St. Macarius of Kanev, a Beacon of Unwavering Faith

The Church glorified him as a devoted disciple of our Saviour, a well-known ascetic, and a holy martyr who inspired countless Christians and kept them from apostatising.

Voice of Gold, Heart of Courage: St Innocent

Among the host of great Russian bishops, Archbishop Innocent of Kherson shines forth like a bright star in the firmament of the luminaries of our Church throughout its nineteenth-century history.

St. Elena of Diveyevo: Embrace Humility, Embrace Eternity

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends (John 15:13). These words of our Lord Jesus Christ were fulfilled in the life of the blessed sister of Diveyevo, the young noblewoman Elena Manturova.

Seeing God and fighting for the freedom to follow His way

The world is jealous. One finds God and begins to hold little value in its treasures – money, wealth, power, pride and much else. But the world will go to any length to keep us from abandoning its treasures for the love of God.

Overcoming Blindness of the Eye and Spirit

The man born blind was God's chosen. He suffered in endless darkness and blindness to make visible to the world and the universe the wondrous works of our Lord.

Kiev-Bratsk Icon of the Mother of God

The rich history of the wonderworking Kiev-Bratsk (i.e. "Brotherhood") Icon of the Mother of God revealed in 1654 tells us about the arduous spiritual life of Christians of that time, filled with asceticism and prayerful devotion.

Kiev Brotherhood Icon of the Theotokos and its Miracle-working Powers

Many miracles of Her intercession for the Christian faithful have been attributed to it over centuries, and it has long taken a significant place in religious and civic life.

St. Nicholas: a Light of Hope in Trials

Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker embodies the Good Shepherd, dedicating the whole of himself to the salvation of his sheep, becoming all things to all, ready to lay down his life for his flock.

The World's Smallest Icon of the Mother of God

The feast of the Zhirovichi Icon of the Mother of God is celebrated on May 20. It is a special day for all Belarusians as the Zhirovichi Icon of the Mother of God is one of the most revered icons in our country.

The Inexhaustible Chalice, a Wellspring of Divine Grace

When the soul, ravaged by internal storms, lacks the fortitude to resist evil’s pull and teeters on the brink of destruction, the Queen of Heaven extends a helping hand.

Drawing the Living Water of Our Lord

Individually and collectively, our most formidable challenge today is to make choices. What values, ideas, and priorities do we consider?

Meeting God and keeping Him in our hearts

Living in God gives us the freedom to be ourselves. So let us throw off our masks by becoming more genuine and sincere. Let us own up to our weaknesses and admit our need for transformation.

Inexhaustible Chalice

How many of those, tormented by the disease of drug and alcohol addiction, have asked God for forgiveness at the edge of their lives? How many have perished in obscurity? How many have risen with a single repentant effort?

How Saint Pachomius Transformed Monastic Life Forever

While the Church names St Anthony the Great the father of hermits, and St Macarius the Great the guide for skete-dwelling monks, it is St Pachomius the Great who stands as the foremost founder of communal monastic life.

The Inspiring Life and Love of Artist Viktor Vasnetsov

Viktor Vasnetsov ranks among the most gifted artists of Russian religious art. He created canvases and icons notable both for the skill of his brush and the scope of his vision.

The Sunday of the Paralytic: a Call to Change from Within

In our lives on this earth, the lobby of Heaven, are we not like these invalids at the pool? Are we not waiting like them for some Angel of God to perform a miracle that will make us see, hear and live?

Reflections on the Sunday of the Paralytic

Out of pride, we isolate ourselves from others and also from God. Instead, we must be willing to do God’s will, even when it is different from ours. We must be prepared to put aside our desires, however painful it might seem.

Saint Cyril of Turov, a Rule of Faith and Example of Humility

Thousands attended his homilies, and many more still pray with the words of the daily prayers and repentant canon he wrote. He takes a prominent place in the synaxis of Belarusian saints. Yet he described his role more humbly: "I am not a harvester,…

Cyril and Methodius: the Gift of Faith to the Slavic Soul

Every year, when we commemorate the holy equals-to-the-apostles, the brothers Methodius and Cyril, Slavic peoples everywhere reflect on the dawn of their Christian life and cultural heritage.

The Repentance of Thais, a Sacred Mystery

Repentance is not measured by the length of time; its depth within the human heart determines its worth. It is the fruit of love that recognises its own unworthiness and longs for union with God.