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In 1923, the future martyr was only 26 years old. Seeing the unfolding persecution of the Church, he was ordained priest with the words, "We need to protect the faith". Priest Valerian Novitsky was arrested and executed in 1930.
The Feast of the Protection is perhaps one of the brightest and most joyful feasts of the Orthodox liturgical calendar in this part of the world. The Mother of God will provide and comfort us if we pray fervently to her.
In our convent, we too strive to fulfil this will of the elder, praying for unity in the words of Fr Sophrony every day. Our confessor, Father Andrey Lemeshonok, often quotes the elder in his conversations with parishioners and sisters.