We know many of our Shareholders and their families are of Russian Orthodox faith and we look forward to opportunities where we can bring everyone together. In recent years, we have  hosted Slaviq celebrations in both our Anchorage and Aniak offices. On Friday, Jan. 10, TKC staff, Shareholders, family members, and friends gathered in the Anchorage office for a Slaviq starring and singing celebration with the St. Innocent Russian Orthodox Cathedral’s star. Song and prayer was led by Reverend Father Daniel Charles. 

Slaviq, which is the Russian Orthodox celebration of Christmas, is traditionally celebrated with a starring and singing ceremony. The tradition of “starring” symbolizes the biblical story of the three wise men followed a star to find baby Jesus.

The celebration typically involves a group of people following a decorated wooden star with a religious icon at its center from house to house, village to village. A young man, the Star Boy, spins the star while the rest of the group sings. 

This year, TKC Shareholder Rodney Deacon, age 8, volunteered to be our star boy and spin the star. Rodney’s mom is Crystal Sakar, a TKC Shareholder from Crooked Creek. His dad is Darren Deacon, TKC Shareholder and Board Member from Kalskag. When asked about the importance of Slaviq to their family, Crystal responded, “Slaviq means a lot to me and my family. It is a special time of the year we come together and we celebrate the birth of Jesus. It is a joyous time singing songs and giving gifts. Happy for one another.”

“I was so excited, it sounded fun, and lots of people would be proud of me,” Rodney said about his experience spinning the star. The Board Room was filled with people, many of them recording the celebration on camera, and the event was being streamed on Facebook live for those who couldn’t attend in-person. He admitted he was a little nervous at first but said, “I encouraged myself in my head and that made me believe in myself and I thought I’d do it good.” 

When asked how she felt seeing her son spinning the star at the front of the room, Crystal said, “I felt so happy and excited for him to spin the Star for the first time. I was and am so proud of him for being so brave and taking on that responsibility during our Celebration. He is so young but yet so strong to hold the Star and spin it for about 30 minutes straight. I was in awe of him, he did such a great job.”

After the starring and singing, TKC staff served a light lunch, handed out Slaviq goodies, and caught up with one another. Quyana to the St. Innocent Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Reverend Father Daniel Charles, the choir, Rodney Deacon, and everyone else who joined us! We had a great turn out and it was a wonderful way to bring in the new year.