Righteous Mother Olga of Kwethluk–Tanqilria Arrsamquq–Wonderworker, Matushka of All Alaska
During the All-Night Vigil at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Kwethluk, Alaska on June 19, 2025, Matushka Olga of Alaska was liturgically glorified among the saints.
St. Olga is the first female saint of North America. She was canonized by decision of the OCA Holy Synod in November 2023.
November 8, 2024 marked the 45th anniversary of her repose, and on November 16, her relics were solemnly uncovered in Kwethluk.
Born: January 21 / February 3, 1916
Died: October 26 / November 8, 1979
Glorification Date: June 19-22, 2025
Commemoration Date: October 27
Matushka Olga, the wife of Archpriest Nikolai Michael, was a devout Orthodox Christian, mother of eight, midwife, and quiet servant of God. She lived in the remote village of Kwethluk, along the Kuskokwim River, where she became known for her tireless acts of love, her gifts of healing, and her compassionate presence, especially among women and the suffering. Her holiness was not proclaimed from pulpits or thrones, but manifested in the hidden life of service, prayer, and maternal care—a life now recognized by the entire Church as deeply and profoundly sanctified.
Her reputation for holiness and healing has quietly spread throughout the Orthodox world for decades. Women who have experienced trauma—especially survivors of abuse—have found in her a powerful intercessor, a gentle healer, and a motherly presence who understands their suffering. Her glorification reminds us that sainthood is often found in the unseen acts of love and sacrifice that reflect the image of Christ most clearly. Holy and Righteous Mother Olga of Kwethluk, Wonderworker, Matushka of All Alaska, pray to God for us!
Articles
- 'Matushka Olga Michael: A Helper in Restoring the Work of God’s Hands,' by Fr John Shimchik. This article was originally published in 1997 by “Jacob’s Well” a publication of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey.
- 'Matushka Olga Michael of Alaska', by Kevin Wigglesworth. The Canadian Journal of Orthodox Christianity, Volume III, No 1, Winter 2008. (This well researched article presents a brief Life of St Olga, plus an account by Fr Michael Oleksa of a miraculous vision of Matushka Olga and the healing of the woman who had the vision. Photos and icons of Matushka Olga, plus other photos of interest are included.)
- Luminaries: Those Who Walked in Christ's Light - Mat Olga Michael
Books
- The Holy Righteous Olga, Matushka of All Alaska: A Spiritual Tale and a Coloring Activity for Young Hearts - tells the true story of Saint Olga—known to her people as Olinka Arrsamquq Michael—a Native Alaskan mother, midwife, and priest’s wife who lived a life of prayer, healing, and compassion.
News Articles of the Glorification
- Canonized on the Kuskokwim: Orthodox faithful descend on Kwethluk for the glorification of St. Olga
- St. Olga Of Alaska Glorified Among The Saints In Her Native Kwethluk (+Videos)
- His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon Presides at the Glorification of the Righteous Olga of Kwethluk
Reflections
Prayers and Services
Righteous Mother Olga, Matushka of all Alaska,
Refuge of the afflicted, comfort of the grieving,
Intercessor for women, protector of the pure,
Pray to Christ God for us, that our souls may be saved.