8/16/2021
Priest Igor Ivanov
We should understand that war is a catalyst. If a person is a scoundrel, he will become an even worse scoundrel. If a person is decent, then he will become a hero.
Archpriest Alexander Nikolsky
Sooner or later everyone will have to ask himself the question: “Do you believe in God or not?” It’s not a question of upbringing. God, even with the best religious upbringing, gives everyone a choice.
Natalia Krushevskaya
“St. Nicholas unites everyone here in our expectation that he will help us in our lives. If you ask him, he will answer provided it is God’s will. It’s a point of support. But the procession on its own is simply a form.
This place has a beautiful, huge church, a wonder hard to find around in such a remote area. Just imagine: no presence of humans for many kilometers around or any proper roads, the locals have to use ATVs to pass through for most of the year; and there, right in the middle of deep Vyatka woods, stands a lonely Orthodox church.
Taking the icon away, the residents of Khlynov vowed to bring the icon of St. Nicholas back every year to the banks of the Velikaya River, the place of its glorious appearance. That’s how the ancient tradition of the Velikoretsky Procession was born.
The feet are burning, the back is aching under the weight of the backpack, the sunglasses tinted grey from a heavy layer of dust (this year’s procession was held during an uncommonly dry and hot week), when, out of line, I am awash with joy: Lord, help me keep this prayerful mood, let it linger longer! Thank You, Lord!
