World of Orthodoxy

Elder Sophrony (Sakharov): Biography Facts

Simple events in the biography of Father Sophrony point to the universal, all-embracing nature of his personality. On Easter in 1924, he experienced a vision of the Uncreated Light, a Divine visitation bestowed, perhaps, only on a few people…

The Beauty of the Vladimir Icon of Theotokos

On September 8th, the Russian Orthodox Church celebrates the feast of the Meeting of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God. This wonderworking icon is one of the most venerated in Russia and, according to tradition, dates from the dawn of Christianity.

How the Most Holy Theotokos intercedes for us:stories from Mount Athos

On 28 August the Church commemorates the Dormition of the Theotokos. The Holy Mountain, the realm of the Mother of God, celebrates this feast with special joy. Here are five examples of the Holy Virgin's intercession for different people.

10 Facts About the Minsk Icon of the Mother of God

On August 26, the Belarusian Orthodox Church celebrates the feast of the Minsk Icon of the Mother of God. The image was discovered in the river which flows through Minsk. The icon is safely located today in the Holy Spirit Cathedral.

Dormition Fast 2023

The Dormition Fast starts on 14 August and ends two weeks later, on 28 August (for the parishes and communities use the old calendar (Julian)). The dates of the Dormition Fast are not variable, and the year 2023 is not an exception.

Icon of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow" (With Coins)

On August 5, we celebrate the miraculous transformation of the “Joy of All Who Sorrow” icon of the Mother of God. It happened on this day in 1888 when a lightning struck the chapel where the icon was placed and burning the chapel’s walls and…

The Romanov Family: Royal Golgotha

The Great and Holy week came, and the Royal Family followed Christ to Golgotha. The Tsar, the Empress and their children rejoiced as they celebrated their last Easter

He Who Gives Embraces Divine Joy

In the words of St. Paisios of the Holy Mountain, recently glorified by the Church, “The one who takes experiences human gladness, while the one who gives embraces Divine joy”.

The Apostles Fast 2023 in the Orthodox Church

Many non-Orthodox Christians often wonder what is the Apostles Fast in the Orthodox Church. Each year the Fast starts and ends on different dates and even in different months.

The Mysteries of the Findings of the Head of Saint John the Baptist

At the end of the 19th century, the veneration of the relics of Saint John the Baptist declined, and the admission by historians and some churches that instances of false relics were too numerous in the Middle Ages played a part in it. Did these…

The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit: Gospel reflections

When you trust, you only ask a question once. The Lord asked Peter three times if he loved him, each time in a different way. Why?

Simplicity

When a person starts to justify himself, he starts to overanalyze. He begins to think something to himself, he gets confused about nothing. Simplicity is when a person seeks what is most important.

Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn

On April 27 we commemorate the Icon of the Mother of God known as Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn, which protects our land since ancient times and is especially revered in Belarus, Lithuania and Poland.

The Season of Paschaltide in the Orthodox Church

The joyous Easter season or Paschaltide is finally here! In the Orthodox Church, this season starts on Easter Sunday (April 16th) and continues for forty days until the eve of the feast of Ascension, which falls on May 25th this year.

Commemorating Christ’s Crucifixion, Celebrating Life

On Great and Holy Friday, we commemorate the end of this mission on earth and its highest point: His death on the Cross. He surrendered His soul to the Lord with the words, "It is finished".

Great and Holy Thursday in the Orthodox Church

The Great and Holy Thursday is celebrated on the 13th of April this year in the Belarusian Orthodox Church. This is the day we commemorate the Last Supper - the revelation of God’s love for people.

The Great and Holy Thursday: Choosing Love or Our Deadly Passion?

Thousands of years after Judas’ betrayal, we are still confronted by the same choice: are we going to direct our love to God, and restore our community with Him, or betray him, to live for the world and ourselves?

Great and Holy Wednesday: Christ’s Passion Drawing Near

His disciples were unnerved: “Why this waste?” they asked. “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.” (Matthew 26: 8—9).

Father Andrey Lemeshonok on Indifference to Pascha

During the period of Great Lent we cry for our sins and for ourselves, because at this time it is more or less typical of our nature. However it is much more difficult to overcome our sin-corrupted nature and find the strength to rejoice.

Father John Krestyankin, a Messenger of God’s Love

Archimandrite John Krestyankin was, no doubt, among these chosen luminaries who brought comfort and gave guidance to many a human soul.