Some historical figures, including in the history of the church, stand out from all others and are not matched by any other. The Holy Hierarch Tikhon (Vasily Belavin in the world), was remarkable in this regard.
On the 18th of November, we commemorate the restoration of patriarchy in the Russian Orthodox Church, a significant moment during the tumultuous days of 1917. At the helm of this crucial time stood St. Tikhon (Bellavin).
Even as a five-year-old, the future saint felt a calling to preach. The lessons in theology gained through purity of heart, sincere faith, and patient endurance of hardships, are invaluable to us.
As the sages of the East used to say, one would be cursed to live in a time of abrupt change. Saint Sergius of Radonezh lived in one of Russia's most troubled periods and left us some valuable insights that have survived his day.
Martyr Peter the Aleut († 1815) was a young Aleut who was born and raised on one of the islands of the Kodiak Archipelago. In 1815, as a young man, together with thirteen fellow Aleuts, fishermen and hunters, he sailed to the shores of California…
The lives of the new saints bring alive to us our recent history, with which their lives were intertwined so closely. They stood up for the truth and faith and followed Christ into eternity. They show us the way that we must all follow.
Dimitry of Rostov was the first saint of the Russian Empire. In his life, he witnessed multiple events that changed the course of history. A great part of his life coincided with the reforms of Peter the Great and his key war campaigns.
He presented an example of living through all trials with dignity. From every adversity, he emerged stronger and richer in spirit than he was before.
Love, kindness and warmth can do wonders: it brings an inner change in people without embittering them and teaches them to love others, as these episodes from the life of Elder Hieronymus of Aegina show.
When visiting is not a possibility, our slide shows can help you feel in the midst of the events. See us throughout the year, visit our workshops, farmsteads, come to our worship services online. Be a part of our life.
Today we commemorate St. Dionysius the Areopagite, a man of great learning and spiritual depth. His book, “On the Celestial Hierarchy,” resonates powerfully today, when everyone craves freedom and resists authority.
Blessed Paraskeva possessed the gift of spiritual insight. Seeing both the past and future, she sometimes rebuked hidden sins. Witnessing her holy life, many sought her counsel.
The example of the martyr saints shows how the grace of the holy spirit can empower us to reach untold levels of bravery and spiritual strength, despite our physical weakness.
The small village of Rozhkovka is nestled in the heart of Belovezhskaya Pushcha. Today, only a few elderly residents remain in it, some of whom still recall those days, marked by tragedy and an astounding miracle.
