Juvenal the Protomartyr of America & Alaska
Saint Juvenal was (together with Saint Herman; see Dec. 12) a member of the first mission sent from Russia to proclaim the Gospel in the New World. He was a priest-monk, and a zealous follower of the Apostles, and baptized hundreds of the natives of Alaska. He was martyred by enraged pagans in 1796.
Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone
Striving to free men from the darkness of idols, thou didst break forth bright as the sun as a Martyr when thou wast slaughtered for professing Christ, O Juvenal. Wherefore, as thou lookest down like a star out of Heaven, shine on us with beams of joy, for thick gloom doth surround us, thou who art splendid with the light of Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, Whom thou didst preach to all.
Kontakion in the Fourth Tone
As the first to grace our land, O sacred Martyr, with confession unto death, keep us who honour thee with hymns in the confession of Jesus Christ, O righteous Father, most ven'rable Juvenal.