According to ancient pious customs, children in Old Believer families were taught to fast from the age of two or three. Today, the more common practice is to begin fasting labors upon emerging from infancy, around six or seven years of age. It is at about this age that a child begins to understand the…
I have spoken about parents, mothers-in-law, daughters-in-law, but said nothing of children—of their duties to the family, to father and mother. On this subject, if I find time, I shall speak in detail. For now, just a word or two. More and more often now one hears such talk: “I owe nothing to my parents….
How should one choose a name for a newborn? What are the traditions and rules in this regard? Please provide a reference to the source. In the early Christian Church, during times of persecution, people were often baptized as adults, coming from paganism or Judaism, and they retained the names they had borne previously. Over…
Bishop Mikhail (Semyonov) Now, about the Wife. “Wives, love your husbands… Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands.” What does it mean to “submit”? It means to obey in what is just and good. And more than that. Be attentive to your husband and to his will, for through humility you can accomplish a great…
Can a woman use decorative cosmetics (mascara, eyeshadow, lipstick, foundation), perfume, or dye her nails and gray hair? If we turn to Holy Scripture, we find the Apostle Peter addressing women: “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;…
A wife should obey her husband. Where is the line between obedience to her husband and the desire to realize her natural talents and interests? Especially in cases where the husband does not love his wife, does not strive to live as a Christian, and engages in other improper behaviors? The talents and abilities given…
Why does a woman hold such a “humble” position? She must obey her husband, remain silent in church, and the Apostles address only “men, brethren.” Should women even go to church if the Apostles do not address them? The modern position of women is far from humble—it has been elevated, thanks to Christianity. During the…
The primary role of a woman was defined by God in Eden: to be a helper. “And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him.”— Genesis 2:18 This divine purpose was disrupted by the Fall. As a result, God imposed…
Why should a married woman cover her head? Is it permissible to leave part of her hair uncovered? Should she also sleep with her head covered? This question invites reflection. Indeed, it would seem unusual for those raised in a Christian environment from childhood. In pre-schism Rus’, such a question would have been unthinkable. In…
The spiritual condition of modern Russian society, living in the postmodern era, is characterized as secularized. Our present time is marked by the fact that the overwhelming majority of our fellow citizens do not connect their lives with any religious norms, customs, or traditions. Despite the church revival of the late 20th and early 21st…