Hermit Nikita of Novgorod, the Saint Who Fell and Started Over

As we commemorate this saint on his feast day, we magnify him for his exceptional humility and obedience with which he overcame the enemy’s temptations and defeated his plans.

Alexander of Rome, Shatterer of False Gods, Enlightener of the Souls

The church hymns in his honour extol him for his spiritual strength, which rendered devils helpless, and for his brilliant faith, which illuminated the lives of those around him.

Fathers of the Slavic Language and literacyL

The Church Slavonic language - in which we worship today - is the fruit of their good works. They laid the groundwork for the Slavic peoples' cultural and spiritual life.

Saint Thais of Egypt, a Repentant Sinner

Saint Thais' change of heart occurred on the final day of her life, teaching us how significant repentance is and how precious it is in the eyes of the Lord.

Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, a Heart on Fire

In today's hymns, he is lauded as an example of faith and a teacher of humility. What do these qualities mean for us today, and what can we learn from Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker?

The Apostle of Divine Love, Saint John the Theologian

Underneath all his virtues was his undying love for God. "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God," he exhorts every Christian, and his entire life reflects this message.

Saint Job of Pochaev, a Defender of the Faith

He is a beloved saint among the Orthodox of Ukraine, Russia and Belarus. His name was written in gold in the history of the Pochaev Lavra we honour him as a defender of the faith.

Great Martyr Pelagia, Fairest Virgin of Christ

With the purity of her spirit, she enlightened the hearts of many. Pagans who came in touch with her found Christ and became Christians.

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.