A Legacy Of Faith: The Russian Orthodox Church In Alaska

Following the trail of Russian fur traders in the mid-1700s, the first Russian Orthodox missionaries were sent to Alaska in 1794 to minister to the native peoples. This interesting look at a little seen aspect of religious life in America traces the history of the church, explains its tripartite structure, and visits representative establishments in Southern Alaska. Viewers see the splendor and beauty of St. Michael's Cathedral in Sitka, visit St. Herman's Seminary in Kodiak, and finally experience a wintry Easter service-which runs from 11:30 p.m. until dawn-in a small Eskimo village. A modest production on an unusual subject, this is recommended. (Available from: KUAC-TV, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK 99775-1420.)