The US purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867 so there is still some Russian influence here. We have run across several fully functional Russian Orthodox churches during our travels here.  We visited a few of them today that are near Anchorage.

Saint John Orthodox Cathedral in Eagle River, AK

Saint John Orthodox Cathedral

St. Sergius Chapel

The newer St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Eklutna, AK (1962)

New St. Nicholas Orthodox Church

The Old St.Nicholas Church Built Around 1870’s

Old St. Nicholas Orthodox Church

The graveyard near the two St. Nicholas Churches is an Orthodox Christian Cemetery, and is still in use today.  Spirit Houses are placed over the grave 40 days after the burial to house the spirit of the deceased and their possessions.  The colors of the houses are specific to the families.  This is sort of a combination of Russian and native burial practices.

Orthodox Christian Cemetery, Eklutna, AK