Archive for the ‘holidays’ Category

Sermon on the Day of the Russian New-Martyrs

Saint Tatiana

Saint Tatiana was a Christian martyr in 3rd-century Rome during the reign of Emperor Alexander Severus. She was a deaconess of the early church. According to legend, she was the daughter of a Roman civil servant who was secretly Christian, and raised his daughter in the faith, and she became a deaconess in the church. […]

Let’s Be Partakers! When will holy water truly sanctify us?

Archpriest Alexander Lebedev talks about the meaning and significance of the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, how and when the grace-filled power of holy water manifests, and whether it can turn out to be “fruitless”.

From Defeat to Victory. The Protection of the Mother of God.

The feast of the Protection of the Mother of God is one of the most favorite yet paradoxical feasts for Russians. It is a paradox because, according to one version of history, on this day more than 1000 years ago the ancestors of today’s Russians attacked Constantinople and would have taken it, had not the […]

Saints Peter and Fevronia Day

The Day of Saints Peter and Fevronia since the days of Kievan Rus and until 1917, was broad celebrated in Russia because it was believed that the saints Peter and Fevronia are the patrons of marriage and family, as well as the symbols of love and fidelity. On this day it was common to go […]

Saint John (Maximovitch) of Shanghai and San Francisco

Our father among the saints John (Maximovitch), Archbishop of Shanghai and San Francisco (1896-1966), was a diocesan bishop of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR) who served widely from China to France to the United States. He departed this life on June 19 (O.S.) / July 2 (N.S.), 1966, and was officially glorified by […]

On All Saints Sunday

In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Today, on this the last day of June, we come to the last service in a cycle of services. That cycle began over 120 days ago at the end of February with the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee. […]

The Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God

Rejoice, our beloved Orthodox Russia; Rejoice, for the true Faith is strengthened in thee… Rejoice, thou who prayest for us; Rejoice, our fervent Intercessor! Rejoice, O Most Pure, for from Thy icon mercy pours forth upon us. From the Akathist to the Most Holy Mother of God in honor of Her Vladimir Icon

Teaching on the Day of Pentecost

Troparion, tone 8: Blessed art Thou, Christ our God, Who didst make the fishermen wise by sending down upon them the Holy Spirit, and through them didst draw the world into Thy net. Lover of men, glory to Thee. Koniakion, tone 8: When the Most High came down and confused the tongues, He divided the […]

The Church’s Prayer for the Dead

The Holy Orthodox Church, like a concerned mother, daily, at every divine service, offers up prayers for all her children who have departed for the land of eternity. Thus, at the midnight service troparia and prayers for the departed are read, and they are commemorated at its concluding ektenia. This is so also at compline. […]

Ascension of Christ

Jesus did not live with his disciples after his resurrection as he had before his death. Filled with the glory of his divinity, he appeared at different times and places to his people, assuring them that it was he, truly alive in his risen and glorified body. To them he presented himself alive after his […]

Family’s Day

On the 3rd of May our local parish of St. Nikolai celebrated Family’s Day the second time. 9 couples of different generations with their children get together to commemorate their holiday. Besides there were 4 guests who were glad to take part in the entertainment. Each couple brought their traditional dish, smiles and holiday mood. […]