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'.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1968 by Seraphim Rose and Herman Podmoshensky.
- ›Operates under the Serbian Orthodox Eparchy of Western America.
- ›Known for its extensive English-language Orthodox publications, including 'the Orthodox Word'.
- ›Affiliated with four other Serbian monasteries.
- ›Monastics lead ascetic lives and the monastery is frequented by pilgrims.
Saint Herman Press, 'the Orthodox Word' Periodical, Ascetic Lifestyle of Monastics
Seraphim Rose, Herman Podmoshensky, Bishop John Maximovitch, Bishop Maksim, Hieromonk Damascene, Herman, Gerasim, Hilarion
- Founded In 1968.
- Began Serving Under Serbian Orthodox Eparchy of Western America In 2000.
- Initiated 'Death To the World' Zine In 1994.
About Saint Herman of Alaska Monastery
The Saint Herman of Alaska Monastery is an Eastern Orthodox Christian monastery located 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, with the spiritual guidance of Bishop John Maximovitch. The monastics at Saint Herman of Alaska Monastery lead ascetic lives, and the site is a destination for pilgrims.
History and Activities
The monastery's founding in 1968 marked the beginning of its dedicated service to Orthodox Christianity in English. Since 2000, its monastics have served under the omophorion of Bishop Maksim of the Serbian Orthodox Eparchy of Western America. The brotherhood is also involved in the publication of spiritual literature. Through its publishing house, Saint Herman Press, the monastery produces original books, translates significant Orthodox works into English, and publishes a bimonthly periodical, 'The Orthodox Word', as well as the annual 'Saint Herman Church Calendar'. In 1994, the monastery also initiated the 'Death to the World' zine.
Affiliated Monasteries and Leadership
Saint Herman of Alaska Monastery is part of a brotherhood that includes four other Serbian monasteries: Saint Xenia Serbian Orthodox Monastery in Wildwood, California; St. Nilus Skete in Ouzinkie, Alaska; and St. Archangel Michael Skete, also in Ouzinkie, Alaska. The current abbot of Saint Herman of Alaska Monastery is Hieromonk Damascene (Christensen), who assumed the role on July 20, 2013. Previous abbots include Herman (Podmoshensky), Gerasim (Eliel), and Hilarion (Waas).
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Saint Herman of Alaska Monastery founded?
The monastery was founded in 1968 by Seraphim Rose and Herman Podmoshensky. It began serving under the Serbian Orthodox Eparchy of Western America in 2000.
What is Saint Herman of Alaska Monastery known for?
The monastery is well-known for its significant contributions to Orthodox literature in English, produced through its publishing house, Saint Herman Press. It also publishes the periodical 'The Orthodox Word' and hosts pilgrims.
Who are the founders of Saint Herman of Alaska Monastery?
The monastery was founded by Seraphim Rose and Herman Podmoshensky. They received the blessing for its establishment from Bishop John Maximovitch.
What is the religious tradition of Saint Herman of Alaska Monastery?
Saint Herman of Alaska Monastery is an Eastern Orthodox Christian monastery. It is part of the Serbian Orthodox Eparchy of Western America.
Where is Saint Herman of Alaska Monastery located?
The monastery is situated in Platina, California.
Related Monasteries
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.
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.

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.