Sitka, ALASKA - Madonna, St. Michael's Church - Russian Orthodox Cathedral

Description

Sitka, ALASKA - Madonna, St. Michael's Church - Russian Orthodox Cathedral: St. Michael's Cathedral (Russian: Собор Архангела Михаила Sobor Arkhangela Mikhaila), also known as the Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel (Russian: Собор Святого Архангела Михаила Sobor Svyatogo Arkhangela Mikhaila), is a cathedral of the Orthodox Church in America Diocese of Alaska, at Lincoln and Matsoutoff Streets in Sitka, Alaska. The earliest Orthodox cathedral in the New World, it was built in the nineteenth century, when Alaska was under the control of Russia. After 1872, the cathedral came under the control of the Diocese of Alaska. It has been a National Historic Landmark since 1962, notable as an important legacy of Russian influence in North America and Southeast Alaska in particular. An accidental fire destroyed the cathedral during the night of January 2, 1966, but it was subsequently rebuilt. The new building’s green domes and golden crosses are a prominent landmark in Sitka. Some of the icons date to the mid-17th century; two icons are by Vladimir Borovikovsky. The interior decorations and fittings consist of the rich and much valued original collection of Russian religious art that had embellished the earlier cathedral. Two notable icons, both by Borovikovsky, are Our Lady of Sitka (familiarly the "Sitka Madonna", and depicted in the postcard) and Christ Pantocrator ("Christ the Judge" or "Christ Omnipotent"). This White Border Era (1915-30) postcard is in good condition. H.H.T. (H.H. Tammen Co. - Denver). No. C-129.