My wife and I just finished watching the 2024 documentary Sacred Alaksa. The film was shown during family ed night at our parish a few weeks ago, but I was celebrating my brother’s birthday and couldn’t make it. I was disappointed not be to able to attend and resolved to see the film in short order.
“Sacred Alaska” is an award-winning documentary that offers an intimate look into Native Alaskan culture and spirituality. It showcases the profound influence of Orthodoxy, introduced by Russian monks in the late 18th century, on Alaskan society. The film highlights the unique way Alaskans have woven their indigenous beliefs with Orthodox traditions, deeply influencing their worldview. Central to this is the concept of learning to become a “real person.” Through beautiful cinematography and powerful storytelling, “Sacred Alaska” underscores the profound, sacred bond between the Alaskan people, their faith, and the formidable landscape they call home.
From the description, I expected a fair amount of syncretism along with the beautiful depictions of the stark Alaskan landscape, but it wasn’t exactly like that. When the faith of the Russians was carried to natives of Alaska from saints like Herman and Innocent, it was more of an expansion of the concepts the Alaskans already held close to their heart. It was similar to St. Paul declaring to the ancient Athenians, “For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, To The Unknown God. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you” (Acts 17:23).
The natives of the area already believed that the animals they hunted were not killed by the skill of the practiced hunter, but because they allowed themselves to be sacrificed. They therefore intuitively understood the concept of the Son of God sacrificing himself for the good of humanity. It has already been woven into their thoughts.
Sacred Alaska (Rent)
This film gave me goosebumps and I would strongly recommend checking it out.
