Planning Your Pilgrimage

Matushka Olga’s liturgical glorification will take place at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Kwethluk, AK, with the Vigil and Glorification taking place on the evening of Thursday, June 19, 2025. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated in Kwethluk on Friday, June 20, 2025.

Canonization Itinerary

The Holy Synod has decided that Matushka Olga’s liturgical glorification will take place at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Kwethluk, AK, with the Vigil and Glorification taking place on the evening of Thursday, June 19, 2025. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated in Kwethluk on Friday, June 20, 2025. To arrive in time for these events we recommend flying in on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.

How to Get to Kwethluk

Travel Timeline: Plan to arrive in Bethel, Alaska, on June 18th, 2025, to ensure adequate time for transportation to Kwethluk.

Step 1: Flights to Bethel (BET)

  • Alaska Airlines operates three flights daily from Anchorage (ANC) to Bethel (BET). Book early to secure your ticket.

Step 2: Travel from Bethel to Kwethluk

Option 1: Boat Transport

  • Upon arriving at Bethel’s small airport, volunteers will provide boat transportation to Kwethluk.
  • Note: Gasoline is $9 per gallon in Kwethluk. Please consider bringing cash to help cover fuel expenses for your volunteer boat captain.

Option 2: Charter Flights to Kwethluk

  • Several small local airlines operate flights from Bethel to Kwethluk. These flights are often in high demand, so booking in advance is highly recommended.

Small Airlines:

  1. Fox Air
  2. Yute Air (Note: Prone to delays and wait times)
  3. Grant Air

Charter Information:

Charters typically cost around $500 each way and accommodate up to six passengers. To ensure availability, contact the airline directly to reserve a charter flight.

How to Get to Kwethluk

Travel Timeline: Plan to arrive in Bethel, Alaska, on June 18th, 2025, to ensure adequate time for transportation to Kwethluk.

Step 1: Flights to Bethel (BET)

  • Alaska Airlines operates three flights daily from Anchorage (ANC) to Bethel (BET). Book early to secure your ticket.

Step 2: Travel from Bethel to Kwethluk

Option 1: Boat Transport

  • Upon arriving at Bethel’s small airport, volunteers will provide boat transportation to Kwethluk.
  • Note: Gasoline is $9 per gallon in Kwethluk. Please consider bringing cash to help cover fuel expenses for your volunteer boat captain.

Option 2: Charter Flights to Kwethluk

  • Several small local airlines operate flights from Bethel to Kwethluk. These flights are often in high demand, so booking in advance is highly recommended.

Small Airlines:

  1. Fox Air
  2. Yute Air (Note: Prone to delays and wait times)
  3. Grant Air

Charter Information:

Charters typically cost around $500 each way and accommodate up to six passengers. To ensure availability, contact the airline directly to reserve a charter flight.

What to Expect in Kwethluk

Lodging:

  • Accommodations will be available at the local school, which will be opened for pilgrims.
  • The school provides bathrooms and an operational kitchen for meal preparation.
  • Bring a sleeping bag and mat for comfortable lodging.

Food:

  • Some meals will be provided, primarily featuring local salmon if it is available and in season.
  • It is advised to bring your preferred snacks and any food items if you are not accustomed to fish or prefer a more varied diet.

Store:

  • Kwethluk has a small general store with limited supplies, including basic food, beverages, and necessities. Stock may be limited, so plan accordingly.

Environment:

The area is known for its insects during the summer months. Bringing insect repellent and protective clothing is highly recommended.

Conditions are rustic, and visitors should prepare for outdoor elements.

What to Expect in Kwethluk

Lodging:

  • Accommodations will be available at the local school, which will be opened for pilgrims.
  • The school provides bathrooms and an operational kitchen for meal preparation.
  • Bring a sleeping bag and mat for comfortable lodging.

Food:

  • Some meals will be provided, primarily featuring local salmon if it is available and in season.
  • It is advised to bring your preferred snacks and any food items if you are not accustomed to fish or prefer a more varied diet.

Store:

  • Kwethluk has a small general store with limited supplies, including basic food, beverages, and necessities. Stock may be limited, so plan accordingly.

Environment:

The area is known for its insects during the summer months. Bringing insect repellent and protective clothing is highly recommended.

Conditions are rustic, and visitors should prepare for outdoor elements.

What to Pack