He mastered the art of medicine, and began to cure people with potions, herbs, and, most importantly, by his faith and prayer.
St. Andrew of Crete writes in the “Discourse for the Day of the Annunciation”: “This is the mystery of reconciliation of God with humanity. This is the subject of the present celebration — the union of God with the earthly."
Archpriest Vasily Malakhov succumbed to typhus on March 24, 1937, while in exile. In 2005, he was canonized among the New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia for universal veneration by the decree of the Holy Synod.
The forty martyrs of Sebaste were Christian soldiers who distinguished themselves in battles and glorified themselves in eternity by remaining loyal to Christ despite flattery and brutal torture.
Our life is a grand journey from spiritual death to eternal life, and today we embark on a path that culminates in the glorious victory over death — the Holy Resurrection. But our essential first step is repentance.
The Great Lent starts on March 18 in the Belarusian Orthodox Church this year. The sisters of Saint Elisabeth Convent will embark on this journey to Easter by reading what the Church Fathers have said about the three pillars of Lent.
When the Patriarch of Constantinople ordained him as bishop of Nicomedia, he became a loving shepherd to his flock and spared no effort to ease the plight of the sick and needy.
On this day, 22 March, as we honour the memory of the 40 Martyrs of Sebaste, our Convent also celebrates the Name Day of Father Valery Zakharov, a dedicated priest who has been with us since the foundation of our Convent 25 years ago.
The Great Lent is the longest fasting season of the year for the Orthodox. We all know about the importance of prayer, almsgiving and fasting. But what are the rules of fasting? Are there some things, we should not do during the Lent?
He was a contemporary of the Holy Apostles and, according to tradition, a disciple of Archangel Michael himself, who brought him to Christ and gave him baptism.
He also founded the great Lavra in Palestine famous for its strict and simple monastic rule that exists to this day. Steadfast and uncompromising on matters of faith, he was also compassionate and loving with people and animals.
All these saints were relatives and St Theodore the Tyro (2 March) who were in the same prison with him for their Christian faith.
How dreadful would our lives become if we had no words to say “Forgive me” and “Lord will forgive, and I do also”? No worldly wisdom could bring order and restore peace among people without the aid of forgiveness.
Earthly kingdoms are temporary, and their laws are fallible. Our hope is to enter a Kingdom built on love rather than laws, no matter how flawless or defective they may be. As Blessed Augustine put it, “Love God and do as you please.”