St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church

Oldest original church building in Southeast Alaska, dating from 1894

St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church is a small onion-domed building perched on a hillside above downtown Juneau, dating from 1894 and the oldest original church building in Southeast Alaska. The octagonal structure is topped with a distinctive copper-clad dome and holds icons, vestments, and liturgical objects from the Russian colonial period. The interior is richly decorated in traditional Orthodox style.

The church is still an active parish and welcomes visitors during limited hours. It stands in the Chicken Ridge historic district, a short walk uphill from the waterfront, and the approach gives good views over the Gastineau Channel. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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A story
The church was built in 1894 under Bishop Nicholas of Alaska, and its congregation has always been largely indigenous Tlingit and Aleut. The Russian Orthodox Church had worked with Alaska Native peoples since the late 18th century, often in ways more respectful of indigenous culture than Protestant missionaries — the church sanctioned services in Native languages and trained Native clergy.