Herman the Wonderworker of Alaska & First Saint of America

Reading from the Synaxarion:

Saint Herman (his name is a variant of Germanus) was born near Moscow
in 1756. In his youth he became a monk, first at the Saint Sergius
Hermitage near Saint Petersburg on the Gulf of Finland; while he dwelt
there, the most holy Mother of God appeared to him, healing him of a
grave malady. Afterwards he entered Valaam Monastery on Valiant Island
in Lake Ladoga; he often withdrew into the wilderness to pray for
days at a time. In 1794, answering a call for missionaries to preach
the Gospel to the Aleuts, he came to the New World with the first
Orthodox mission to Alaska. He settled on Spruce Island, which he called
New Valaam, and here he persevered, even in the face of many grievous
afflictions mostly at the hands of his own countrymen in the loving service
of God and of his neighbour. Besides his many toils for the sake of
the Aleuts, he subdued his flesh with great asceticism, wearing
chains, sleeping little, fasting and praying much. He brought many people
to Christ by the example of his life, his teaching, and his kindness
and sanctity, and was granted the grace of working miracles and of
prophetic insight. Since he was not a priest, Angels descended at Theophany
to bless the waters in the bay; Saint Herman used this holy water to
heal the sick. Because of his unwearying missionary labours, which
were crowned by God with the salvation of countless souls, he is
called the Enlightener of the Aleuts, and has likewise been renowned as
a wonderworker since his repose in 1837.

Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone
Blessed ascetic of the northern wilds and gracious intercessor for the
whole world, teacher of the Orthodox Faith, good instructor of piety,
adornment of Alaska and joy of all America, holy Father Herman, pray to
Christ God that He save our souls.

Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone
Monk of Valaam, who through ascetic labours didst become an emulator
of the desert-dwelling Saints of old, O beloved of the Mother of God
and Virgin, having taken prayer as sword and shield, thou wast
revealed as the scourge of pagan darkness and the demons' hosts. Hence we
cry to thee: O Saint Herman, pray that we be saved.