About Saint Nicholas of Myra Byzantine Catholic Church in Anchorage Alaska:
Saint Nicholas of Myra Byzantine Catholic Church is one of the Eastern Rite Catholic Churches that is in full communion with Rome.
The church was originally a World War II Army mess hall purchased from Fort Richardson, outside of Anchorage, in 1958 and moved to this location. It was re-purposed into a church and rectory, with a basement hall.
In 1995 the complex was totally remodeled and upgraded with the addition of Artim Hall, two new domes, and a garage.
St. Nicholas is famed for its lit dome over the main entrance to the church. The only interiorly-lit dome in the United States, possibly the world, was designed by Dominic Gospadar. The dome is on Artim Hall — the parish hall named for the third pastor, Rt. Rev. Mitred Michael Artim.
The iconostas with its icons are the pride and joy of the parishioners (In Eastern Christianity, an iconostasis (Greek: εἰκονοστάσιον) is a wall of icons and religious paintings, separating the nave from the sanctuary).
The iconostas, altar, tetrapod, and two side altars were designed and built by John Haskin of North Pole, Alaska. With prayer, love and meticulous care to detail, he built them in his garage and then transported all the pieces in his old pick up truck and trailer down to Anchorage. A number of parishioners under John’s guidance assisted him in the assembly of the master crafted altar furniture that continue to give glory to God!
Their Icons were written by Rev. Deacon Charles Rohrbacher of Juneau Alaska. Deacon Charles has written icons for Byzantine, Orthodox, and Roman Catholic Churches in Alaska. His icons are held in the highest esteem and sought after by many.
Note: the term “writing” in reference to an icon may seem strange; however, in Orthodox Christian tradition, “writing an icon” refers to the process of creating a sacred image, not simply painting it. It’s considered a form of prayer and contemplation, where the artist is seen as guided by God to convey spiritual truths and biblical stories visually. The term “writing” emphasizes the icon’s role as a visual representation of the Gospel, similar to written scripture.
Traveling to Saint Nicholas of Myra Byzantine Catholic Church in Anchorage Alaska:
Address: 2200 Arctic Blvd, Anchorage, Alaska 99503
Phone: +1 (907) 277-6731
email: pastorstnicholas@yahoo.com
Note: Saint Nicholas of Myra also has a mission in Wasilla in the Mat-Su Valley. They worship the second and fourth Sundays of the month at 4:00 pm at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Wasilla. In Wasilla they are known as the “Blessed Theodore Rhomza” Byzantine Catholic Mission. (be sure too check their website for exact days).