Holy Assumption Russian Orthodox Church in Kenai, built in 1894, is one of the oldest Russian Orthodox places of worship in Alaska. Regular services are still held here.
Icons from Russia and an 1847 Russian edition of the Holy Gospel with enameled icons of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John on the cover are displayed.
The Parish House Rectory, built in 1881, is considered to be the oldest building on the Kenai Peninsula and is the only remaining Russian Rectory still standing in Alaska today. It continues to be the residence of priests who serve the church today.
Russian is the first language spoken here. We stopped to take pictures--
--and stayed for lunch at the Samovar Cafe.
Matryoshka doll on left hand-painted by Nina.
We had a lovely authentic Russian meal prepared individually for us by Nina Fefelov, who entertained us with Russian music, educational stories of the village and the Russian way of life.
Nina is an electrical engineer from the far east of Russia living in the United States only the last fifteen years.
Two Old World Believers enjoying Borscht, Piroshki
Nina presenting our carefully prepared meal.
Pel'meni
The cafe was very intimate--
--and the meal elegantly served.
Desert with Russian Tea
We stayed at Harbor Camp, a U.S. Forest Service Camp where the road dead-ends on the shore of Cook Inlet.
This is also Anchor Point, the most westerly point accessible by road in North America.
Across the Inlet is a beautiful view of the Aleutian Range and several active volcanoes.
1 comment:
Stunning photography! I learned a lot about the Russian Communities. Thank you for being so informative.
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