Serious about your faith?
But Uncertain about your future?
Why not be a part of the Saint James House for a year and set a pattern for your life?

 ST. JAMES HOUSE, a ministry of Saint John Orthodox Cathedral in Eagle River, Alaska, provides a one-year residential program where young, single people live in an extended-family setting and become better prepared to live in the world as faithful Orthodox Christian men and women. This is accomplished primarily through evening studies, household work projects, and participation in the liturgical and community life of St. John Cathedral, as well as their daily interaction with one another. The household itself is run by a resident family whose goal is to mentor the program's participants in facing everyday challenges responsibly and with faith in God. The pastor and clergy of St. John Orthodox Cathedral also oversee the program by providing instruction and spiritual direction.

"Young people need to know they can marry, raise a family and still be all-out Orthodox Christians. In fact, our parishes urgently need such young people to become pillars of the Church."
- Fr. Marc Dunaway, Pastor of St. John Cathedral

The St. James House program begins in the middle of August and concludes at the end of June every year. The present facilities of the house allow for a maximum of seven young single people in addition to the resident family. There are accommodations for both men and women, and plans are underway to accommodate more residents in the future. Household members are expected to have jobs or attend college. They are also expected to pay $500 per month for room and board and to participate in all common activities, including work projects, studies and worship services. Meals provided include breakfast and dinner five days a week.

THE SCHEDULE at the St. James House aims to help establish a way of life that can be a pattern for later years. Weekly activities include an evening Bible Study or other formal teaching with discussion. Evening meals are eaten together in the main dining room. A "family night" once a week allows for household interaction on timely subjects, a chance to help someone in need or even enjoying a good movie in the living room. Weekends are a time for personal responsibilities, Church services and also for enjoying the beauty of the Alaska outdoors.

FR. HAROLD AND BARBARA DUNAWAY purchased the "Big House" that is the center for this program in 1972. Through their ministry and that of other married couples who followed them the "Big House" became a place of growth and encouragement for many young people. The living room, with its spectacular view and warm fireplace, became the center of many teaching sessions and meetings. The community of St. John Cathedral eventually grew out of this ministry and in 1987 became a parish within the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese. The ST. JAMES HOUSE aims to build on this legacy in such a way that the young people who participate in this program will look back on this experience as one of the best times of their life.

The patron saint of the house is St. James the Brother of St.John the Evangelist and Theologian. For more information on St. James click here.

Interested? For more information, either print a brochure or call: 907-696-2972. To apply for residency please fill out the Application for Residency.