View source for Church of the Nativity Catholic Church (Diocese of Fairbanks)

'''Church of the Nativity''' is in [[Alaska]] ([[United States]]) and is part of the [[Diocese of Fairbanks]].

It is dedicated to [[Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary]].{{Parish
|Dedication=Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
|ShortName=Church of the Nativity
|ParishLocation=62.0461, -163.1875
|MailingAddress=PO Box 109, Saint Marys, AK, 99658-0109
|Diocese=Diocese of Fairbanks
|Deanery=Western Deanery
|City=Saint Marys, AK
|County=Wade Hampton Census Area
|AdministrativeSubdivision=Alaska
|Country=United States
|ParishWebsite=
|ParishFounded=
|ParishSchool=No
|ParishEmailAddress=
}}

==History==

The Church of the Nativity Catholic Church in Saint Marys, Alaska, serves a community that has long been influenced by the presence of Russian Orthodox and Catholic missionaries. The exact founding date of this church is not readily documented, but the Catholic presence in the region is part of a broader history where Jesuits and other Catholic missionaries have been active since the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The church has been a spiritual and cultural hub for the local Yup'ik people, providing religious services and community support in a region that is both geographically and culturally remote. 

==Special features==

* Cultural Integration: The church integrates the local Yup'ik culture into its religious practices, often incorporating elements of native language and customs into services which helps in maintaining the cultural identity of the community.
* Isolation and Accessibility: Being in a remote part of Alaska, the church not only serves as a religious institution but also as a community center, making it a vital part of social life in Saint Marys.
* Historical Significance: The church stands as a testament to the endurance of faith in harsh environments, reflecting the resilience of both the local people and the Catholic missionaries who ventured into this area.

==Related parishes==

* St. Michael's Catholic Church, Saint Michael, AK
* Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Emmonak, AK

==References==

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