Saint Peter the Aleut

In the early 1800s, when Alaska was still part of Russia, a young Aluet boy named Cungagnaq was baptized by the Russian Orthodox Christians and given the name Peter. At the age of fourteen, Peter set out with a group of fur-traders on an expedition by the Russian-American Company. Upon nearing California, Spanish sailors pirated their ship, looted their possessions and took as prisoners to San Francisco all fourteen fur traders. They were locked in cells, he with one other man named Kychaly.

The following day a Roman Catholic priest entered the cell stating that he was a compassionate man and wanted to help Peter see the error of his ways. He stated that he was concerned about Peter’s erroneous beliefs and urged him to accept the beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church.

Peter told him that they were Orthodox Christians, of the true Church of Christ and that they had no intention of becoming otherwise. He looked upon the priest fearlessly and with pity for the priest’s misunderstandings of the teachings of Jesus Christ

Peter rebuked the priest’s actions, stating that no man of Christ who supposedly contained the virtues of compassion and righteousness could justify such acts. The priest became enraged at the boy’s boldness and threatened torture should Peter not join the Roman Catholic Church. Peter didn’t flinch. In an attempt to make Peter comply through fear, pain and suffering, he ordered the boy’s fingers and toes be cut off, one by one. When this did not prompt their desired reaction, they continued—cutting off his hands and feet. Peter prayed for strength to endure his persecutions.

The priest asked if Peter had had enough and was ready to renounce his Christian faith. He got no response, as Peter knew his earthly life was soon to end and was looking towards his heavenly life.

The priest ordered that Peter be disemboweled and in horrific pain and with blood pooling the ground beneath his feet, he entered the Kingdom of Heaven, receiving the holy crown of victory. By his actions, he became the first Native American to receive a martyr’s crown.