St Herman of Alaska Icon

This icon of Saint Herman of Alaska is hand-painted in egg tempera on solid gessoed wood with a raised border. Oak braces set into the back guard against warping. 24 karat gold leaf is applied by hand to the background. The panel is finished with a matte varnish and arrives with a certificate of authenticity, gift-ready for a home icon corner.

Iconography and Symbolism

Saint Herman is shown in monastic dress, holding a prayer rope and a scroll inscribed with his own beloved counsel: “From this day, from this hour, from this minute, let us love God above all.” Behind him, a chapel and forest recall his life of missionary labor and quiet asceticism in Alaska.
Born in Russia in the mid-eighteenth century, Herman joined the Valaam Monastery before traveling to Alaska in 1794 as part of the first Orthodox mission to North America. He spent decades in humble service to the native Alaskan peoples, defending them from exploitation and living a life of prayer and simplicity on Spruce Island. He was glorified in 1970 as the first canonized Orthodox saint of North America, and remains deeply beloved as patron and protector of the Orthodox Church in America.

Feast Day
December 13 (New Calendar) — Repose; also commemorated August 9, the Glorification.

Gift Suggestions

-A meaningful gift for anyone baptized Herman
-A fitting gift for missionaries and converts to Orthodoxy in North America
-A gift for those seeking simplicity and humility in the spiritual life
-A dignified addition to a home icon corner or parish gift shop