This group of missionaries was led by Archimandrite Joasaph Bolotov and was composed of four hieromonks including Juvenaly and Makary, one hierodeacon and a monk named German, as well as four novices.

[2] Their destination was the Russian settlement on Kodiak Island in the Gulf of Alaska, some 8,000 miles away across the length of Asia through Siberia and then the Bering Sea of the northern Pacific Ocean.

After their arrival, Fathers Juvenaly and Makary went around the island of Kodiak and in two months and baptized the local Sugpiaq Eskimos, altogether 6,000 people.

Veniaminov (1840, II: 155–156/1984: 235) writes:[6] The cause of his death was not only that he forbade polygyny, as has been reported, but more the fact that the local toions and notables, after having given him their children to be educated at Kad'iak, later regretted it.

It is said that Iuvenaliĭ, when attacked by the savages, did not attempt either to flee or to defend himself, which he might have done with success, but surrendered himself without any kind of resistance into their hands asking only for the safety of his companions, which was granted him.

Father Juvenal"[7] has been proved by Lydia T. Black beyond all doubt to be a fabrication:[8] "This mildly uninspiring document, which contradicts both Church and Native traditions about the saint's activities, was summarized in Bancroft's influential History of Alaska and accepted for a century as a major primary source.

The Apostle and martyr Juvenaly is glorified, And Peter the Aleut is exalted by his voluntary sacrifice, In their devotion and love for the Lord They willingly endured persecution and death for the Truth, Now in the Kingdom of Heaven they intercede for our souls!

Kontakion (Tone 4) Today Valaam joins Alaska In celebrating this joyous feast, As her spiritual son Juvenaly Embraces the new martyr Peter with love.