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Nushagak villages celebrate Orthodox Christmas

KDLG 670AM

Published January 8, 2016 at 2:58 PM AKST

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A service Thursday morning at St. Seraphim of Sarov Church was immediately followed by carols and the blessing of the stars.

Hannah Colton/KDLG

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After the church service, all the star groups gathered at Father Michael's for more singing and lunch.

Hannah Colton/KDLG

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The Portage Creek star makes a first stop at the Hoseth's house in Dillingham; traditionally, carolers visit prominent church members first, followed by other family & friends.

Hannah Colton/KDLG

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After the service, all the star groups gathered at Father Michael's for more singing and lunch.

Hannah Colton/KDLG

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Who can focus on stars when there are so many Christmas decorations to check out?

Hannah Colton/KDLG

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In the Nushagak-area tradition, stars "kiss" to be blessed at the end of certain songs.

Hannah Colton/KDLG

Orthodox 'Slavi' is a time of faith, family, food - and gilded stars trailed by song.

Thousands of Alaskans joined believers around the world this week in celebrating Russian Orthodox Christmas.

The ‘Slavi’ celebration follows the old Julian calendar, with Christmas Day on January 7. Festivities last several days as church groups visit relatives and friends, singing traditional carols and enjoying plates of food at each stop.

At the center of many celebrations is a large, tinsel-covered star, which represents the journey toward the Christ-child in Bethlehem 2,000 years ago. Believers from Portage Creek, Ekuk, Aleknagik, and Dillingham gathered Thursday at St. Seraphim of Sarov Church to begin the starring.