Annual Pilgrimages to Spruce Island in Honor of Saint Herman of Alaska

In 1938, a group of pilgrims from Afognak made a special visit to Father Gerasim (Schmaltz) on Spruce Island, where he had relocated after serving as the longtime rector of the Church in Afognak. Father Gerasim, also known as Archimandrite Gerasim, had been living on Spruce Island for several decades, watching over the grave of the revered Saint Herman of Alaska.

Saint Herman, venerated as a saintly elder for many years, was officially glorified among the Church’s saints in 1970. His grave on Spruce Island near Kodiak became a place of pilgrimage for many faithful, including Metropolitan Leonty who visited in the 1950s. The festive services to celebrate Saint Herman’s glorification in 1970 brought hierarchs, clergy, and faithful from all over to Kodiak and Spruce Island.

The first organized pilgrimage to Spruce Island took place in 1972 during a Diocesan Assembly in Kodiak. This event led to the establishment of Saint Herman’s Seminary and the annual pilgrimage to coincide with Saint Herman’s feast day in August, initiated by Bishop Gregory (Afonsky) in 1973. Over the years, the pilgrimage has grown in scope and attracts pilgrims from around the world.

In 2020, multiple pilgrimages were planned to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Saint Herman’s canonization, but due to the pandemic, a scaled-back pilgrimage took place with mostly local participants. This event marked the last major gathering presided over by Archbishop David (Mahaffey), who sadly passed away later that year.

The annual pilgrimage to Spruce Island continues to be a significant event in the Alaskan diocese, drawing pilgrims to honor the legacy of Saint Herman and the spiritual significance of the island. Photos and videos of past pilgrimages offer a glimpse into the rich tradition and reverence surrounding this sacred pilgrimage.