Saint Theodosius, a father of monasticism in Russia

The venerable Theodosius lived in the eleventh century, shining among the saints of the Russian church as a father of monasticism in Russia, a model of ascetic living, and a religious writer, whose prayer for all Christians is still remembered…

Boris and Gleb, Passion-Bearers of the Russian Church

An ancient chronicler thus describes the nature of their exploit: "They allowed themselves to be murdered by their older brother Svyatopolk vying for the princely throne. They chose not to raise their hand to their brother."

The Great Athanasius, Faith's Bold Voice

St Athanasius was a man of deep religious devotion, great honesty, strong resolve, fearless, and bold in defending the truth. His writings still serve today as a source of moral guidance and the principles of Orthodox faith.

Saint Ignatius Bryanchaninov, a Teacher of Prayer and Salvation

How can we keep our faith in a rapidly secularizing world? How do we resist the temptations of ideas that promise quick solutions to the world’s problems? With his life and teachings, he answered many of these questions and brought thousands…

Elder Nectarios, Disciple of the Great Elders of Optina

On the day of the Elder Nectarios' commemoration, we pray before this saint that the Lord will grant us His protection from the woeful influences of the world in its times of trouble, its temptations and deceptions, and false ideals of consumerism…

Star of Pochaev - Saint Amphilochius

Saint Amphilochius is known, loved, and revered not only within the Pochaev Lavra but far beyond its walls. His ascetic life, steadfast faith and boundless love, mercy, and compassion for all earned him his renown.

Saint Hilarion of Vereya: Acting in Step with the Spirit

In the tumultuous times of the Russian Revolution, Saint Hilarion acted in step with the Spirit by persisting in his service to God and the Church and disregarding the pains and perils of this choice.

Saint George the Victorious, a Warrior for Truth

To us, Saint George the Victor is still a model of a man who sticks to the Truth in a world where have abandoned it.

Saint Nikolai Velimirovich, a visionary for the world

How can a person or a country maintain God's peace in its beauty, unity, and diversity? He set an example for everyone, showing that the only way to achieve it is by giving one's life to God.

The Blessed Matrona of Moscow, a Pillar of Russia

The Church glorified her only fourteen years ago, but thousands are coming to her grave at the monastery of the Holy Protection, asking for her help, prayer and intercession.

New Martyr Tamara (Satsi) and Her Message for the Living

We commemorate New Martyr Tamara on 1 May. Despite enduring many sorrows, persecutions, slander and betrayal and suffering and dying innocently, never let her faith falter and gave comfort and encouragement to every soul.

Optina New Martyrs Slain on Pascha

Pilgrims continue to flock to Optina, drawn by the graves of three new martyrs, and leave countless prayer requests—a testament to their undying faith and the powerful intercession of the new saints.

Venerable Titus, Guide of Monks and a Wise Steward

He entered history as a defender of the faith against the heresy of iconoclasm. He lived to old age and reposed in peace sometime in the ninth century.

Saint Hypatius the Wonderworker, an Image of Humility

The defeated Arians attacked him on his way home and he suffered torture and death at their hands. Still, he never stopped praying for his tormentors until his last breath.

Hieromartyr Mark of Arethusa, a steadfast defender of the faith

His great feat of courage is described by well-known church historians and confessors of the faith. Saint Gregory the Theologian lauded his steadfastness in his First Oration Against Julian. Theodorus of Currhus wrote about Saint Mark in his…

Archangel Gabriel, our glorious intercessor and servant of God

We pray to the Archangel Gabriel with faith and love thankful for his intercession for the faithful before the Lord and acknowledging his steadfast obedience to God’s will.

Martyr Eudokia – Turning from Corruption to a Disciple of the Word

The life of Martyr Eudokia is an example of the power of repentance to transform one’s life from unclean to pure, from unbelief to full faith in God.

The Quiet Strength of the Venerable Anatoly of Optina

The venerable Anatoly of Optina lived to be 70 years old, his days intersecting with those of the revered Optina elders.The Lord's design was evident in the passing of knowledge and guidance from one generation of Optina monks to the next.

How Saint Xenia of Saint Petersburg changed history

The blessed Xenia was not a monarch or an army commander. She prayed, fasted and humbled herself, and ultimately left a deeper trace in human history than many prominent statesmen.

Saint Tatyana of Rome, Who Shone Brightly in Her Sufferings

She was a Roman saint martyr, and in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine she is the patron saint of the entire student body. Her feast day, celebrated in the Russian Orthodox Church on 25 January, is also the day of celebration for students of educational…