Uploaded January 2025 | Updated September 2026, 5 days ago
Russian Orthodox Starring, also known as Slavic, is a beloved tradition preserved throughout the Diocese in the various native tribes and villages. This tradition was first brought from the Slavic lands of Ukraine and Russia, and gifted to the First Peoples of Alaska through the Orthodox Church. The stars are made up of wood dowels, plywood, PVC, and whatever is available to create the frame of the Star. Once the frame is built, the Star will be decorated with various pieces Tinsel, beads, flowers, and lights to emulate the radiant star that shone in the East of which the Magi and the Shepherds followed. The building of the Star is a tradition that is handed down from Father to son, Godfather to Godson, Uncle to Nephew, etc. Every Year, the Stars are blessed following the Divine Liturgy on the Feast of our Lord's Nativity, and then begins the Starring, first at the Church, and then to home of the Faithful proclaiming the joyful news of the Lord's Incarnation! The Faithful piously follow the star as did the wise men, and at every house, singing Slavic hymns of the Birth of Christ while the head of the household fulfilling the Lord's commandment to love one's neighbor prepares a meal for those coming into their home.
Russian Orthodox Starring, also known as Slavic, is a beloved tradition preserved throughout the Diocese in the various native tribes and villages. This tradition was first brought from the Slavic lands of Ukraine and Russia, and gifted to the First Peoples of Alaska through the Orthodox Church. The stars are made up of wood dowels, plywood, PVC, and whatever is available to create the frame of the Star. Once the frame is built, the Star will be decorated with various pieces Tinsel, beads, flowers, and lights to emulate the radiant star that shone in the East of which the Magi and the Shepherds followed. The building of the Star is a tradition that is handed down from Father to son, Godfather to Godson, Uncle to Nephew, etc. Every Year, the Stars are blessed following the Divine Liturgy on the Feast of our Lord's Nativity, and then begins the Starring, first at the Church, and then to home of the Faithful proclaiming the joyful news of the Lord's Incarnation! The Faithful piously follow the star as did the wise men, and at every house, singing Slavic hymns of the Birth of Christ while the head of the household fulfilling the Lord's commandment to love one's neighbor prepares a meal for those coming into their home.
