On behalf of all the parishioners of the Holy Assumption of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church in Kenai and the hundreds of tourists who visit our National Historic Landmark each year, I would like to extend our sincere thanks to Kenai Mayor Pat Porter who coordinated the recent painting of our church. Mayor Porter personally connected the missionaries from the Silver Springs, West Virginia, Baptist Church with our parish and in one week’s time, these volunteers swooped in and gave the church an amazing and much-needed facelift from top to bottom.

In addition to Mayor Porter’s assistance, we would also like to acknowledge Jaylene Peterson-Nyren, and the Kenaitze Indian Tribe, for donating all of the paint. Thanks to their generous contribution, the exterior is now just as beautiful as the interior. It’s sparkling!

We would also like to recognize the following people who helped make this project happen so effectively and efficiently: Rick Koch, Kenai City Manager; Stuart Suddeth; Gary Hawley; and Ron’s Rental. And of course, the team of enthusiastic volunteers from West Virginia: Alan Thompson, Mountain State Baptist Association Director of Missions; Pastor Gerald McKinney; Chris, Peggy, Ethan, and Kaitlin Weeks; Vickie and Sam White; Mark and Zach Neal.

We feel very, very grateful to live in a city where people pull together to support and help each other. That’s what makes Kenai such a special place.

With sincere thanks,

Dorothy Gray, Secretary

Holy Assumption Orthodox Church & National Historic Landmark

Kenai