Cassian of Rome: an Eastern Soul in the West

On 13 March the Church commemorates of St Cassian the Roman (435). He laboured in the Christian West, drawing the foundation for his spiritual struggles and works in from the monasteries of Egypt and the Holy Land.

Forgiveness, Our Weapon in the Struggle With Our Passions

A perpetual struggle is going on between our passions and God’s grace. If we cannot eradicate our passions, what can we do at least to keep them at bay?

Without Forgiveness, What Would Our World Become?

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.

Trusting God in Every Stitch:Lessons from the Gold Embroidery Workshop

Founded in 2002 with the blessing of Archpriest Andrey Lemeshonok the gold embroidery workshop began its work in earnest when Metropolitan Filaret (Vakhromeev) blessed the creation of its first Holy Shroud of Christ.

The Iveron Icon of the Mother of God, guardian of humanity

The Mother of God prays for us, showing us the power of the prayer to change us from within, transform our lives and make a positive difference to the world.

Faithful to Christ: Hieromartyr Valerian Novitsky

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.

Meatfare Saturday - Remembrance of the Dead, Reminder for the Living

As we pray for our dead, we remember that all the living will enter eternal life in their time. We also realise how vain and fragile our earthly lives are, how finite are our worldly comforts and wealth, how small are many of our daily concerns.

Mercy at the Dreadful Judgment of Love

The Dreadful Judgment — why is it called dreadful, and who should dread it? In today's “post-Christian” world, this concept may not hold significance, except for those few who still strive to follow Christ as best they can.

Contemplating the Last Judgement of Our Lord

God, who gives the sinners and the righteous their dues, is not someone who lies in waiting to punish a wrongdoer after the fact. What gives us fear and trembling is the hurting wound of not responding to the love that He had given to us.

Lent 2025: Fasting, Faith and Reflection

What is Lenten fasting? For some, it is yet another extended period when certain foods must be avoided. However, to a Christian, it is a time of intense fasting, prayer, almsgiving, and spiritual reflection.

Thoughts on Human Freedom on the Sunday of the Lost Son

He squandered his father's estate quickly. With freedom but no love, he became a slave. He was feeding swine, but he was not getting any food himself.

The Meeting of Our Lord in the Temple

On February 15th, the Orthodox will celebrate one of the most joyful feasts of the entire liturgical year - the Meeting (Presentation) of our Lord. This ancient celebration gives a lot of hope and light and inspires us to keep going.

Homily on the Sunday of the Prodigal Son

In the realm of art, there exists a profound work by the esteemed Dutch master Rembrandt, titled “The Return of the Prodigal Son.” Its depth, coupled with an unassuming simplicity, is truly remarkable.

The Meeting of the Lord: a Clue to Finding Meaning to Our Lives

The Meeting of the Lord is the feast of our coming together with the Saviour. It is an event that opens our eyes to the reality of our salvation in the incarnate Lord.

St Alexiy, a Candle’s Flame, a Nation’s Fate

St Alexiy of Moscow threw himself into church work with spirit. He ordained bishops, established monasteries, and devoted much effort to maintaining peace with the Golden Horde.

To Obey Like the Pharisee and Repent Like the Publican

In plain terms, the message from the Lord that we are trying so hard to decline is utterly clear: we should live in love, even towards our enemies, and humbly recognize our own faults while maintaining faith in God.

Mary’s Fiery Image

An ancient Byzantine image, mentioned as early as AD 598 and known as Kathreptis ("Mirror"), became known in the Russian tradition as the “Fiery” icon of the Most Holy Mother of God.

The Saint of Siberia – a Life of Trials and Triumphs

The future saint and wonderworker, Innocent (known in the world as Ioann), was born in the late 17th century in what is now part of Ukraine. His father, a priest, came from the Polish Kulczycki family.

From Minsk to Koski Village. Let's Commemorate St Valentina Together

The Belarusian Orthodox Church is glorified by the names of many local saints. February 6 is the Feast day of not only the Blessed Xenia of St Petersburg, but also of another prominent saint, almost her contemporary, Blessed Eldress Valentina…

Guardian of hope: a spiritual journey with Saint Valentina of Minsk

Blessed Valentina's relics, resting in a cemetery near the village of Krysovo in the Minsk region, draw Sister Yana and fellow devotees on a sacred journey each weekend.