Located at the Cathedral of St Michael the Archangel in Sitka, Alaska is one of the most revered Icons in North America: the Sitka Mother of God.
Troparion & Kontakion for July 8th:
Troparion — Tone 4
Today, like the morning sun rising over us, / Your all-honored icon enlightens the world with rays of mercy / And our land reverently receives it / as a divine gift from on high, / Glorifying you, O Birthgiver of God, Our Lady of Sitka, / With joy magnifying Christ our God Who was born of you. / Pray to Him O Lady Mary, Queen and Theotokos / That all cities and lands be protected from our enemies, / And that they will be saved who in faith venerate your most pure icon / That has come to dwell with us, O Virgin Mother, / who shows us the way to Christ.
Kontakion — Tone 8
O Mother of God, chosen from all generations to be the protectress of the Christian people; / We offer you songs of thanksgiving for your wonderworking Icon that has come to Alaska. / You are a fountain of mercy and help all who seek refuge in you. / Defend us in all afflictions, necessities and tribulations that we may cry to you: / Rejoice, zealous defender of the Orthodox faithful in America.
Our Lady of Sitka