February 28, 7534
The Holy Fathers teach: “Think of death, and you will never sin.” We must consider the fate that awaits a person who does not think about death, does not prepare for it, does not confess, and does not struggle against their sins. I had a conversation with a young Old Believer who said: “Vladyka, perhaps…
In our time of constant spiritual deception and refined falsehood, it is exceedingly difficult for a person to discern the flood of so-called “prophecies” and “visions” pouring in from all sides. From the infernal depths suddenly arise all manner of seers and prophetesses. Frenzied lies and outright demonic delusions are passed off as truth. A…
The memorial meal has today become an obligatory part of funerals and commemorative days. Where did it come from, and how should it be properly organized? In olden times, the custom of feeding the poor was widespread. This was done especially often in memory of the departed. Once a form of almsgiving, memorial meals today…
When should memorial meals for the deceased be held? How should they be organized? Is it sufficient to simply host a memorial meal, or must commemoration also be ordered in the church? How should a memorial meal be conducted properly? The commemoration of the deceased is typically observed on the 3rd, 9th, and 40th days…
In His parable about the Last Judgment, the Lord Jesus Christ explains the purpose of hell. To those who failed to show mercy to “one of the least of His brethren,” the Lord will say: “Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did…
From time immemorial, this question has deeply troubled humanity—a question about which A. S. Pushkin poetically remarked: “And the grave’s fateful secrets…” “Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” These words of God, spoken to Adam after his fall into sin, determined the mortality of all “born of Adam.” Bodily death is a…