Venerable Venerable Herman of Alaska

Venerable Herman of Alaska (secular name Gerasim Ivanovich Popov) was born in 1756 near Serpukhov. As a young man he took monastic vows at the Trinity-Sergius hermitage near St. Petersburg, later transferring to Valaam Monastery. In 1794 he joined the first Orthodox missionary party to Alaska, ministering to the native Aleut population.

He settled as a hermit on Spruce Island near Kodiak, living there for over forty years in strict ascetic simplicity. He defended the native people from the abuses of Russian fur traders, founded a school and orphanage for Aleut children, and taught them agriculture. He was known for spiritual discernment, healings, and a deep love of animals and nature. Though repeatedly urged toward priestly or episcopal ordination, he refused, remaining a simple monk his entire life.

He reposed on 13 December 1837 on Spruce Island. In 1970 he was glorified by the Orthodox Church in America as the first Orthodox saint of North America, with the glorification celebrated on July 27/August 9, 1970, at Kodiak.