• Photos

    Spruce Island: New Valaam

    We were pilgrims of the northern wilds in order to visit the land of Saint Herman–Spruce Island, Alaska. We were picked up by the monks on a small boat from Kodiak Island and raced across the water to what Saint Herman dubbed his “New Valaam.” This island is home to a group of monastics who strive to maintain the life and teachings of Saint Herman among the Alaskan peoples. They endure the harsh seas, high winds, frost, ice, and snow while maintaining the warmth of Christ in their hearts. These are a few photos from our pilgrimage to ask the prayers of America’s first Saint and walk where he labored…