Saint Herman of Alaska was born in 1757 in a merchant family in Serpukhov. At the age of sixteen, he entered monasticism, first serving in the Trinity-Sergius Desert, and then withdrew to Valaam, where he spent about five years in solitude.
In 1778, he took monastic vows and became known for his deep knowledge of the Holy Scriptures and the writings of the holy fathers. His spiritual mentor was Igumen Nazarius, who introduced the rule of the Sarov Desert at Valaam.
In 1793, after 15 years at Valaam, he was called to apostolic service and sent to Alaska to preach the Gospel and baptize pagans. He became one of the first missionaries working as part of the Kodiak Mission.
On Kodiak Island, he actively engaged in building a church and converting the local inhabitants to Christianity. Saint Herman baptized more than 700 people and officiated at over 2000 marriages.
After the death of Archimandrite Joasaph in 1799, he became the spiritual father of the mission and continued his service despite the lack of support. Saint Herman defended the local people from exploitation and was a good shepherd to them.
He lived in complete self-denial, his life was filled with prayer and service. Saint Herman predicted the time of his death and departed to the Lord on December 13, 1837, at the age of 81.
A simple wooden monument was erected over his grave, and later a church was built in honor of the Valaam Saints Sergius and Herman. His memory is honored as a great ascetic who continues to intercede for people to this day.
