St. Innocent: Apostle To America

by Paul D. Garrett

This eminently readable biography traces the course of North America’s beloved Orthodox saint, Innocent of Alaska: his boyhood in Siberia, his call to mission in America, his labors first as a priest and then as a bishop in America and Asia, and his last years as Metropolitan of Moscow. Revealing the many facets of his warm personality and abiding interest in the natural and social sciences, this portrait fully describes him as a man of affection with an unfailing sense of humor. In this work, St Innocent emerges as an apt and accessible example of a dedicated bond servant of Jesus Christ.

Genres: Christianity, History, Nonfiction

345 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 1979

Reviews

[Pat Rolston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr Garrett has an easy very readable writing style that compliments his amazing subject, Saint Innocent. Often these stories of saints and religious leaders can get lost in the doctrine while the central figure’s story is diminished. There is much adventure and astonishing activity the great Saint undertakes in Alaska. His life is dedicated to the purveying the tenets of the Eastern Orthodox faith to all, but it is the kind and caring manner of his teaching that I found exceptional.

Orthodoxy is not a faith that spread by missionary zeal, but relies on the fundamental beauty of the liturgical services. He respectfully provided the indigenous natives of Alaska with the opportunity to experience the Orthodox faith. He did this in a manner respecting their culture and avoiding the horrors wrought by stripping their traditions that would result in societal decline. He traveled thousands of miles by kayak, dog sled, and on foot to reach the locals. He ended his life as Metropolitan of Moscow and always missed the time spent in his beloved Alaska.

[Stephen Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biography of John Veniaminov, missionary in Alaska, later Bishop of Kamchatka and Alaska, and then Metropolitan of Moscow and founder of the Orthodox Missionary Society.

[Carrie Gaynor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I must admit: I struggle with biographies and histories. I don’t enjoy them very much in book form, and prefer stories told out loud. However, if you wish to read a biography on St Innocent, this is the one.

[andrej bariovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

A modern apostle and example for Orthodox Christians around the world. How to see Christ in all and be tireless in your desire for all to come to the knowledge of Truth.

[Silas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very different book from those that I normally read, and it's likely I never would have picked it up if hadn't been written by my dad. That said, the book itself is quite well written. What could have been a boring travelogue became an exciting adventure story following a man who did some extraordinary things. While there is still a good bit of Orthodox terminology that could be hard for some to follow (and I'm still not 100% sure of how all the various rankings of priests work), it avoided using too many Russian terms when there were English ones available, which helped qutie a bit in making it more understandable. While for me, this was a way of honoring and learning about where my father came from before I was born, it is a well-written story that chronicles the exciting life of an honored man, and a worthwhile read if that is of interest to you.

[Mother Seraphima · Rating 5 out of 5]

St. Innocent had an amazing life. It was wonderful to read about his journeys to America. It's incredible to try and put yourself back in the time period when he lived when it took him over a year on a ship to sail around North and South America and make his way back to Moscow. St. Innocent was a true missionary, pastor and shepherd.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

St. Innocent's life and the works he performed in Alaska are amazing.