Located in the Cathedral of Saint Michael the Archangel in Sitka, Alaska, the Sitka Mother of God Icon is among the most venerated religious images in North America. Believed to have been created by Vladimir Lukich Borovikovsky (1758–1826), a distinguished portrait painter and iconographer trained at the Academy of Arts in Saint Petersburg, Russia, the Icon reflects the traditional Kazan style. Measuring 36 by 17.5 inches and painted on canvas, it is adorned with a richly detailed silver riza covering the figures of the Theotokos and Christ Child, as well as the image of God the Father blessing from above. In 1850, two years after the Cathedral’s completion, laborers of the Russian American Company—despite their modest means—donated the Icon as a gift to the Church.

The Sitka Mother of God Icon has been a source of spiritual inspiration and is associated with miraculous healings, with many believing that the serene gaze of the Theotokos brings comfort and restored health to those who pray before it. Art historians and faithful alike have described the Icon as a “pearl of Russian ecclesiastical art,” noted for its purity, gentleness, and emotional depth. Its captivating beauty has made it difficult for observers to turn their eyes away. Once placed in the Cathedral's main iconostasis, the Icon now resides in a place of special honor on the far-left side, continuing to serve as a symbol of divine grace and artistic reverence.

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.