One of the nicest surprises in driving from Anchorage to Homer was discovering the Russian Orthodox Churches on Kenai Peninsula. I knew nothing of these churches before I went to Alaska, but it was great to visit the history and architecture of these churches. These are the best Russian Orthodox Churches on Kenai Peninsula:
Holy Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Kenai town
The old town of Kenai, northwest of Soldotna, is home to the Holy Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the oldest Orthodox Church in Alaska. If you visit during opening hours, you can shop at the small gift shop next door.
Transfiguration of Our Lord Russian Orthodox Church in Ninilchik
The Transfiguration of Our Lord Russian Orthodox Church in Ninilchik for sure has the most dramatic setting of all of the Russian Orthodox Churches on Kenai Peninsula, with the Mount Iliamna Volcano looming in the background and a military and and an Orthodox cemetery surrounding the church. The priest was on site so I got a chance to look around when I visited in the morning.
Church of Saint Nicholas in Nikolaevsk Russian Village
The most Russian of all of the towns in Kenai is Nikolaevsk. Don’t miss a visit to the Church of Saint Nicolas, and if you can, don’t miss visiting the interior. There are actually two churches on the site at Nikolaevsk, with one being actively built, with it’s huge onion dome on the ground during my visit.
While in Nikolaevsk, if you’re in the mood for Russian Food, head over to the Samovar Café or Borscht, Russian Tea, or just taking some photos with Nina, the café proprietor. Another great reason to visit Nikolaevsk is to see the blanket of Fireweed that covers the hills around town.
All Saints Orthodox Church in Homer
In Homer, you can take the very scenic Skyline Drive to find the All Saints Orthodox Church hidden in the hills above Homer. The church was unlocked so I got a chance to look inside, and this had the most beautiful interior of the four churches I visited.
Tips for Visiting the Russian Orthodox Churches on Kenai Peninsula
For the highest chance to look inside the churches, visit during normal daylight hours, say 10-4. All the churches accept donations, consider donating to help preserve and run these wooden churches. Dress modestly – you should cover your shoulders and not wear shorts in Orthodox Churches.
Best Places to Stay When Visiting the Russian Orthodox Churches on Kenai Peninsula
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Staying north of the churches – Soldotna – largest town on Kenai with all the major conveniences, great for day tripping to Kenai old town or K-beach Check Rates and Availability in Soldotna.
Staying south of the churches – Homer – the end of the road with fantastic views. Check Rates and Availability in Homer.
See Posts on Other Orthodox Churches I’ve Visited Around the World:
Church on the Spilled Blood in St. Petersburg, Russia In my opinion, this may be the most beautiful orthodox churches in the world
Tigray Churches in northeastern Ethiopia
Echmiadzin, Armenia (the Vatican City of Armenia)
Many churches in Kyiv, Ukraine
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3 comments
I have to admit, not what I expected to see in Alaska! Gives a bit more insight into the region’s early settlers and a new “layer” to Alaska 🙂
Fascinating! I never heard about these churches before but it makes sense, doesn’t it! Thanks for sharing!
Oh how beautiful, almost fairytale beautiful 🙂