June 19–22, 2025 | Kwethluk & Anchorage, Alaska

With deep joy and thanksgiving, we share the historic news that the Orthodox Church in America will glorify Blessed Matushka Olga Michael of Kwethluk, Alaska, as a saint of the Church this week, from June 19 through June 22, 2025.

Matushka Olga, the wife of Archpriest Nikolai Michael, was a devout Orthodox Christian, mother of eight, midwife, and quiet servant of God. She lived in the remote village of Kwethluk, along the Kuskokwim River, where she became known for her tireless acts of love, her gifts of healing, and her compassionate presence, especially among women and the suffering. Her holiness was not proclaimed from pulpits or thrones, but manifested in the hidden life of service, prayer, and maternal care—a life now recognized by the entire Church as deeply and profoundly sanctified.

Her reputation for holiness and healing has quietly spread throughout the Orthodox world for decades. Women who have experienced trauma—especially survivors of abuse—have found in her a powerful intercessor, a gentle healer, and a motherly presence who understands their suffering. Her glorification reminds us that sainthood is often found in the unseen acts of love and sacrifice that reflect the image of Christ most clearly.

We encourage all parishioners to read and reflect on the following article, originally published in Jacob’s Well in 1997, which offers a deeply moving account of Matushka Olga’s life and witness:

Matushka Olga Michael: A Helper in Restoring the Work of God's Hands
By Fr. John Shimchick
Click here to read the article (PDF)

Watch the Glorification Services Live

For those unable to travel to Alaska, the Orthodox Church in America will be livestreaming the glorification services. This allows the faithful from across the country and around the world to prayerfully participate in this sacred moment in the life of the Church.

The full schedule of livestreamed services, along with viewing links, can be found on the official OCA website:
www.oca.org/news/headline-news/livestream-services-glorification-righteous-olga-kewthluk

A Living Legacy: Ministry in Her Name

For many years, the Diocesan Ministry of Blessed Matushka Olga in our Diocese of New York and New Jersey has quietly served women and families in crisis. This ministry, which bears her name and spirit, is now more relevant than ever as we recognize Matushka Olga’s glorification and seek to follow her example of healing and compassion.

Learn more about this important work at the diocesan website:
https://nynjoca.org/blessedmatushkaolgaofalaskaministry.html

As we prepare to witness her formal glorification, let us give thanks for the quiet holiness of this faithful woman of God—an Orthodox Christian, an Alaskan, a mother, and now a North American saint.

Righteous Matushka Olga, pray to God for us.

God has chosen a humble mother from Alaska 

to be an example for all the servants of God; 

He has given us Saint Olga as a helper in afflictions 

and as a guide to leading a life of sacrificial love. 

Therefore we entreat you, O holy mother Olga: 

pray that we, your sinful children, may be saved//

and rejoice with you in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Tone 8  Kontakion

Guided by the heavenly light and touched by Christ’s rich mercy, 

your loving hands heal the wounds of those hurt in the past. 

Your soft voice encourages all to remain faithful to God, 

for the eternal Lord will give the steadfast a crown of life. 

O holy mother Olga, visit us with love and reassure us, 

that we may accept whatever cross we must bear as chosen by the merciful God// 

and that, through your prayers, we do the will of God for the salvation of our souls.