Monastery of Saint Herman of Alaska
The Saint Herman of Alaska Monastery is an Eastern Orthodox Christian monastery located in Platina, California, under the jurisdiction of the Serbian Orthodox Eparchy of Western America. Founded in 1968 by Seraphim Rose and Herman Podmoshensky, it is known for its monastics' ascetic lives and its significant role in publishing Orthodox Christian literature in English. The monastery also publishes a bimonthly periodical, "The Orthodox Word," and an annual church calendar through its publishing house, Saint Herman Press.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1968 by Seraphim Rose and Herman Podmoshensky with the blessing of Bishop John Maximovitch.
- ›Operates under the Serbian Orthodox Eparchy of Western America since 2000.
- ›Known for its publishing activities, including original works, translations, and periodicals.
- ›Publishes "the Orthodox Word" bimonthly and the annual Saint Herman Church Calendar.
- ›Affiliated with four other Serbian monasteries in California and Alaska.
- ›The current abbot is Hieromonk Damascene (Christensen).
Saint Herman Press Publishing House, the Orthodox Word Periodical, Saint Herman Church Calendar
Seraphim Rose, Herman Podmoshensky, Bishop John Maximovitch, Bishop Maksim, Hieromonk Damascene, Gerasim, Hilarion
- Founded In 1968
- Came Under Serbian Orthodox Eparchy of Western America In 2000
About Monastery of Saint Herman of Alaska
The Saint Herman of Alaska Monastery is an Eastern Orthodox Christian monastic community situated in Platina, California. It operates under the jurisdiction of the Serbian Orthodox Eparchy of Western America of the Serbian Orthodox Church. The monastery was established in 1968 by Seraphim Rose and Herman Podmoshensky, receiving the blessing of Bishop John Maximovitch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. Since 2000, the monastics have served under the omophorion of Bishop Maksim of the Serbian Orthodox Eparchy of Western America.
The monks at Saint Herman of Alaska Monastery lead ascetic lives, and the site is a destination for pilgrims seeking spiritual guidance and solace. The monastery has gained significant recognition for its extensive publishing endeavors through its associated press, Saint Herman Press. This publishing house is responsible for producing original books, translating key Orthodox Christian works into English, and disseminating these materials to a wider audience.
Publications and Outreach
A cornerstone of the monastery's mission is its commitment to spreading Orthodox teachings through written works. Saint Herman Press, located at the Saint Xenia Serbian Orthodox Monastery in Wildwood, California, is the engine behind these efforts. The brotherhood produces and prints a variety of books aimed at educating and inspiring readers. Furthermore, they publish "The Orthodox Word," a bimonthly periodical that offers spiritual reflections, theological insights, and news from the Orthodox world. The annual "Saint Herman Church Calendar" is another important publication, serving as a practical guide and devotional resource for many Orthodox Christians.
Affiliated Communities and Leadership
The Saint Herman of Alaska Brotherhood oversees several affiliated monastic communities. These include Saint Xenia Serbian Orthodox Monastery in Wildwood, California, and the sketes of St. Nilus and St. Archangel Michael in Ouzinkie, Alaska, in addition to the main monastery in Platina. The leadership of the Saint Herman of Alaska Monastery has evolved over the years. Notable abbots include Herman (Podmoshensky), Gerasim (Eliel), Hilarion (Waas), and currently, Hieromonk Damascene (Christensen), who has held the position since July 20, 2013.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Saint Herman of Alaska Monastery founded?
The Saint Herman of Alaska Monastery was founded in 1968. It has been under the omophorion of Bishop Maksim of the Serbian Orthodox Eparchy of Western America since 2000.
What is the religious tradition of the Saint Herman of Alaska Monastery?
The monastery is an Eastern Orthodox Christian monastery. It is under the jurisdiction of the Serbian Orthodox Eparchy of Western America of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
What are the main activities of the Saint Herman of Alaska Monastery?
The monastics lead ascetic lives, and the monastery is frequented by pilgrims. It is also renowned for its publishing activities through Saint Herman Press, producing books and periodicals in English.
Who are the founders of the monastery?
The monastery was founded by Seraphim Rose and Herman Podmoshensky. They received the blessing for its establishment from Bishop John Maximovitch.
What publications are associated with the Saint Herman of Alaska Monastery?
The monastery is known for its publications in English, including original books, translations of major Orthodox works, the bimonthly periodical "The Orthodox Word," and the annual "Saint Herman Church Calendar."
Related Monasteries
Monastery of Saint Sava
The Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Monastery and Seminary in Libertyville, Illinois, was established in 1923 by Bishop Saint Mardarije as an educational institution for Serbian Orthodox theology. It later served as a refuge for Serbs during World War II and became a focal point for a significant schism within the Serbian Orthodox Church in North America. The monastery is also known as the final resting place, until 2013, of Peter II of Yugoslavia, the last king of Yugoslavia.
New Gračanica Monastery
New Gračanica Serbian Orthodox Monastery, located in Third Lake, Illinois, is a significant center for the Serbian Orthodox Eparchy of New Gračanica and Midwestern America. Consecrated in 1984, it is an architectural replica of the original Gračanica Monastery in Kosovo, albeit on a larger scale. The monastery is known for its richly decorated interior, featuring extensive frescoes by artist Fr. Theodore Jurewicz.
Saint Herman of Alaska Monastery
Saint Herman of Alaska Monastery is an Eastern Orthodox Christian monastery located in Platina, California, under the jurisdiction of the Serbian Orthodox Eparchy of Western America. Founded in 1968 by Seraphim Rose and Herman Podmoshensky with the blessing of Bishop John Maximovitch, the monastery is known for its ascetic lifestyle and significant contributions to Orthodox literature in English through its publishing house, Saint Herman Press. It also hosts pilgrims and publishes the periodical 'The Orthodox Word'.