Russian Alaska: Orthodoxy and Independence

Even after a century-and-a-half of American history, Alaska continues to embody Russian heritage, shaping the state’s identity through the ages. People love their banya, a traditional Russian sauna, every home has icons, and many have samovars. The temperature is measured in Celsius, while the rest of America uses Fahrenheit, and many churches are Orthodox. In this remote haven of untamed wilderness, the descendants of Russian colonists and indigenous communities coexist, safeguarding their faiths, cultures, and languages. Take a glimpse into the harmonious blend of Russian, Aleutian, and American influences that shape the local way of life.

Watch "Russian Alaska: Orthodoxy and Independence" on RTD website and on RT's live feed. The time of the broadcast is available on RT's schedule page.