His Grace traveled to Sitka, Alaska the weekend of November 17, 18, 19 to consecrate the new altar for the Cathedral. On Saturday morning he celebrated Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the historic Russian Bishop's House. On Saturday night His Grace celebrated Vigil and Sunday morning Hierarchical Divine Liturgy with the Consecration of the new Altar. The new altar was hand carved in Russia and shipped to Sitka. A festive banquet was held following the the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy.

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For more information about the Russian Bishop's House click here.

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Click here for a slideshow of Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the Russian Bishop's House!

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Click here for a slideshow of the Consecration of the New Altar! (It is a very large download so please be patient!)

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The Sanctuary in St. Michael's Cathedral awaits the new altar. Click here for a slideshow of HDL at the Russian Bishop's House!

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His Grace with the clergy after Hierarchical Divine Liturgy

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His Grace with the Clergy and the Faithful of St. Michael the Archangel

His Grace pours wax mastic into the peg holes

Pegs are pounded in with rocks to secure the top

His Grace pours rose water on the altar for the first washing

His Grace pours wine mixed with water for the second washing

The clergy scrub the altar with cloths

The same process is repeated and the altar is washed again with sponges

His Grace venerates the relics of St. Ignatius the New Martyr which will be placed in the altar

His Grace anoints the altar with chrism

His Grace places the relics in the reliquary and pours the wax mastic in over the relics A dowel is driven into the hole Icons of the four evangelists are placed over the pegs and sealed with wax mastic

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