Saint Jacob Netsvetov of PM - Buon Fresco Icon - Buon Fresco Icon - 12"x12" on ceramic tile, 22 karat gold

Jacob Netsvetov (Russian: Яков (Иаков) Егорович Нецветов), Enlightener of Alaska, was an Alaskan Creole from the Aleutian Islands who became a priest of the Orthodox Church and continued the missionary work of Innocent for Alaska Natives. His feast day is celebrated on July 26, the day of his death. Early life Netsvetov was born Jacob Netsvetov in 1802, on Atka Island, part of the Aleutian Island chain in Alaska. He was the eldest child of four children that survived infancy, born to Yegor Vasil'evich Netsvetov from Tobolsk, Russia, and Maria Alekscevna, an Aleut from Atka Island. His father was a manager for the Russian-American Company. His surviving siblings were, in order of age, Osip (Joseph), Elena, and Antony. Missionary work On October 1, 1825, Jacob was tonsured a sub-deacon. He married Anna Simeonovna, a Russian woman perhaps of a Creole background as was he, and then in 1826 he graduated from the seminary with certificates in history and theology. With graduation he was ordained a deacon on October 31, 1826 and assigned to the Holy Trinity-St. Peter Church in Irkutsk. Two years later, Archbishop Michael ordained Jacob to the holy priesthood on March 4, 1828. Archbishop Michael had earlier ordained John Veniaminov (St. Innocent) to the priesthood. With his elevation to the priesthood, Father Jacob began to yearn to return to his native Alaska to preach the Word of God.

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Troparion (Tone 4) O righteous Father Jacob, Adornment of Atka and the Yukon Delta; You offered yourself as a living sacrifice To bring light to a searching people. Offspring of Russian America, Flower of brotherly unity, Healer of sickness and terror of demons: O Holy Father Jacob, Pray to Christ God that our souls may be saved. Kontakion (Tone 3) O Holy Father Jacob, Teacher of the knowledge of God, You revealed your love for your people, Taking up your cross and following Christ, Enduring hardships like the Apostle Paul. Pray on our behalf to Christ our God To grant us great mercy. Akathist Hymn to Saint Jacob Netsvetov of Alaska https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Akathist_Hymn_to_Saint_Jacob_Netsvetov_of_Alaska

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