12 Facts About Jacob Netsvetov

Jacob Netsvetov, Enlightener of Alaska, was an Alaskan Creole from the Aleutian Islands who became a priest of the Orthodox Church and continued the missionary work of Innocent for Alaska Natives.

Jacob Netsvetov was the eldest child of four children that survived infancy, born to Yegor Vasil'evich Netsvetov from Tobolsk, Russia, and Maria Alekscevna, an Aleut from Atka Island.

Jacob Netsvetov's father was a manager for the Russian-American Company.

Jacob Netsvetov's surviving siblings were, in order of age, Osip, Elena, and Antony.

Jacob Netsvetov married Anna Simeonovna, a Russian woman who may have been, like he was, of a Creole background, and in 1826 he graduated from the seminary with certificates in history and theology.

Jacob Netsvetov was both bilingual and bicultural, which helped him establish himself in a diverse community.

Jacob Netsvetov continued to use the tent after the church was completed, in order to preach in remote locations.

Jacob Netsvetov helped in collecting and preparing fish and marine animal specimens for museums in Moscow and St Petersburg.

Jacob Netsvetov corresponded with Innocent on linguistics and translation matters.

Jacob Netsvetov worked on an Unangan-Aleut alphabet, translations of the scriptures, and other church publications.

Jacob Netsvetov established his headquarters in the Yup'ik village of Ikogmiute.

Saint Jacob Netsvetov's death was from natural causes while he was serving as a priest at Saint Michael's Cathedral on July 26,1864 at the age of 60 and was buried at the Holy Trinity Church, Sitka.