A New Documentary Film

by Robert John Hammond

American Orthodox: Finding the Ancient Faith in the Modern World is an immersive journey into the soul of Orthodoxy in America, told through the intersecting lives of three unlikely seekers. Against California’s rugged coastline, a State Park historian, a Native American healer, and a struggling screenwriter are drawn together at Fort Ross, where the story of a forgotten saint, Peter the Aleut, forever changes their lives. When a sacred icon is discovered in the wilderness, it sparks a spiritual awakening that links them to the mysterious life of Saint Peter and reshapes their understanding of faith, history, and destiny.

Delving into the mysteries of Fort Ross and its holy past, these three are brought face-to-face with the transformative power of an ancient faith, which once arrived on American soil with Russian missionaries and continues to inspire across generations. With vivid storytelling and a cinematic style, American Orthodox takes readers on a pilgrimage through California’s historic cathedrals and monasteries, weaving together the legacies of saints like Saint Innocent of Alaska and John of San Francisco. This book is a testament to the living presence of Orthodoxy in modern America, resonating with readers searching for deeper meaning and a connection to the divine.