February 20, 7534
This question needs to be divided into three parts. First, let’s determine whether it is possible to address God directly without any “intermediaries.” The answer is unequivocal: “Of course, it is.” God calls people to turn to Him. He does not reject those who come to Him. Moreover, like a shepherd seeking a lost sheep, He strives…
It is absolutely forbidden to submit commemorative notes for such individuals during the Proskomedia, that is, in the altar. During the Proskomedia and the Divine Liturgy, only the faithful—members of the Church—are commemorated. However, at home, you are free to decide for whom you pray, especially when it comes to your relatives. In church, you…
How should one pray at home for the health or repose of non-Orthodox people, especially if they have non-Russian names? Is it permissible to submit notes for deceased relatives of another faith in their heretical churches? Can one participate in the burial of a non-Orthodox relative? In response to your question, it is worth noting…
There is an ancient saying: “The cell has no rule.” A layperson can develop a personal schedule for home prayer that suits their circumstances. For guidance, one might look to the expectations for a monk’s private prayer. It is advisable to read Compline and Midnight Office daily, as these are part of the mandatory private prayer rule for monks. Many Christians…
The lestovka is a type of prayer rope that was widespread in ancient Rus’ and remains in use among the Old Believers. It is a variety of the vervitsa (corded rosary), typically made of braided leather (or, in later times, of cloth or imitation leather) sewn into a loop. It symbolizes both the ladder (lestvitsa) of spiritual ascent from earth to…
On the summit of a hill stands a dark, weathered Cross. And below lies a village—poor, impoverished, and weary. In moments of deep sorrow, it stretches upward toward that blessed tree. A line of wretched and broken people climbs the steep path, clinging to the rocks, bearing the full burden of their suffering. Whoever has…
…I once saw a beautiful painting entitled The Shadow of the Cross. The Lord, still a Boy, is standing beside Joseph’s carpenter’s bench. He has just finished His work: wood shavings lie scattered on the floor and the bench. The Child—Christ—gazes through a narrow window in the humble room. It seems to be evening: the window…
In Christ’s Church, saints are always present in every generation of Christians. Propagandists from among the New Rite often accuse the Old Rite Orthodox Church of lacking saints after the Schism. This is a profound misconception. Some of the more honest historians of the New Rite Church acknowledge that the number of canonized saints within…
Answered by Priest Gleb Bobkov: The rule for determining the date of Pascha (Easter) can be summarized as follows: “Pascha is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon that occurs after the spring equinox.” The Alphabetical Syntagma of Matthew Vlastar on the date of Pascha states: “Concerning our Pascha, attention must be…
There are two ways to live: completely lawfully and respectably, walking upon dry land—measuring, weighing, foreseeing. But one can also walk upon the waters. Then it is impossible to measure or foresee, and one must only believe at all times. A moment without faith—and you begin to sink. — Mother Maria (Skobtsova) On Bishop Mikhail…