The restoration of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, considered the oldest surviving building in Anchorage and surrounding areas, could be completed by the summer of 2026, according to a report by TASS citing the church’s rector.

Originally built between 1850 and 1870 in the settlement of Knik, the wooden church was relocated in the late 19th century to the village of Eklutna — a historic Indigenous community where around 70 people live today, many of whom are descendants of Alaska Natives who converted to Orthodoxy during the era of Russian America.

While a new stone church was constructed in the 1960s, the original log building remains a vital religious and historical landmark. The restoration project includes installing a new foundation, repairing the roof, reinforcing the bell tower, and preserving as many original architectural elements as possible. Special attention will also be given to restoring icons, some of which were brought from Russia during the church’s founding.

Adjacent to the church lies Eklutna’s well-known cemetery, which features a unique mix of Orthodox crosses and brightly painted “spirit houses” — traditional wooden grave markers rooted in the culture of the Dena’ina people. This blend of Orthodox Christian and Native traditions highlights the deep cultural interweaving that has developed over more than 150 years.

The restoration is supported by the Orthodox Church in America, local residents, and a group of historical preservation activists. A significant portion of the project’s funding — a $350,000 federal grant awarded in 2022 by the U.S. National Park Service — is helping to bring the effort to fruition, according to the Anchorage Daily News.