Today was a day of transition for us as a group. We re switching from volunteer and work mode to pilgrim mode. We began the day by our routine of morning prayers and breakfast and then finished up the last of the painting we had to do. Next we boarded the St. Innocent Academy party bus and drove down to the small strip of tarmac that is the Kodiak airport. Here we waited for the Metropolitan's plane to arrive and watched as he got off. The other people on the flight got a greeting at the Kodiak airport that they will never forget as we began to sing and get ready to greet the bishop and metropolitan. As soon as this all began, everyone waiting for their flights in the one terminal/baggage claim/lobby/security checkpoint/car rental multipurpose room of the airport who had no idea what was happening, took out their cameras to document what was happening. I am sure something will go up on youtube soon because of the spectacle. After all this was over we headed back to the cathedral for the metropolitan and bishops entrance there. Final the festivities were done for the day. Our chaperones let us loose to finally do some shopping while the shops were still open. I personally went down to the Monk's Rock Cafe (kinda like the Hard Rock Cafe, except more Orthodox) and got a hot chocolate and looked around. Bishop Benjamin (also my Godfather) came to meet up with me for a little bit and we had a nice talk. As soon as he walked in the door he was swarmed by everyone there for a blessing like a celebrity and I practically had to push people out of the way to get to him. It was very nice to see him for at least a little bit because they have him so busy running from one place to another. After that, we came back for Akathist in the church. I deliberately did not inform the other kids on the trip that they actually remove the lid of St. Herman's coffin because Iwanted to watch and see their reactions. The shock and awe was the same that I had a few years back when I went with another St. Mark group for the pilgrimage. It was interesting seeing Metropolitan Jonah in action for the first time. We got to talk to him for a little bit earlier in the day and he seemed to be a very softspoken man...oddly though, he proved to be a talker because his sermon at the end almost doubled the service's length. Finally, we got to venerate the relics. This is such a powerful thing and a great oppurtunity to be so close to the relics of a Saint. There is no way to fully appreciate the situation and oppurtunity we have been given as a group here. Not only have we been able to experience the native people, the languge, the food (we ate cod and halibut for dinner), and the tradition up here, but we have been able to connect with a deeper sense of our awareness as Christians. As Metropolitan Jonah so longwindedly put, we are here to not only let our communion with God occur at church or in a holy place, but to rather let it permeate throughout our life so we can be examples of the faith. I look forward to waking up at the crack of dawn tomorrow to head over for the service at Spruce Island. Like many others on our trip, it is Metropolitan Jonah's first time on the pilgrimage so we are part of a historical event for the church. Thank you for the oppurtunity and pray that the weather cooperates for the trip.
With love in Christ,
Alex Safchuk
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