Saint Innocent, Metropolitan of Moscow, enlightener of Alaska and apostle to America.
March 31
St. Innocent (Veniaminov) was born in Siberia in 1797 and as a young married priest volunteered for the mission in Alaska. He labored for decades among the Aleuts, Tlingit and other native peoples, learning their languages, translating the Scriptures and services, and building churches, and after the death of his wife was consecrated bishop for the Alaskan mission.
In 1868 he was elected Metropolitan of Moscow, where he founded the Orthodox Missionary Society. He reposed in 1879 and was glorified in 1977 as the apostle to America. His memory is kept on March 31.
October 6
Born in 1797 in Siberia, the priest John Veniaminov volunteered for the mission to the Aleutian Islands, where he learned the native tongue, created an alphabet, and translated the Scriptures and services. As Bishop Innocent he founded churches and schools across Alaska and eastern Siberia.
In 1868 he became Metropolitan of Moscow, where he established the Orthodox Missionary Society. He reposed in 1879 and was glorified in 1977.
Feast day
On the New Calendar, Innocent of Alaska is commemorated on March 31. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on April 13 of the civil calendar.
On the New Calendar, Innocent of Alaska is commemorated on October 6. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on October 19 of the civil calendar.
Also commemorated on March 31
Abdas and Benjamin
Hierarch, Αυδάς και Βενιαμίν
Hieromartyr Abdas, Bishop of Persia, and Martyr Benjamin the Deacon.
Theophilos of Crete
Martyr, Θεόφιλος ο εν Κρήτη
Holy Martyr Theophilos and those who suffered with him in Crete.
Blasios of Amorion
Venerable, Βλάσιος ο εξ Αμορίου
Venerable Blasios of Amorion, monk of Studion and Mount Athos.
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