Unalaska Island is known for its harsh climate, making it one of the most extreme places on Earth. In the late 18th century, the Aleutian archipelago became part of the Russian Empire, and many locals still carry Russian surnames. There is also an Orthodox church on the island.

In 1741, Russian navigator Vitus Bering, of Danish origin, and his assistant Alexei Chirikov became the first Europeans to visit the Aleutian Islands. This attracted many Russian fur traders interested in the islands' riches, such as sea otters and seals.

Following the traders, the Russian Orthodox Church arrived in the archipelago. Small churches began to be built on the islands, and many Aleuts converted to Christianity. Even after the sale of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands to the USA in 1867, the Orthodox heritage has been preserved.

The Church of the Ascension of the Lord in Unalaska, depicted in the photograph, is one of the surviving churches. Built in 1896, it is considered the oldest Christian church in North America. Inside the church are icons and interior elements remaining from two previous churches that stood here in the early 19th century.