Anchorage, Alaska USA
Byzantine Catholic (Ruthenian)
Established as an Anchorage mission in 1957, St. Nicholas of Myra Byzantine Catholic Church began with six families. In 1960 a World War II surplus mess hall was purchased from Elmendorf Airforce Base for one dollar. It was moved and converted into a church-rectory. Over the years the parish experienced liturgical restoration and growth. The buildings were extensively remodeled and expanded in 1993, including installation of a new wooden iconostasis and furnishings. The parish is one of the most ethnically diverse in Anchorage.
The dome, known as The Jewel of the North, is the largest perforated dome in Alaska and the only internally illuminated copper dome in the world. It weighs 1500 pounds and is twenty-four feet high with the ten foot cross on top. The diameter is ten feet. The dome was installed in May 1996.
The dome, known as The Jewel of the North, is the largest perforated dome in Alaska and the only internally illuminated copper dome in the world. It weighs 1500 pounds and is twenty-four feet high with the ten foot cross on top. The diameter is ten feet. The dome was installed in May 1996.