A Starring Role In Orthodox History

While singing Christmas carols, Terenty Dushkin, left, spins an ornate star during a starring at Alaska Native Medical Center on Monday in celebration of the Russian Orthodox Christmas, which was on Sunday. The frame of this star is more than 100 years old and is originally from the village of Kashega on Unalaska Island in the Aleutians. The custom of starring has its origins in Ukraine, where Orthodox Christians follow a person who carries the star in observance of the tradition of the three wise men following a star to the birthplace of Christ.