Elevation of the Holy Cross Eastern Orthodox Church

SAINT HERMAN OF ALASKA is often referred to as the first American saint. Born in Russia, he entered the monastic life when he was only sixteen. He would eventually take up abode in the Valaam Monastery on Lake Ladoga. When a mission of monks was organized in 1793 to travel to North America, St. Herman was part of that effort. Russian merchants had discovered the Aleutian Islands and, in addition to their trading endeavors they found a great need to bring the Gospel of Christ to the native inhabitants. St. Herman would settle on Spruce Island, calling his home "New Valaam." The rugged island was heavily forested, but the pious monk enjoyed the solitude it brought him. Earthly pleasures meant nothing to him. He dug a cave with his own hands where he lived for more than 40 years. He humbly wore the same clothing every day; he used two bricks for a pillow and he covered himself at night with a board rather than a blanket.

Although only a simple monk and not an ordained priest, St. Herman soon gained a reputation for being a great spiritual teacher. He established a school and enjoyed teaching the native children about Christ. He particularly loved to teach them the prayers and hymns of the Church. Young and old alike would listen spell-bound for hours to his sermons.

St. Herman also became known for his wondrous works and miracles as well. A great flood once threatened Spruce Island, and the inhabitants came to their blessed Elder in great fear. He took an icon of the Theotokos, placed it on a sandy bank and began to pray. Amazingly, the progress of the waters was impeded immediately! A forest fire broke out once on Spruce Island. St. Herman dug a simple trench and proclaimed: "The fire will not pass this line." It did not!

St. Herman of Alaska died in the same cave in which be had lived for all those years on Spruce Island. His final words were a statement of his entire philosophy of life: "GLORY TO THEE, O LORD."