace to a land where only violence had reigned, reconciling hostile tribes by preaching the Gospel of peace and forgiveness. You became a holy father of many nations as you baptised and enlightened thousands of people who had never before known Jesus Christ – shepherding your scattered flock in the Aleutian Islands, the Yukon Delta, and at New Archangel. In your humility, devotion, piety and perseverance, you became the image of the perfect evangelist to us who stand before your holy icon and who offer these praises to you :

Rejoice, first flower of the Alaskan wilderness.

Rejoice, first son of the Aleut nation called to the holy priesthood.

Rejoice, abiding joy of the Pribilof Islands.

Rejoice, revered father of Atka and the Aleutian Archipelago.

Rejoice, candle creating light in the Arctic night.

Rejoice, ember kindling the flames of Christian Faith in the North.

Rejoice, Saint Jacob, Baptiser and Enlightener of the Native Peoples of Alaska.

Kontak 2

From your youth, O blessed Jacob, your parents guided you on the path of salvation. Your childhood amongst your mother’s Aleut kinsmen prepared you well for your future missionary labours. Fluent in their ancient language, you also offered prayers to God in your father’s Slavic tongue. At an early age, you joined the Aleut and Russian Faithful who gathered in the chapel of Saint George, singing : Alleluia.

Ikos 2

Setting sail for Kamchatka, you continued across the frozen tundra of Siberia to the shores of Lake Baikal, to enrol at the seminary in glorious Irkutsk. You mastered theology in the city of Saint Innocent, Enlightener of Siberia’s Indigenous Peoples, and you studied his respectful approach to their languages and cultural traditions. Returning to North America with your young bride, Anna Simeonova, you began your evangelical work at Atka where today you are remembered with love :

Rejoice, benefactor of the Atkan church.

Rejoice, baptiser of Aleut men, women and children.

Rejoice, teacher and builder of the True Faith.

Rejoice, beautiful adornment of the land of your ancestors.

Rejoice, heroic missionary to the Peoples of the North.

Rejoice, humble architect of the Holy Church in the Aleutian Islands.

Rejoice, Saint Jacob, Baptiser and Enlightener of the Native Peoples of Alaska.

Kontak 3

Learning of the labours of your friend and mentor Saint Innocent, you devoted yourself to mastering his Aleut translation of the Gospel of Saint Matthew. Adapting the text to the Atkan dialect, you proclaimed the good news to your flock who sang : Alleluia.

Ikos 3

Following the example of Saint Innocent, the future Metropolitan of Moscow, you established a school at Atka where children could learn to read in both Aleut and Russian. You translated sacred the Scriptures and you deepened their knowledge of God and His creation by your dedicated instruction. Enlightened by your teaching at church and in school, the people of Atka praise you with these words of thanksgiving :

Rejoice, zealous apostle to the New World.

Rejoice, beloved son of both Russia and North America.

Rejoice, diligent worker for Jesus Christ.

Rejoice, adopted son of the Theotokos.

Rejoice, for your teaching endures as our spiritual legacy.

Rejoice, for your example inspires our evangelical labours.

Rejoice, Saint Jacob, Baptiser and Enlightener of the Native Peoples of Alaska.

Kontak 4

Recognising your talents and devotion, the Holy Synod enlarged your district to include the Kurile Islands, far to the West. Sailing across the Bering Strait to evangelise the Indigenous people there, you celebrated Divine Services aboard ship and in your tent-church, singing : Alleluia.

Ikos 4

O blessed Father Jacob, you endured the hazards of travel in the North throughout your entire life. Like the holy Apostle Paul, you experienced storms at sea as well as temptation and persecution on land. You were constantly ill, bedridden for many days, unable to stand or to walk. You persevered through many hardships in order to bring the light of Christ to your flock in remote villages and settlements. By the power of the glorified and resurrected Lord, you continued your apostolic ministry in Alaska where you are remembered today in songs of praise :

Rejoice, for you suffered many temptations and fears.

Rejoice, for you triumphed over them by the Grace of God.

Rejoice, for you sailed tempestuous seas, like the holy apostles.

Rejoice, for you received the power of the Holy Spirit as they did on Pentecost.

Rejoice, longsuffering servant of the Lord, patient and forgiving.

Rejoice, humble pastor of the Church, gathering together the flock.

Rejoice, Saint Jacob, Baptiser and Enlightener of the Native Peoples of Alaska.

Kontak 5

Returning again to your home at Atka, you offered thanks to God for your safe journey. Warmed by the love of your flock and your family, you renewed your dedication to the service of the Lord. You constructed a holy Temple and your wrote the icons for it yourself. Since the Temple was dedicated in the name of Saint Nicholas of Myra in Lycia, you sang thankfully to God : Alleluia.

Ikos 5

Your life, Saint Jacob, was filled with disappointment, hardship and tragedy. Your wife, Anna, became ill and she died at the hospital in Sitka. Your house at Atka burned and your nephew Vasily, whom you loved as a son, also suddenly died, leaving you homeless and alone. Your desire was to enter monastic life, but there was no one to replace you. You obediently remained in the Aleutians for twenty years, where today you are remembered with gratitude :

Rejoice, for you accepted and endured all things as decreed by the Lord.

Rejoice, for you loved Him with all your mind, soul and heart.

Rejoice, for you persevered in times of tribulation and need.

Rejoice, for you prevailed over temptation, depression and fear.

Rejoice, lamp illuminating the household of faith.

Rejoice, flame glowing with love and harmony for those near and far.

Rejoice, Saint Jacob, Baptiser and Enlightener of the Native Peoples of Alaska.

Kontak 6

Travelling throughout the Aleutians by kayak, you set up your tent-church in camps, temporary settlements and villages – preaching, teaching, encouraging, and confirming your spiritual children in the True Faith. They were amazed at your energy and dedication, and they loved you as their faithful guide and father, praising God with the song : Alleluia.

Ikos 6

Having established the True Faith in your native land, you were transferred to another region and entrusted with an even greater task. Saint Innocent, as your bishop, appointed you to the new mission station on the Yukon River. There you began the evangelisation of the Yup’ik Eskimos. You studied their language and began the work of enlightening them with the help of many Aleuts who had settled amongst them. Throughout western Alaska, the Yup’ik people celebrate your memory with these words :

Rejoice, for you were entrusted to enlighten the Yukon Delta.

Rejoice, for you earnestly evangelised the Aleut and Yup’ik nations.

Rejoice, for you were all things to the Peoples of the North.

Rejoice, for you attended to the children and to the elders.

Rejoice, baptiser of the Yukon and Kuskokwim.

Rejoice, sanctifier of the forests, lakes and tundra.

Rejoice, Saint Jacob, Baptiser and Enlightener of the Native Peoples of Alaska.

Kontak 7

You founded the parish of the Elevation of the Holy Cross and built the first Christian Temple on the banks of the Yukon. Writing many icons for the church yourself, you glorified God for the fervent faith of your spiritual children whom you taught to sing : Alleluia.

Ikos 7

The Athabaskan Aboriginals, whose homeland lies in the heartland of Alaska, heard of your mission work amongst their Yup’ik neighbours and invited you to visit them. Paddling upstream, you reached their settlement at Shageluk in three days, and preached the Word of God to them. You counted over a hundred canoes, kayaks and boats converging on the river, and there you baptised more than three hundred souls. Their descendants today glorify you thus :

Rejoice, spiritual nourishment of the Indigenous Peoples.

Rejoice, herald of peace, forgiveness and reconciliation.

Rejoice, for you brought the divine message of love to warring enemies.

Rejoice, for you united them to Christ and to one another as they accepted the Orthodox Faith.

Rejoice, for they requested holy Baptism in the Shageluk River.

Rejoice, for they received the Heavenly Bread and the Cup of Life from your hands.

Rejoice, Saint Jacob, Baptiser and Enlightener of the Native Peoples of Alaska.

Kontak 8

United in truth and in love, the Athabaskan peoples embraced the Orthodox Faith and they ended centuries of inter-tribal strife and violence. You became blessed as a child of God, preaching the Gospel of peace and reconciling former enemies who exclaimed in wonder and joy : Alleluia.

Ikos 8

Travelling across the frozen tundra by dog sled, you struggled to visit the Yup’ik settlements in the delta region. You discovered the site of Saint Juvenaly’s martyrdom and you asked his intercessions for your apostolic labours. Your missionary endeavours required you to risk your health and safety as you persevered for nearly twenty more years on the shores of the Bering Sea, where we celebrate your memory in song :

Rejoice, for you died to self for the love of Christ.

Rejoice, physician of souls and bodies, blessed in spirit by Saint Juvenaly.

Rejoice, for you carried the Gospel to distant lands and peoples.

Rejoice, preacher of the good news of eternal salvation.

Rejoice, true shepherd known of the sheep.

Rejoice, messenger of reconciliation in Christ.

Rejoice, Saint Jacob, Baptiser and Enlightener of the Native Peoples of Alaska.

Kontak 9

Stricken ill with fever and bodily weakness, with no one to care for you, bedridden for weeks, unable to stand or walk – you remained steadfast in faith, persevering in hope, and constant in prayer. Rising from your bed, you managed to celebrate the Divine Services of Holy Week and Pascha. Transformed and renewed by the joy of the Resurrection, you cried out fervently to God : Alleluia.

Ikos 9

Saint Innocent, your bishop who appreciated your talents and dedication, conferred and consulted with you about the progress of the mission in Alaska and recognised your accomplishments. Others were jealous or ignorant of your true character and unjustly attacked you. Knowing of your remarkable humility and patience, we sing with love to you :

Rejoice, for you prayed for those who criticised and slandered you.

Rejoice, for you followed the Lord’s command and example, and you forgave them all.

Rejoice, for you blessed those who cursed you.

Rejoice, for you did good to those who attacked and who offended you.

Rejoice, perfect image of Christian charity.

Rejoice, icon of Christ and His faithful servant.

Rejoice, Saint Jacob, Baptiser and Enlightener of the Native Peoples of Alaska.

Kontak 10

The Yup’ik children at the Yukon mission attended your school, where they learned to read the Scriptures and to sing sacred hymns in their own language. Celebrating the Liturgy in Slavonic, Greek and Yup’ik, you taught all to praise God also in Hebrew : Alleluia.

Ikos 10

For nearly forty years you dwelt in the Alaskan wilderness, serving Jesus Christ as a modern apostle. You brought healing to the sick as an elder of the Church, fulfilling the instructions of your apostolic namesake, James. In thanksgiving for your missionary labours and the miraculous cures that accompanied your ministry, we offer these hymns from our unworthy lips :

Rejoice, priest of God forever and guide of the faithful to eternity.

Rejoice, constant intercessor, lifting up the hearts of the people to the heights of Heaven.

Rejoice, for your soul was renewed by the joy of the Resurrection.

Rejoice, for you ascended the ladder that reaches to the Kingdom.

Rejoice, for you endured evil attacks and you forgave all your foes.

Rejoice, by forgiving your enemies you were forgiven your sins.

Rejoice, Saint Jacob, Baptiser and Enlightener of the Native Peoples of Alaska.

Kontak 11

Having founded and nurtured the parish on the Yukon, you trained local leaders to succeed you and continue your holy work. Some became singers, others readers, and still others priests, who sang with the choirs of the angels : Alleluia.

Ikos 11

Summoned to Sitka to answer unjust accusations against you, and thereby leaving the land of the Yup’ik people, you entered the territory of the Tlingit. You spent the last years of your earthly life serving them in their chapel and preaching the Word of God to them. Today, they join us in singing these praises to you:

Rejoice, apostle to all Alaska and successor to all the apostles.

Rejoice, father of the Native Peoples and heir of the holy Fathers.

Rejoice, for your words and deeds were guided by the Holy Spirit.

Rejoice, for your way of life was directed by the Scriptures.

Rejoice, partaker of the mission of Saint Herman and Saint Innocent.

Rejoice, faithful and humble servant of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Rejoice, Saint Jacob, Baptiser and Enlightener of the Native Peoples of Alaska.

Kontak 12

While in Sitka, you located the gravesite of your beloved wife and built a fitting memorial to her. You lived in the All-Colonial School during your final years, and you offered your knowledge and wisdom to another generation of future missionaries. With simplicity and humility, you prepared new labourers for the plentiful harvest. Through them we have become your spiritual children, and praise God for your faithful ministry in Alaska, singing : Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Holy Father Jacob, you fell asleep in the Lord and iyou were buried in a place of honour – at the doors of the Tlingit chapel in which you had served. The Aleuts, Russians, Creoles, Athabascan, as well as the Yup’ik and Tlingit nations today celebrate your memory :

Rejoice, beloved teacher, passing on truth to future generations.

Rejoice, spiritual father, preparing plentiful harvests for others.

Rejoice, for the seas, forests, mountains and tundra sing your praises.

Rejoice, for Heaven and earth celebrate your apostolic accomplishments.

Rejoice, our guide on the narrow path.

Rejoice, our example of unselfish service.

Rejoice, Saint Jacob, Baptiser and Enlightener of the Native Peoples of Alaska.

Kontak 13

Beyond Alaska you were forgotten for more than a hundred years, but your spiritual children kept the memory of your heroic apostolic ministry alive in their hearts. Today, you are glorified as a modern apostle. Pray for us, Saint Jacob, that inspired by your dedication, patience, humility and Paschal joy, we may worthily continue the sacred work to which you dedicated your entire life. In this way, together with you in the Kingdom of Heaven, we may join the angelic choirs, singing : Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. (Sing this Kontak three times.)

Kontak 1

Holy Father Jacob, whose children number more than the stars in the northern sky, whose life and teachings are a ladder reaching from earth to Heaven : you wrestled with temptation and fought the good fight, and thereby became our valiant intercessor before the Lord our God. Pray to Him for us who venerate your sacred memory and who strive to continue your holy work as the New Israel in the New World of North America. Thus, we may sing with love and joy to you, the messenger of reconciliation and peace :

Rejoice, Saint Jacob, Baptiser and Enlightener of the Native Peoples of Alaska.

Ikos 1

Born on the island dedicated to the Great Martyr George, O Saint Jacob, you became a warrior for Christ, having vanquished every temptation that arose within your heart and soul. You brought peace to a land where only violence had reigned, reconciling hostile tribes by preaching the Gospel of peace and forgiveness. You became a holy father of many nations as you baptised and enlightened thousands of people who had never before known Jesus Christ – shepherding your scattered flock in the Aleutian Islands, the Yukon Delta, and at New Archangel. In your humility, devotion, piety and perseverance, you became the image of the perfect evangelist to us who stand before your holy icon and who offer these praises to you :

Rejoice, first flower of the Alaskan wilderness.

Rejoice, first son of the Aleut nation called to the holy priesthood.

Rejoice, abiding joy of the Pribilof Islands.

Rejoice, revered father of Atka and the Aleutian Archipelago.

Rejoice, candle creating light in the Arctic night.

Rejoice, ember kindling the flames of Christian Faith in the North.

Rejoice, Saint Jacob, Baptiser and Enlightener of the Native Peoples of Alaska.

A Prayer to Saint Jacob Netsvetov

O Holy Saint Jacob, you bore your cross so that others might see the light of Christ shining through your unselfish labours. You fulfilled your apostolic mission, infusing languages and cultures with the teachings of the Church and demonstrating obedience and forgiveness through word and deed. We are all your spiritual children, in the same manner that we have all inherited the evangelical works of the Apostle Paul. We ask for your continued guidance on the narrow path that leads to eternal life, that no soul should be lost to outer darkness or worldly discord. May we regard all life as precious and pray for one another, strengthened and inspired by your holy example. Enlighten us, O Father Jacob, and gather us together in the Name of Christ, our only Saviour. Amen.

A complete Akathist Service (approved and blessed by Bishop Nicholas (Soraich) in 2003) may be found here.

References

Black, Lydia, “The Journals of Iakov Netsvetov : The Yukon years, 1845-1863” (Anchroage, Alaska : University of Alaska Press, 1984). ISBN-10 ‏: ‎0919642012 ; ISBN-13 : 978-0919642010.

Oleksa, Michael, “Orthodox Alaska : A Theology of Mission” (Crestwood, NY : SVS Press, 1992), pp. 134-141, 227-231. ISBN : 0-88141-092-6.

Prokurat, Michael ; Golitzin, Alexander & Petersen, Michael, eds., “The A to Z of the Orthodox Church” (Lanham, MD : Scarecrow Press, 2010), p. 236. ISBN : 978-0-8108-7602-6.

“The Russian Mission in North America”

Tarasar, Constance J, ed., “Orthodox America 1794-1976 : Development of The Orthodox Church in America” (Syosset, NY : The Orthodox Church in America Department of History and Archives, 1975). ASIN : B000ZLZAUE.

Tatarenkova N A, ‘The early stage of the missionary’s work, Jacob Netsvetov’, in “Fifth International Historical and Holy Innocent Readings : On the 270th anniversary of Russia’s access to the shores of America and the beginning of the development of the Pacific Ocean (1741-2011) : materials : 19-20 October 2011” (Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, 2012), pp. 64-71.

OCA biography by Alexis P Liberovsky

Wikipedia biography

OCN biography by Bev Cooke

Pravoslavie.ru article “Holy Righteous Jacob Netsvetov”

Russian wikipedia biography

Drevo Encyclopaedia biography

Orthodox Encyclopedia biography

Outreachalaska.org biography

Holytrinity.org biography

ROCOR brief biography

Orthochristian.com biography “St Jacob Netsvetov, the Enlightener of the Peoples of Alaska”

Additional information :

(Afonsky), Bishop Gregory, “History of the Orthodox Church in Alaska, 1774-1914” (Kodiak, AK : St Herman of Alaska Seminary, 1977).

Andreev, Ivan M, “A Brief Overview of the History of the Church of Russia from the Revolution to Our Days” (Jordanville, NY : Holy Trinity Monastery Press, 1952).

Gray, George A, Bear, Jan V, eds., “Portraits of American Saints” (Los Angeles : Diocese of the West, OCA , 1994).

Hopko, Protopresbyter Thomas, ‘Church History’ in “Volume III : The Orthodox Faith”.

(Kapalin) Metropolitan Kliment, Article : “Alaska Mission” (June, 2021)

Kishkovsky, Archpriest L, Stokoe, M, “Orthodox Christians in North America (1794-1994)” (New York : Orthodox Church in America, 1995), pp. 8-9. ISBN-10 : 0866420533. ISBN-13 : 978-0866420532.

Matusiak, Archpriest John, A History and Introduction of The Orthodox Church in America

Holy Trinity-Saint Peter Temple, Irkutsk, Russia

Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church, Atka, Alaska

Saint Michael’s Orthodox Cathedral, Sitka, Alaska

Kvikhpakh Holy Cross Mission, Russian Mission, Alaska

Orthodoxwiki article about The Orthodox Church in America

Orthodoxwiki article about the Russian Orthodox Church

Saint Herman of Alaska

Saint Innocent (Veniaminov)

Archbishop Michael (Burdukov)

Bishop Peter (Ekaterinovsky)

Archpriest Jacob and Matushka Barbara Korchinsky